From 9-5 to Subcontracting to $93,000 as a Freelance Grant Writer

What does it really look like to transition from a 9–5 job into a thriving freelance grant writing business?

In this episode, Daphney Jean shares her journey from working full-time to subcontracting as a grant writer—and ultimately stepping into full-time freelance.

We dive into how she navigated that transition, the lessons she learned along the way, and what it took to build a sustainable business. After two years of freelancing, Daphney joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy—and within one year, she increased her revenue to $93,000.

This conversation highlights the power of refining your systems, building confidence in your pricing, and surrounding yourself with the right support to grow your business.

If you’re thinking about making the leap—or want to scale your current freelance grant writing business—this episode will show you what’s possible.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Daphney Jean is a freelance grant writer and consultant who has successfully built a full-time business helping nonprofits secure funding. After transitioning from a traditional 9–5 role into subcontracting and then full-time freelancing, she has grown her business to generate over $93,000 in annual revenue.

Daphney is passionate about helping nonprofits access funding while also building a flexible and sustainable career for herself as a grant professional.

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/mentorship

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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 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.

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This podcast episode is sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS)!

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Book your FREE demo now: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems

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