Grant Writing & Funding

We made it—300 episodes!To celebrate this milestone, we’re giving you free access to our bestselling ebook, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing—because this podcast has always been about equipping you with the tools to succeed.In this special episode, Holly reflects on why she started the Grant Writing & Funding podcast and how it has grown into a global movement supporting grant writers and nonprofits alike.We dive into the power of podcasting—not just as a platform, but as a way to build meaningful relationships, share knowledge, and create impact across communities.Holly also shares her vision for the future of the podcast, along with insights into the incredible power grant writers have to drive change. From helping nonprofits secure critical funding to building their own financial stability, grant writers play a vital role in shaping a better world.If you’ve been part of this journey—or are just getting started—this episode is a celebration of what’s possible.Be sure to give it a listen!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.———————————————————————————This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/———————————————————————————

In this episode, Emily Kelly, Bloomerang’s National Accounts Manager, joins us to share how nonprofits can strengthen donor relationships and improve retention through effective use of donor management software. We discuss how organizations can stay connected with donors, avoid losing critical donor data, and adapt to changes in donor sponsorship—especially in light of inflation and shifting giving trends.ABOUT OUR GUESTEmily Kelly is Bloomerang’s National Accounts Manager, where she cultivates and maintains partnerships with national nonprofit organizations, affiliates, and existing partners. She brings expertise in donor engagement, retention strategies, and helping nonprofits leverage technology to grow sustainable fundraising.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.———————————————————————————This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang.Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you acquire, retain, and engage donors more effectively. With powerful tools for donor data, communication, and reporting, Bloomerang helps organizations grow sustainable fundraising results while saving time. Learn more about how Bloomerang can support your nonprofit’s mission.———————————————————————————

This episode, Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast and the go-to expert in grant writer coaching and nonprofit grant strategy. Teresa joins us to discuss the different ways to assess the ROI of grant writing, how nonprofits can optimize the process of their grant applications, and win more grants. She also talks about how nonprofits can increase their relevance, the type of research you need to do before creating a nonprofit, and how nonprofits can leverage tools like ChatGPT.About Teresa HuffTeresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast and the go-to expert in grant writer coaching and nonprofit grant strategy. She’s helped nonprofits triple their funding and maximize their impact. After winning over $7 million for schools and nonprofits, she now teaches grant writers and nonprofits the strategies they need to develop millions in sustainable, long-term funding. Her podcast has been downloaded in over 100 countries across 6 continents; more than 3,000 students worldwide have completed her online grant writing programs.Teresa uses her Master’s in Education and over 20 years of experience in writing, special education, and business to help nonprofit leaders take their skills to the next level. She mentors grant writers through her interactive Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Coaching Program, now available for university level credit.Connect with TeresaWebsiteLinkedInInstagramResources mentioned in this episodeGrant Writing Simplified PodcastThe Real ROI of Grant Writing TEDxHow Nonprofits Get Funding from Grants, Fundraisers, and DonorsUsing Chat GPT and AI for Grant WritingLessons Learned as a Nonprofit Executive Director & Nonprofit ConsultantOTHER 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.Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week's podcast!Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 

Grant writing specialist DeaRonda Harrison discusses funding options for small nonprofits, building relationships with funders, and the business aspect of nonprofits. She also talks about putting together a grant plan and how to handle unsuccessful grant applications.

Elvis joins us to discuss the data security and privacy risks for nonprofits, the effect cybersecurity breaches can have on funding, and how nonprofits can reduce data breaches. He also shares why nonprofits are often targeted by hackers, the SOPs organizations should implement to minimize risk, and what really happens when a nonprofit gets hacked.ABOUT OUR GUESTElvis Moreland is an award-winning senior executive and subject matter expert in cyber risk management. He is recognized as a Computerworld Premier 100 Leader and brings deep expertise in helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and mitigate risk.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.

Learn about the benefits of email marketing for nonprofits and how to connect with donors. Discover the effectiveness of email over social media and the importance of evergreen email strategies. Explore the power of email in nonprofit marketing strategy and the value of staying connected with donors. Understand the significance of writing better emails for increased conversions, regardless of list size. Learn how to leverage email strategies for effective fundraising and streamline systems for organizational improvement.

This episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains the ways to create a good board, how you should interact with your board members, and the different ways to get board members engaged with funding. Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.Sabrina joins us to discuss board development, the different aspects of fundraising, and how nonprofits should market themselves. She also talks about the best practices of running a board, the type of relationship CEOs should have with their board, and the power of the title CEO. What you’ll learn in this episode:The role of a nonprofit Executive Director with their board. Ways to engage your board throughout the year. How to get your board involved with fundraising. Common mistakes Executive Director’s make when creating a board. How to create a good board of directors. Who you should have as your board members.How to interact with your board members.Best practices of running a board. The different aspects of fundraising. About Sabrina Walker-HernandezSabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.She grew her operation revenue from $750,000 to $2.5M and completed a $12M capital campaign.Sabrina is certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School and is a bestselling author.Connect with Sabrina Walker Hernandez:WebsiteEmailQuotables:“A lot of people say they have a fundraising problem but it really is a board problem.”“Get the board right and the fundraising will come.”“You always need to be fundraising. For a healthy organization no more than 20 percent of your budget should rely on one source.”Resources mentioned in this episode:Free VIP Resource Library with sample documents for board, marketing, fundraising and policies. Nonprofit Consulting ConferenceFreelance Grant Writer Academy WaitlistHub Haven Weekly Newsletter Stress-Free Grant Writing Tips3 Tactics You Didn’t Know to Become a Nonprofit Executive Director NinjaTop 10 Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Executive DirectorThe Flawless Framework to Transform a Nonprofit’s Board of Directors with Sean KosofskyOTHER 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.———————————————————————————Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week’s podcast!Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ ———————————————————————————

Gregory joins us to share his expertise on nonprofit leadership and governance, breaking down the essential habits every board member should develop to effectively support an organization’s mission. He discusses how to communicate clearly with board members, properly onboard new members, and create a strong foundation for engagement and accountability.We also explore practical ways to teach board members what good governance looks like, how bringing in consultants can help reinforce key messages, and strategies to ensure board members stay actively involved and committed to their roles.ABOUT OUR GUESTGregory is an experienced nonprofit CEO, consultant, and public speaker specializing in nonprofit leadership and governance. He is BoardSource Certified in Nonprofit Board Consulting and has helped hundreds of organizations strengthen their leadership and impact. As former CEO of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNPE), he expanded services to support over 500 nonprofits and launched key leadership development programs for executives.With a background spanning the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors—including roles as Executive Director of Green Hill Therapy and Vice President at Bank of America—Gregory brings a well-rounded perspective to his work. He is also a military veteran and former attorney in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, and holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School. His leadership has been recognized nationally, including being named a “40 Under 40” honoree.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTWebsiteEmailPodcastOTHER 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.—————————————————————————————Support for this episode is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron. After just one year with Bloomerang, First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. To hear the full story visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/.—————————————————————————————

Jess Campbell is an email list expert and seasoned nonprofit fundraiser who has raised over $17 million throughout her career—and in this episode, she shares exactly how you can strengthen your digital fundraising strategy.We dive into how to run effective end-of-year campaigns that not only bring in donations but also create long-term donor relationships.Jess breaks down how to turn one-time end-of-year donors into consistent monthly supporters, why donor retention should be a top priority, and how building a strong donor base can create more sustainable funding for your nonprofit.We also explore what makes an email marketing campaign truly effective—from messaging to strategy—and how to grow your digital campaigns in a way that feels both authentic and impactful.If you’re looking to level up your fundraising, especially during your most important giving season, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action right away.ABOUT OUR GUESTJess Campbell is an email marketing expert and nonprofit fundraising strategist with nearly two decades of experience helping organizations grow their donor base and increase revenue. Over her career, she has raised more than $17 million for nonprofits through strategic campaigns, donor engagement, and digital marketing.Jess specializes in helping nonprofits leverage email marketing to build stronger relationships, improve donor retention, and create sustainable, recurring revenue streams.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!This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses!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 is sponsored by Bloomerang!Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/———————————————————————————

Dr. Patton McDowell is a nonprofit consultant, leadership expert, and mastermind coach. Dr. Patton joins us to discuss the different ways executive directors can advance their leadership skills, effectively network, and build solid relationships. He also talks about how to consistently grow, engage with board members, and stay strategic throughout the year. 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! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" Support for this episode is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron. After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.To hear the full story visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ Resources mentioned in this episode: ✨Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership Podcast ✨Path to Nonprofit Leadership Website ✨Free Grant Writing Class ✨Free Top 10 Tips to Position Your Nonprofit for Funding ------------------------------------------------ ✨💌 Get FREE Grant Writing Resources when You Join the Grant Writing Hub Haven: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ 👉💰🖥️ Grant Writing Master Course: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ 🖥️🔥 👉 Want to get paid to write grants? https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-course/ 🤗☕👉 Want to increase funding strategies for your https://grantwritingandfunding.com/nonprofit-strategic-planning/ ——————————————————————————— To learn more about this episode AND get the full links for each of these, click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/291 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! If you have any questions, feel free to email holly@grantwritingandfunding.com Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author ✨💌 Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources