Grant Writing & Funding

Jaksot

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  I Know How to Write Grants. Why Can't I Get Enough Clients? 15.09.2026 23min

  You can be an excellent grant writer and still struggle to build a consistent freelance grant writing business.If you know how to write grants but aren't getting enough clients, the problem may not be your grant writing skills at all. You may have a gap in one of three areas: marketing, pricing, or sales.In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down why experienced grant writers can struggle to turn their expertise into sustainable freelance income. She explains how to identify whether you need more qualified organizations finding you, a stronger and more profitable offer, or a better process for turning interested leads into paying clients.You'll learn why another certification or course isn't always the answer, how underpricing can make a busy grant writing business unprofitable, why following up is part of the sales process, and how to focus on the actual gap keeping your business from growing.You already have an incredibly valuable skill. Now it's time to build the business around it.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  The GRANTS Formula: The 6-Step System Behind Every Grant I've Ever Won 08.09.2026 22min

  How do you actually write a grant proposal that wins funding?Grant writing is both technical writing and an art form. You need to understand the funder’s requirements, speak directly to their rubric and mission, and build a compelling case backed by specific data. In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the process she has developed over more than 20 years of grant writing, training grant writers, and reviewing federal grant applications.You’ll learn the six-step GRANTS Formula for building stronger proposals—from getting the funding instructions and researching the need to developing measurable objectives, creating an implementation timetable, and building a strategic budget. Holly also shares two common grant writing mistakes that can weaken an application, why funder alignment matters, and what organizations should do before writing and after submitting a proposal.Whether you’re a nonprofit board member, staff member, executive director, startup, or grant writer, this episode will help you understand what funders are actually looking for and how to approach grant writing with a clear, strategic process.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.
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  The Funded Series: $4M in Grant + Client Wins (What Worked in July) 01.09.2026 12min

  What if the biggest opportunity in grant funding right now isn’t federal money at all?In this episode of The Funded Series, Holly Rustick breaks down the real grant and client wins reported by members of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship in July 2026—and the numbers challenge some of the biggest assumptions in the grant writing industry.In just one month, 41 grant wins totaled $3,511,001.88 for nonprofit clients. And while federal grants are often treated like the “big leagues,” private and family foundations accounted for 30 of those wins and 76.6% of all grant dollars awarded.Holly digs into what these numbers mean for grant writers and nonprofits, why local government funding deserves a place in your funding strategy, and what the stories behind the wins reveal about building a sustainable grant writing business.She also flips the ledger to look at the money grant writers generated for themselves: 32 client wins totaling $526,234. Retainers led the way, with renewals and upsells showing why your next revenue opportunity may already exist within your current client relationships.You’ll also hear what grant writers said actually helped them close business—from pricing and offer feedback to coaching, ethical sales strategies, and peer support—and why learning to confidently charge for your expertise can be just as important as learning how to write a winning grant.If you’re waiting for federal funding, constantly chasing new leads, undercharging for your grant writing services, or wondering what is actually working in the grant funding world right now, this episode gives you the numbers—and the lessons behind them.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  Why Your Nonprofit Sales Calls Ghost You (And the 30-Day Fix) 25.08.2026 19min

  You had a great discovery call. They were excited. You sent the proposal right away.And then…nothing.If you’re replaying the call wondering what you said wrong, the problem might not be the call at all. The problem may be that you never told the potential client when the door closes.In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down a simple 30-day sales follow-up system for freelance grant writers who are tired of chasing proposals, wondering when to follow up, and losing warm leads in an open-ended sales process.You’ll learn why every proposal needs a clear expiration date, how to build your follow-up cadence around that deadline, and why closing the loop doesn’t have to feel pushy or desperate. Holly walks through the five follow-up emails to send during that 30-day window; including the closing-day email most grant writers never send.She also explains why leads who don’t buy shouldn’t disappear from your business entirely. They may be out of the active sales conversation, but they can stay in your ecosystem through your email list until they’re ready to come back.If you want to improve your sales conversion rate without generating more leads, start here: set the deadline, write the emails, send them to everybody, and let the system do its job.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  Is AI Too Precious for Your Grant Writing? 18.08.2026 23min

  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.But here's the bigger question. Are we becoming too dependent on it?In this episode, Holly Rustick shares why grant writers need to think differently about AI. She talks about how technology standards are changing, what recent shifts across AI platforms tell us about the future, and why understanding how your own brain processes ideas is still one of your biggest strengths.Writing isn't just about producing words. It's how we organize our thoughts, develop expertise, and solve problems. When AI does too much of the thinking for us, we can lose some of those important skills.This isn't an anti-AI conversation. It's about using AI intentionally so it supports your work instead of replacing the critical thinking that makes you a great grant writer.In this episode, you'll learn:Why AI standards are changing so quickly.What recent AI platform updates mean for professional writers.How your brain works differently when you write versus when AI writes for you.Why critical thinking is becoming more valuable, not less.Practical ways to use AI without losing your own voice or expertise.How to make AI part of your workflow while continuing to grow as a grant writing professional.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.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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. Join Holly Rustick on the #1 grant writing podcast in the world since 2017.
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  The Real Truth About Gen X Grant Professionals Taking Care of Aging Parents, College Kids, and Their Own Retirement 13.08.2026 16min

  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.In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick gets candid about a trend she’s seeing again and again in conversations with grant professionals. As life responsibilities increase, your available time can actually decrease; even while your financial goals and responsibilities grow.The answer isn’t necessarily to work more. It’s to build a grant writing business that gives you more support, stronger systems, better boundaries, and the ability to earn more without constantly adding more hours to your schedule.Holly shares why established freelance grant writers may need to rethink how they price, deliver services, build their teams, and plan for the future. She also talks about moving beyond the emotional overwhelm of being responsible for so much and instead creating a practical plan you can actually work.If you’re balancing your business, aging parents, older children, and your own financial future, this episode is a reminder that your business can be intentionally designed to support the life you’re living now—not the life you had when you first started it.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  Why Your Revenue isn't Predictable 13.08.2026 9min

  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.Feast-or-famine revenue can feel completely random when you’re living through it. But it isn’t random. There are systems underneath predictable revenue, and when those systems are missing, even a successful grant writer can find herself rebuilding her business from zero every month.In this bonus episode, Holly breaks down four reasons your revenue may not be predictable yet—from relying on individual clients and one-off projects to inconsistent lead generation and reactive business decisions.You’ll learn why getting clients isn’t the entire plan, how retainers can create a more consistent revenue baseline, and why marketing needs to keep working even during your busiest months. Holly also shares how Mentorship member Sophie used referral and subcontracting relationships with other members to create another source of work when her own pipeline slowed down.If you’re tired of wondering what next month will look like, this episode will help you identify what may be missing underneath your business—and what you can start building to create more stability, consistency, and confidence.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  The 4 CEO Decisions That Double Revenue 13.08.2026 12min

  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 RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  June 2026 Funded Series: $7.5 Million in Impact, 41 Grant Wins, and Better Grant Writing Businesses 11.08.2026 17min

  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 LEARNWhy June's 41 grant awards tell a bigger story than funding totals alone.The breakdown of foundation, state, federal, and community funding wins.What multiple grant awards reveal about building sustainable grant systems.Why diversified funding portfolios matter more than ever.How students secured nearly half a million dollars in new client contracts.The mindset shift from selling services to solving client problems.Why confidence is transforming grant writers' pricing and business decisions.How coaching supports business growth beyond grant writing skills.The role community plays in generating referrals, confidence, and professional growth.Why successful grant writers are becoming long-term strategic partners instead of transactional proposal writers.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSSJune's student success stories highlighted an exciting trend: consistent, repeatable success.Students secured:41 grant awards$7,095,276 in grant funding26 foundation grants7 state grants5 federal grants3 additional local government and community funding awardsGrant awards ranged from $1,000 to an impressive $2,590,276 federal grant, proving that every award—large or small—creates meaningful impact for nonprofits.On the business side, students reported:$480,340 in new client contractsAnnual retainersGrant readiness packagesFunding asset packagesGrant research servicesDevelopment consultingGrant writing engagementsLong-term strategic partnershipsThe 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.Throughout the month, one common theme appeared again and again:Confidence.Students shared wins like:Raising their prices.Transitioning from hourly billing to packaged services.Renewing existing clients at higher rates.Narrowing their services instead of discounting.Understanding the true value of their expertise.The coaching experience also extended far beyond grant writing itself.Students described receiving guidance on:Pricing strategiesService packagesSimplifying grant narrativesStrengthening goals and objectivesNavigating client challengesMaking confident business decisionsPerhaps 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.Her biggest takeaway?June wasn't simply about larger grant awards.It was about building better grant writing businesses.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 service 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCESWeekly 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player?This helps others find the podcast, and Holly reads 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 the show!Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast to receive proven grant writing strategies and conversations delivered every week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading 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.
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  5 Myths That Keep Grant Professionals Stuck from Hiring a Part-Time Team 04.08.2026 22min

  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.If you've been plateauing in your business, struggling to delegate, or worrying about hiring the "right" people, this episode will help you rethink what it really means to lead a team.What You'll Learn:Why being a good manager doesn't mean sacrificing compassion.How poor communication, not compassion, is often the real issue.Why your team shouldn't be responsible for making business decisions.The importance of building systems instead of depending on individual team members.How to stop carrying the financial responsibility for your contractors.Why thinking of yourself as your team's client creates healthier working relationships.How these mindset shifts can improve hiring, retention, and business growth.Why ethical leadership starts with clear expectations and sustainable business practices.How the Grant Professional Mentorship helps business owners implement scalable systems and build lean, effective teams.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  How to Scale Your Grant Writing Business Without Building an Agency 28.07.2026 10min

  What does it really take to move from being a freelance grant writer to building a thriving business?In this episode, Holly explores the powerful identity shift that transforms a freelancer into a true business owner. She explains why thinking like a CEO not just a service provider is the key to creating a grant writing business that can grow, scale, and support your long-term vision.You'll learn how your mindset influences the way you make decisions, structure your services, and plan for sustainable growth. Holly also shares why many successful grant writers begin with a side hustle and how the right systems and strategy can help you confidently transition into a full-time business.A major part of scaling is building a team. Holly discusses the benefits of hiring support, how to maintain quality as your business grows, and the systems you'll need to create consistency and deliver exceptional client results.In this episode, you'll learn:The mindset shift that separates freelancers from business ownersWhy stepping into the CEO role is essential for long-term successHow to make strategic business decisions that support sustainable growthWhy systems and processes are the foundation of a scalable businessWhen to start building a team and the benefits of delegatingHow to maintain quality and consistency as your business expandsWays to create scalable offers that increase revenue without increasing burnoutIf 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.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player?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 the show!Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to receive proven grant writing strategies and business-building conversations delivered every week in your favorite podcast player.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading 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.
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  Feeling Guilty About Leaving Your Nonprofit Job? 21.07.2026 16min

  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, Holly Rustick pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked realities of working inside nonprofit organizations. She discusses the toxic patterns that can emerge in nonprofit workplaces, how staff are frequently guilted into accepting low pay and unrealistic workloads, and why so many grant professionals experience burnout.Holly shares why transitioning from an in-house grant writer to a freelance grant writer can provide greater financial stability, flexibility, and career fulfillment. She also explores the subtle microaggressions and unhealthy workplace expectations that many nonprofit professionals encounter—and why recognizing them is the first step toward creating a career on your own terms.If you've ever questioned whether staying in a nonprofit role is the right path for you, this episode offers a fresh perspective on building a grant writing business that allows you to continue making an impact—without sacrificing your income, boundaries, or well-being.In this episode, you'll learn:Why nonprofit work can become toxic despite its mission-driven purposeHow guilt and obligation are often used to keep nonprofit employees overworkedThe hidden costs of staying in an in-house grant writing positionWhy freelance grant writing offers more flexibility and financial opportunityHow to recognize workplace microaggressions and unhealthy organizational culturesPractical reasons many grant writers successfully transition into freelancingHow building your own grant writing business can create greater freedom and sustainabilityABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player?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 the show!Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to receive proven grant writing strategies and business-building conversations delivered every week in your favorite podcast player.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading 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.
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  The Identity Shift That Will Scale Your Grant Writing Business 14.07.2026 24min

  Are you operating as a freelance grant writer or are you truly stepping into the role of a business owner?There’s a big difference.In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into the mindset shift that transforms a freelance grant writer into a successful business owner. She explores why adopting the identity of a CEO is essential if you want to grow beyond trading time for money and build a sustainable, scalable grant writing business.Holly discusses how your decisions, service offerings, pricing, and long-term strategy all change when you begin thinking like a business owner. She also shares how many successful grant professionals start with a side hustle but can intentionally build systems that allow their businesses to grow far beyond themselves.You'll also learn why building a team is one of the most powerful steps toward scaling, how to maintain quality as you expand, and what systems you need to create consistency in your client experience. Plus, Holly shares practical insights on stepping into your CEO role, creating scalable offers, increasing revenue, and avoiding burnout along the way.If you're ready to stop doing everything yourself and start building a business that can grow with you, this episode is your roadmap.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  State of the Grant Industry: May 2026 Market Report 07.07.2026 31min

  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.In this May 2026 State of the Grant Industry report, Holly Rustick breaks down nearly $3.73 million in reported grant funding and client sales to reveal what funders are investing in, how nonprofits are hiring grant professionals, and where the biggest opportunities are emerging.From the continued strength of foundation funding to the growing demand for long-term funding strategy, recurring revenue, and relationship-driven business development, this episode highlights the shifts every grant professional should be paying attention to.If you're a nonprofit leader, grant writer, or consultant looking to stay ahead of industry trends, this monthly report provides practical insights backed by real-world results from professionals working in the field today.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 service 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  What Can Make or Break a Nonprofit's Success Before Grant Funding 30.06.2026 39min

  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.They also discuss why nonprofits are businesses, how grant writers can support clients beyond writing, and why funders are increasingly looking for clear outcomes, sustainability, and strong organizational infrastructure.ABOUT OUR GUESTReece 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.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTWebsite: https://breakthroughgrants.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/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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  The 2026 Tax Change Every Grant Writer Should Know About 23.06.2026 20min

  The 2026 tax change quietly handed nonprofits a fundraising gift, and most of them have no idea. In this episode, Holly breaks it down in plain English: what changed, who it actually helps, who it does not, and exactly how you can turn it into real value for your clients and new business for you. No tax degree required.In this episode:The new rule that lets everyday donors get a tax break for giving again (and why it's permanent this time)Who this really helps: small nonprofits and the everyday donors they run onWho barely notices (spoiler: the super rich) and who actually feels the pinch (the middle)What the big nonprofit groups say: the National Council of Nonprofits, Independent Sector, and others fought for the everyday-donor break, but warn the full package could be a net negative for givingThe Council Corner: the real question isn't "good or bad," it's "who's going to use it"The simple steps to bring this to your clients without sounding like a tax advisorQuick reminder: this episode is for learning, not tax advice. Always send clients to a qualified tax preparer for the specifics.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/RESOURCES:IRS, One, Big, Beautiful Bill: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions The Giving Block, 2026 Universal Charitable Deduction Now in Effect: https://thegivingblock.com/resources/2026-universal-charitable-deduction-now-in-effect/Kiplinger, 3 Major Changes to the 2026 Charitable Deduction: https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/major-changes-to-the-charitable-deductionThomson Reuters, OBBB Charitable Deduction Rules Reshape Giving Strategies: https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/obbb-charitable-deduction-rules-reshape-giving-strategies/Independent Sector, Support Grows for Universal Charitable Deduction: https://independentsector.org/blog/support-grows-for-universal-charitable-deduction/For Purpose Law Group, citing National Council of Nonprofits, New Charitable-Deduction Provisions in OBBBA Will Hurt More Than Help: https://www.fplglaw.com/insights/report-new-charitable-deduction-provisions-in-obbba-will-hurt-more-than-help/National Council of Nonprofits, President Trump Proposes to Slash Funding for Domestic Programs in FY2026: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/articles/president-trump-proposes-slash-funding-domestic-programs-fy2026Weekly 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and2) MAKE $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.
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  The Fear Never Fully Goes Away, Even After Six Figures (What 12 Years in Business Taught Me) 19.06.2026 36min

  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: "I don't have enough experience."  "Who would hire me?"  "I'm not good at sales."  "What if I fail?"  "Maybe I'm not cut out for entrepreneurship." This episode is for you.Holly shares the pivotal moments that changed everything; including the realization that success didn't come from becoming a better grant writer. It came from learning business skills, pricing, sales, confidence, and how to stop playing small.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 impactKey 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 RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/RESOURCESWeekly 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  The 5 Reasons You Haven't Started a Grant Writing Business Yet (And Why None of Them Are Real) 18.06.2026 19min

  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:Why "I don't have time" is usually a systems problem—not a time problemHow investing in yourself can create consistent income opportunitiesWhy nonprofits care more about results than credentialsThe truth about landing clients without a website or social media followingHow AI is changing grant writing—and why strategy still requires humansThe hidden income ceiling many grant professionals place on themselvesWhy support and community accelerate your path to successABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: 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/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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  "Will AI Replace Grant Writers?” The 2026 AI-READY Framework (Embrace It or Reject It) 16.06.2026 29min

  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: Why AI is not the real problem facing grant writers  The growing demand for freelance grant writers despite industry changes  How to determine your personal and professional stance on AI  Why a strong "source of truth" is essential when using AI tools  The importance of creating AI policies for your business and clients  How to answer the question, "Why hire you instead of AI?"  The human skills that will become more valuable in the AI era  How to evaluate your AI readiness using Holly's AI-READY Quiz  Why quality control and capacity management matter more than ever  New AI tools, trainings, and resources available inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: 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/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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.
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  The OMB Proposal: What Grant Writers Actually Need to Know Before July 13 09.06.2026 26min

  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.In this episode, Holly breaks down what the White House Office of Management and Budget actually published on May 29th, what it would change about how federal grants are reviewed, awarded, and terminated, and,  just as importantly, what it would NOT change yet. Holly also shares two new sections in the proposal the news isn't covering, why this issue goes beyond politics, and what it means for the communities your clients serve every day.You'll also hear why the language changes in federal grants (trigger words, DEI screening) are already in effect under earlier executive orders, and why that's a separate and current issue from the structural overhaul being proposed now.Take Action Before July 13#1 — Submit a Public Comment to the OMBGo to regulations.gov and search for docket OMB-2026-0034.Start your comment with the section number in brackets — for example [200.340] for the termination section. That formatting step makes your comment more likely to be taken seriously.Copy and adapt this template:[200.340]My name is [NAME] and I work as a [grant writer / executive director / program manager] for [ORGANIZATION NAME], a nonprofit serving [COMMUNITY/POPULATION] in [CITY, STATE].The Uniform Guidance provides the common framework governing how federal grants are applied for, awarded, and administered. The proposed overhaul could significantly disrupt the ability of nonprofits like ours to apply for and manage federal funding — funding that directly supports [housing / health services / education / disaster recovery / INSERT YOUR PROGRAM AREA] for the people and communities we serve every day.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.Submit your comment here: regulations.gov — search docket OMB-2026-0034#2 — Email Your Member of CongressFind your representative at house.gov or senate.gov by entering your zip code.Copy and adapt this template:Dear [REPRESENTATIVE'S NAME],My name is [NAME] and I work as a [grant writer / executive director / program manager] for [ORGANIZATION NAME], a nonprofit serving [COMMUNITY/POPULATION] in [CITY, STATE].The Uniform Guidance provides the common framework governing how federal grants are applied for, awarded, and administered. The OMB's proposed overhaul could significantly disrupt the ability of nonprofits to apply for and manage federal funding — funding that directly supports housing, health services, education, disaster recovery, veterans, and community services for the people we serve every day.The proposed changes would give political appointees the power to override independent grant review, allow active grants to be terminated mid-program, and impose sweeping simultaneous changes across all federal agencies — creating enormous 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 also want to note that this rule, if passed, does not belong to one administration. It becomes permanent structure that any future administration can use to screen federal grants for political alignment — regardless of party. Federal grants should be awarded based on the merit of the work, not on who holds political office. That is a principle worth protecting for everyone.I urge you to use your oversight authority to scrutinize this proposal and protect the integrity of federal grantmaking for the nonprofits and communities that depend on it.Warmly, [YOUR NAME AND TITLE]Find your representative: house.gov or senate.govResources Mentioned in This EpisodeSubmit a public comment (deadline July 13, 2026): regulations.gov — search docket OMB-2026-0034Free Banned and Trigger Words Guide + Replacement Checklist (for federal grant language already in effect under current executive orders): grantwritingandfunding.com/banned-and-trigger-words-in-federal-grant-writing-in-the-trump-administration-2-0Freelance Grant Writer Academy: grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academyConnect with HollyWebsite: grantwritingandfunding.com Instagram: @hollyrustick LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817 Podcast: Grant Writing & Funding — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you listenRESOURCES: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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and ...