Grant Writing & Funding

We are moving through a new era in federal grant writing. For access to federal grant funds during this new Trump Administration in 2025, nonprofits need to be more aware of what types of words you are using, and are not using, in your grant applications. We have always said that grant writing is a word game, and the types of words you use play a big part in how you construct a grant. With the Trump Administration in 2025, though, we have not experienced the sheer elimination of word usage in federal grant guidance before. Regular Changes in Words in Grants To put it into context, we’ve been writing grants for more than 20 years, and we have learned to play the wordsmith game of grant writing. What is normal in federal grant word usage changes is that words are often added to the federal grant cycles when: A new administration starts Societal movements and norms enter into the federal mainstream Priorities of the federal government are identified Even for foundation grants, we have been training grant writers to connect words with the funding source priority areas, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and website information so that grant writers mimic funding source language. Then we teach grant writers how to integrate these words into their programs in a way that aligns with what they do. This ensures that everyone is on the same page with language and what that language means AND helps with consistent language in grant applications. This approach also helps nonprofits so they aren’t mission drifting or scope creeping, but are aligning with funding sources for their specific cause areas. While we still entirely support this approach, the new wrench in the bucket in February 2025 is the potential sheer number of words to NOT use for the new recommendations from certain federal agencies (as of 2/10/2025) Replace Potential Trigger Words Using ChatGPT I ran all the words listed in ChatGPT to find alternative words. While this was helpful to get ideas, it was not entirely efficient. At the end of the day, words are important. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts! “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Follow now so you don’t miss any bonus episodes! This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

You might be thinking grant writing isn’t your thing because you have a ‘low’ grant success rate or haven’t secured any or much money for organizations yet.Or maybe you, as a Freelance Grant Writer, think your business isn’t great because other Freelance Grant Writers’ posts on LinkedIn get so much more engagement.Stop comparing yourself to others. This is “comparasitis” and will make you stop learning grants or stop selling  your grant writing services.In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick explains:Why Grant Writing Success Rates are SkewedWhy Total Grant Money Secured Doesn’t Prove Your Grant Writing SkillsWhy Freelance Grant Writers on Social Media may just have vanity metrics vs. SalesTune in today to listen to this podcast. 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 RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Links Mentioned in the Podcast:Freelance Grant Writer AcademyAlign & Attract by Kerry RowetSmart Passive Income PodcastRESOURCES: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 RATE, 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.———————————————————————————This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems ———————————————————————————

In this episode, Holly Rustick addresses what to do when things feel chaotic in the grant world and your clients are looking to you for guidance. She shares practical strategies you can use right now to support nonprofits, including how to advocate for funding, evaluate budgets, and explore all possible revenue opportunities. Holly also dives into when to broaden versus double down on funding strategies, the importance of hosting strategic planning sessions, and why prioritizing self-care is essential for both you and your clients during uncertain times.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 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.

With all the news this week about the federal grant freeze, many of you may be wondering: “Is grant writing even going to be needed during this Administration? Can I even get grant writing clients during this Administration?” I get it. There is a lot of commotion this week surrounding federal grants (we've been keeping track of it - follow me on LinkedIn or Instagram for more updates). But…what I also know about Administrations AND grant writing, is…yes, you can secure grants and clients during this Administration and for the many more Administrations to come. Why am I so sure? Because I have written grants for the last 21 years and have been through: -MANY Administrations, -A worldwide Pandemic, -AI, -Inflation, -And more… all while supporting myself with my grant writing skills and business. Grant writing is a skill that’s been around for a long time. And if the week has shown us anything, it is that grants are a large part of the U.S. economy that supersede any Administration. And nonprofits are the fastest growing sector in the U.S. economy. Your clients might lean into areas that aren’t a priority for the current Administration. Will you maybe need to write more foundation grants or corporate solicitations? Maybe. Will you need to lean into Strategic Planning instead of writing a federal grant? Maybe. Plus, the federal government is NOT the only place where you can find grants. MANY of our Academy students only write non-government grants (Foundation and Community grants). Once again this depends on your cause area and type of organizations you work with. Right now nonprofits need your ability to pivot and write HIGH-QUALITY grants so they can focus on running their missions. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, we teach you how to write high-quality grants and how to sell your grant writing services during any Administration. Academy students are still securing grants AND clients - even during this week. The doors are open to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy until Sunday, Feb. 2nd. Join now to Replace Your Full-time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Join Holly Rustick and Christina Royster, CEO of Cape Fear Grant Solutions, as she discusses how she managed to learn how to write grants, open her business and earn $30,840 in her freelance grant writing business, and work on her novel in her MFA program – all in less than a year.Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close this Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home – just like Christina.Tune in to listen to this podcast. About Christina RoysterChristina Royster brings a unique blend of healthcare experience, storytelling expertise, andgrant development knowledge to the nonprofit sector. As a former doula, Registered BehaviorTechnician, and educator, she deeply understands both healthcare systems and communityimpact. Currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing, Christina combines technicalprecision with compelling storytelling to help organizations secure vital funding. Her diversebackground enables her to transform complex ideas into persuasive narratives while guiding organizations through infrastructure development. Working primarily with small nonprofits, shehas helped organizations like IBD Connect strengthen their grant readiness, implementcomprehensive budget templates, and develop measurable program outcomes.Cape Fear Grant Solutions transforms under-resourced nonprofits struggling with fundinguncertainty into confidently funded organizations. From maternal health organizations toveterans’ outreach, food security, and community improvement initiatives, we assistorganizations with budgets under $100,000 throughout the grant process. Our comprehensiveapproach uses expert grant guidance, strategic planning, and ongoing support provided throughthree core services: Capacity Compass Assessments, Strategic Roadmap development, andhands-on grant writing support. Based in Eastern NC, we specialize in helping smallorganizations with limited resources build strong foundations for sustainable funding success.Our unique focus on both organizational development and strategic grant pursuit ensures clientsdon’t just secure funding—they build lasting capacity for continued growth and impact.Connect with ChristinaWebsiteLinkedInFB/IGLinks Mentioned in the PodcastFreelance Grant Writer AcademyOTHER 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 RATE, 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.———————————————————————————This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems ———————————————————————————

Join the Open House Call on January 30th at 11:59 pm EST. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com You might be wondering if 2025 is the best time to start writing grants after everything going on with federal grants in January 2025. Yes, it is. Nonprofits, gov't agencies, schools, hospitals, businesses, and more will still need you to write grants and they aren't going away. Also now these leaders need a grant consultant to focus on all the changes and come up with strategy so they can focus on leading their programs. The doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close on Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Join now so you can have access to the 12-month Group Coaching program for aspiring and seasoned grant writers to replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Favor, 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! Thanks for listening! Warmly, Holly Rustick Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home! Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/ ———————————————————————————

Find out what I'm doing in 2025 to grow my business as it will surprise you! I am saying yes to something big! The doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close on Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy to find out more!

In this podcast episode, Alexander Lapa discusses his experience as a consultant for more than a decade.As a Salesforce consultant, he talks about how pricing by the hourly is damaging to you as a consultant.Tune in today to listen to this podcast.About Alexander LapaAlex Lapa is a Salesforce Solutions Architect, consultant, tech founder, and podcaster who specializes in helping nonprofit organizations simplify their Salesforce CRM so they can focus on their missions and do more of the work that matters.Alex is the founder of Dryad Consulting where he offers high-level Salesforce advising and implementation services. He is the creator of the Dryad Receipting app that allows Canadian nonprofits to easily automate donor tax receipts in Salesforce. And he’s the host of the Agents of Nonprofit Podcast where he interviews “everyday superheroes” on tools and strategies for nonprofits to grow.Alex also coaches junior Salesforce consultants and offers mentorship to university engineering students to help them better prepare for the job market.When he’s not helping nonprofits expand their social impact, Alex is most likely traveling the world, riding his motorcycle, or immersed in his favorite movies or books.Connect with Alexander Lapa:WebsitePodcastLinkedInNewsletter for ConsultantsLinks Mentioned in the Podcast:Freelance Grant Writer AcademyOTHER 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 RATE, 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.———————————————————————————This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems ———————————————————————————

The Close to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy on Feb. 2nd: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-month Group Coaching Program for aspiring and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income, on flexible hours, by writing grants from home. Find out why you should join in 2025 and Everything inside the Academy! "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Favor, 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! Thanks for listening! Warmly, Holly Rustick Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home! Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/ ——————————————————————————— This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS! This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems ——————————————————————————— #grantwriting #grants #nonprofit #freelance #freelancewriting #writing #workfromhome #retirejobs #digitalnomad #workabroad #nonprofitconsulting #entrepreneur #runningsmallbusiness #education #grantwriter #freelancegrantwriter #grantssoftware #grantresearch #freelance

"Quit Your Toxic Job" Webinar on January 21st, 2024. Register, especially if you are a stay-at-home mom or want to become one. Are you a stay-at-home mom due to the rising costs of daycare, unsafe schools, inflation, and/or long transport times? Because of these reasons many moms have found that their salary isn't aligned with these costs. So they choose to stay home with the kids to save money, keep their kids safer, and not be exhausted from working 40+ hours per week and 10 hours per week in traffic. I am not here to shame anyone from making a choice that feels good for you and your family! Lots of moms are in this situation. But here's what happens. The mother starts depreciating her lifelong earning potential. Because she is taking off time from work she isn't contributing to her retirement, social security, etc. Because she isn't working there is a gap in her resume. Because she isn't working she isn't adding professional skills to her experience. This is unfortunate and shouldn't be the case. What if I told you moms that you can stay home with your kids, and earn more money on part-time hours? You CAN earn money, increase professional skills, stay in the 'workforce', add to your retirement, and be at home (and have time) with your kids. I know it sounds too good to be true, but listen to today's podcast episode to know why it's not! https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/podcast "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Favor, 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! Thanks for listening! Warmly, Holly Rustick Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home! Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/ ———————————————————————————