Grant Writing & Funding 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions
Oh yes. Those pesky grant writing qualms.
Here are the top questions that I get.
#1: How Do You Get Funding From Grants for General Operating Expenses?
You can get funding for general operating expenses through 3 ways:
- Pursue specific grants that target general operating
- Include a certain percentage of your general operating expenses within the direct categories of a grant project budget
- Include up to 10% of the grant amount in the indirect category in a grant budget
#2: As a non-US grant seeker, is there funding available?
Yes! There is absolutely funding available! You can get that through the following:
- There are certain U.S. federal grants that give specifically to nonprofits (both U.S. organizations based abroad and to non-U.S. nonprofits)
- Certain foundations give out money to nonprofits around the world (think Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- There are many international funding sources, such as EU organizations, UN organizations, foundations, Canadian funding, etc.
#3: Do you recommend college courses for beginning grant writers?
That depends. If you are in college already and want to get college credit toward a degree this could be great. However, if you are not in college nor seeking a degree, then I would recommend taking a grant writing course offered by a grant writer that is in the field.
Such as my 6-Week Live Grant Writing Course or DIY Grant Writing Course *wink-wink*
But the fact is these courses can cost way less and take less time, but give you the real tips of how grant writers are actually winning grants!
#4: What’s the best approach when a foundation states they don’t accept unsolicited applications?
Develop a relationship. A way to side-step the gatekeeper is to go on LinkedIn and start a relationship with decision-makers at the foundations. But remember – don’t go in blazing asking for money right away. Spend time liking their posts and making comments. Start sharing things with them that they may find interesting. And make sure they are a good fit. Does their mission statement align with your nonprofit’s mission?
#5: I am a freelance grant writer and my nonprofit client does not know how to guide me. What questions should I ask to get information?
Ooh, I love this one. So first off you need to:
- Give them a list requesting certain documents
Then have a Kick-off Grant Writing Meeting
- Include the Executive Director, Bookkeeper, Grant Coordinator, and possibly an expert
- Write down the deadlines and tasks for everyone
Want to listen to the entire podcast with way more examples? Click above on the podcast link :)
To sum up, the 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions are:
- How Do You Get Funding From Grants for General Operating Expenses?
- As a non-US grant seeker, is there funding available?
- Do you recommend college courses for beginning grant writers?
- What’s the best approach when a foundation states they don’t accept unsolicited applications?
- I am a freelance grant writer and my nonprofit client does not know how to guide me. What questions should I ask to get information?
ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK
Grant 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 RUSTICK
Website: 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/mentorship
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Thanks for listening!
Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading 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.