Grant Writing & Funding

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...

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 develo...

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 g...

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.

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.<...

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 g...

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 p...

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...

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 sust...

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...

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...

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, an...

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 be...

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...

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 GUEST

Reece is a nonprofit founder turned grant strategist with over a...

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:

If you've been considering joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, this episode provides a clear breakdown of what happens when enrollment closes and why this round is different. Holly Rustick explains the Academy's pricing, payment options, and exactly what students lock in by joining before the deadline. From the Summer Curriculum Sprint and AI-READY Framework to unlimited grant reviews, business coaching, and client opportunities, Holly shares why this is the most comprehensive Academy enrollment ever offered—and why waiting could cost significantly more.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Se...

If you've ever wondered whether you're qualified to become a grant writer, this episode is for you. Holly Rustick answers some of the most common questions from aspiring grant writers, including whether English as a second language is a barrier, if beginners can really succeed, and whether certifications or degrees are required. Through practical insights and real student success stories, Holly shares why grant writing is more accessible than many people realize—and how support, systems, and community can accelerate your success.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Bi...

Freelancing sounds appealing from the outside: flexible hours, meaningful work, and the freedom to build a business on your terms. But what about the challenges no one talks about? In this episode, Holly Rustick shares an honest look at the realities of freelance grant writing—from inconsistent income and difficult clients to loneliness, rejection, and the patience required to build a sustainable business. If you've ever wondered whether freelance grant writing is really worth it, this candid conversation will help you set realistic expectations and understand why the journey can still be incredibly rewarding.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Have you ever wondered whether nonprofits really need grant writing support every month, or if clients will eventually stop paying once they have a few grant templates in hand?

In this episode, Holly answers two of the most common questions aspiring freelance grant writers ask: Do clients actually have ongoing work every month? And why wouldn’t they simply reuse your previous grant applications instead of continuing to hire you?

The answer comes down to understanding the difference between being a grant writer and being a grant strategist.

Holly breaks down how successful fr...

Have questions about the Summer Curriculum Sprint, the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, or whether now is the right time to join? In this special bonus episode, Holly answers the most common questions that came in during last week's live training.

From understanding the difference between the Summer Sprint and the Academy to learning about the time commitment, payment plans, business setup requirements, and what happens after your first year, Holly breaks down everything you need to know in a clear and honest way.

If you've been wondering whether this opportunity is the right fit for...

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 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...

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...

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 pro...

This is a bonus podcast with a special co-host from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy program!

What if the biggest shift in your grant writing business isn’t learning how to write grants, but learning how to think like a business owner?

In this inspiring Freelance Grant Writer Academy case study, guest host D Abshire sits down with Debra Bare-Rogers, founder of GrantMe Consulting Services, to discuss her journey from employee to entrepreneur. 

After discovering Holly Rustick through a grant writing summit and podcast, Debra knew she had found the support and com...

This is a bonus podcast with a special co-host from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy program!

What happens when nonprofit leadership burnout becomes the catalyst for building a more flexible, purpose-driven career?

In this inspiring case study, guest host D Abshire sits down with Karen McCall, founder of KTM McCall Grant Strategies and a member of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. 

After spending more than two decades serving nonprofits, and leading an organization through the challenges of COVID as Executive Director, Karen found herself exhausted, overwhelmed, and ready for a new chapter.

This is a bonus podcast with a special co-host from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy program!

What if you could leverage the skills you've built in nonprofit marketing and fundraising to create a thriving grant writing business—and replace your full-time salary faster than you imagined?

In this inspiring Freelance Grant Writer Academy case study, guest host D Abshire sits down with Cindy Homan, founder of Growing the Good, who transitioned from a longtime nonprofit marketing leadership career into grant writing consulting. With only limited grant writing experience but decades of expertise in storytelling, fu...

What does the future of grant writing look like in an increasingly uncertain funding landscape?

In this episode of FUNDED, Holly Rustick analyzes the latest funding trends from April 2026 and reveals what they mean for grant writers, nonprofits, and funding professionals moving forward. From federal funding disruptions and increased competition for foundation grants to major state funding opportunities and growing demand for strategic grant writing support, Holly breaks down what is happening across the sector—and how successful grant professionals are adapting.

Drawing from real data inside the Grant Writing & Funding community, Holly sh...

In this powerful solo episode, Holly Rustick shares an unplanned but deeply important message for aspiring and established grant writers alike: this is the era of the freelance grant writer.

Fresh off a coaching call and curriculum update inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship, Holly dives into what really happened for freelance grant writers in 2025 — and why so many who adapted during funding uncertainty didn’t just survive, they thrived.

Whether you’re grant-curious, currently working inside a nonprofit, or trying to grow your freelance grant writing business, this episod...

In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down the shocking dismissal of all 22 members of the National Science Board and what it signals for the future of federal funding, philanthropy, and grant strategy. Holly shares why this moment matters far beyond NSF grants and how shifting agency priorities are creating both uncertainty and opportunity across the nonprofit and research sectors.

You’ll learn how organizations are responding to changing funding landscapes, where grant funding is moving in 2026, why foundation funding is surging, and how freelance grant writers can position themselves as st...

Discover how a boutique consulting firm can outperform large agencies by leaning into relationships, strategy, and high-touch service. In this episode, Dr. Eve McGee shares how she’s secured major wins, built long-term client partnerships, and why grant readiness (not just grant writing) is the real key to funding success.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Eve McGee is the Owner and CEO of McGee KC Consulting, where she transforms nonprofit vision into sustainable funding. Drawing on three decades of social work practice and executive leadership experience, she guides organizations through th...

This month marked a major milestone inside the grant writing community: over $10 million generated in student grant writing businesses and a collective $278 million in grant funding secured. 

In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in March 2026 in the grant writing industry, what’s working right now in the grant funding landscape, and what these results signal for both freelance grant writers and nonprofit leaders.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

In this episode, Holly Rustick shares a real-time update from Guam following a recent super typhoon, and then dives into what every grant writer needs to understand about 2026 federal funding.

If you’ve been hearing that “there’s no more grant money” or that federal funding has been slashed, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening versus what made headlines. Holly unpacks key budget shifts, where research funding is still strong, and how to position your proposals to stay competitive.

Most importantly, she introduces a powerful framework for winning grants right now: diversification, reframing, and alignm...

In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick interviews Cindy Wagman, founder of the Nonprofit Fractional Network, about the growing role of fractional consulting in the nonprofit sector.

Cindy explains how fractional work differs from traditional freelance work by combining strategy, planning, and implementation into one role. This model allows nonprofits to access experienced leadership without hiring full-time staff—making it especially valuable for organizations that have outgrown basic operations but don’t yet have the budget or need for a full-time director.

Cindy shares her journey from working in-house in nonprofit fund...

Steve Vick returns to the podcast to unpack what nonprofit leaders and grant professionals need to understand about AI adoption right now. As the founder of Bright Nonprofit and longtime host of the Nonprofit Ally podcast, Steve brings both nonprofit and tech expertise to the conversation and explains why AI is not just a tool issue: it is a governance issue.

In this episode, Holly and Steve dig into AI readiness, source of truth, data integrity, human-in-the-loop review, and why AI often reveals organizational problems instead of fixing them. They also discuss what this means for...

In this February 2026 Funded Series episode, we break down what actually changed in just 30 days inside a growing ecosystem of freelance grant writers and why it matters.

This month alone:

In this episode, Holly unpacks the exact patterns behind these wins, including:

If you’ve been working hard but not seeing consis...

In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down a key shift that separates grant writers earning around $50K per year from those building six-figure grant businesses.

Interestingly, the difference isn’t talent, experience, or even how hard someone works. Many grant writers have similar technical skills:

The real difference lies in how their work is structured as a business.

Holly walks through four major shifts that occur when a grant writer move...

What does it really take to move from freelancer to CEO—and finally take time off without your business falling apart?

In this special mentorship spotlight episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Alexandra Cohen, founder of ANC Consult, to share her journey of building, refining, and scaling her grant writing business.

Alexandra first joined one of Holly’s earliest programs back in 2022, then rejoined years later to grow and scale her business in a more sustainable way. Since then, she’s streamlined her services, shifted fully into nonprofit work, increased retainer clients, and—perhaps most importan...