Grant Writing & Funding

Welcome back to another episode of Grant Writing & Funding, the podcast designed especially for all you changemakers out there, looking to grow funding and capacity for your causes and communities. In this episode, we'll be discussing strategies that will not only help you grow your grant writing business but also free up time for yourself and stimulate creativity. One of the key points we'll be exploring is how to take a much-needed vacation while still earning income for your business. Yes, it's possible! By implementing effective systems and processes, we can achieve that elusive work-life balance and create space for generating passive income streams, hosting webinars, developing online courses, and fostering higher-level relationships. But before we delve deeper into that, I have an exciting announcement to make. We're opening the doors to our 12-month coaching program, the "Grant Professional Mentorship," designed for grant writers who already have their own companies and are looking to take them to the next level. The doors will remain open until Sunday, October 1st, after which they won't reopen until later in 2024. So, if you're serious about growing your grant writing business, this is your opportunity. During the Grant Professional Mentorship, we'll guide you through a comprehensive curriculum, covering everything from training, hiring, and delegating, to business system resets, creating calendar space, and even taking that much-needed vacation. Our focus is on empowering you to attract ideal nonprofit clients, partners, and financial wealth using an abundant mindset. And that's not all! We have an incredible workshop coming up, the "Business Reset Strategy Workshop," taking place on October 3rd. You will have access to join this workshop, when you join the Grant Professional Mentorship by October 1st. This workshop, held inside our mentorship learning portal, will address topics such as value-based pricing strategies, service offer promise training, setting policies for defining boundaries, and effective marketing strategies to boost your business. I know many of you grant writers find yourselves working every minute, feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of burnout. It's crucial to remind yourself of your "why" and create the necessary systems and standard operating procedures to maintain balance. ------------------------------------------------ ✨💌 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/290 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

Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding” with your host, Holly Rustick. In this week’s episode, we have a special guest joining us: Yvonne White-Morey, a successful grant writer with a thriving freelance grant writing business. During our conversation, we will delve into the impact the mentorship program has had on Yvonne’s business, as well as the valuable tips and insights she has to offer for grant writers looking to start or grow their own freelance grant writing businesses. We are excited to hear Yvonne’s personal story and discover how she got started in the world of grant writing.Yvonne addresses the importance of handling grant rejection in the grant writing world and offers strategies for turning rejection into opportunities for growth and improvement.Additionally, she will touch on the significant role of artificial intelligence in the grant proposal process, and explore both the positive advantages and potential challenges it presents. Yvonne also shares her experience in the Grant Professional Mentorship program and how it has benefited her grant writing career. Join us as we connect with Yvonne White-Morey to learn more about her journey in grant writing and the valuable insights she has to offer. Plus, we will reveal how you can connect with Yvonne and the resources she provides. So grab your headphones and get ready for another informative and inspiring episode of “Grant Writing & Funding” with Holly Rustick.What you’ll learn in this episode:How the Grant Professional Mentorship has been beneficial Yvonne’s grant writing businessThe Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Grant Proposal ProcessPositive and negative implications of AI and large language models in grant writingHandling Rejection and Building Relationships in Grant Seeking– The tendency to feel discouraged after a grant proposal rejectionThe importance of evaluating the fit between the proposal and funder’s valuesEmbracing rejection as an opportunity to demonstrate organizational integrityGrant writing as part of the revenue stream and flow for organizationsBuilding a sustainable funding model for organizationsConsidering the overall funding picture and incorporating grants into the organization’s strategyThe challenge of low scores on grant proposals with minimal feedbackAbout Yvonne White-MoreyYvonne White-Morey, RSM is CEO & Principal Grant Strategist at GrantStream Consulting LLC, bridging the gap between mission and impact, through stress-free grant seeking and management, so that people who help people can afford to make a difference. GrantStream’s clientele include growing small-mid sized nonprofits and small businesses helped to secure more than $14 million in funding.Yvonne brings expertise working in government, nonprofit and the private sector; with faith-based groups and community-led organizations, celebrating the opportunity of assisting others to do great work creating a more just and humane world. In addition to extensive grant training, Yvonne holds a Masters of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary; earned a BS in Psychology and BA in Speech and Drama from DePaul University and, Certificates in Litigation and Employee Benefit Plans from the ABA Approved Lawyers’ Assistant Program at Roosevelt University; and is credentialed by Scrum, Inc. as a Register Scrum Master (RSM). Each of these areas of professional development helped her to hone skills in research, writing and project management.Yvonne is a proud member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), currently serving as a board member and Programs Co-Chair of the GPA Chicago Area Chapter, and member of the GPA Great Lakes Virtual Chapter.  An active member of the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits;  a Chicago Conservation Corps leader since 2010, as well as a Climate Reality Project Leader, Chicago Metro Chapter and trained as a public engagement interpreter of the Chicago Academy of Sciences Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Yvonne is part of an extensive network of environmental and environmental justice organizations. When not absorbed with grants, nonprofit consulting, proposal development and character counts, she enjoys the brilliant and colorful Midwestern change of seasons, especially in Autumn/Winter, where you will most likely find her tucked in with a cup of hot tea, a cozy mystery and in the company of either an exuberant Hurricane Maria rescue dog named Rico or a frolicking feline called Selina Kyle (aka Cat Woman) her Co-Directors of Work/Life Balance.Connect with Yvonne:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ywhite-morey/Email: yvonne@grantstream.consultingQuotables:Dealing with Grant Rejection: “Just because it didn’t get funded doesn’t mean that one can’t be funded somewhere else. If it’s a solid program, it can be rewritten and reworked so that it does meet the needs of the organization and a particular funder… See it as an opportunity to build relationships and demonstrate the integrity of the organization.”The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Grant Funding: “Two things along that line. One is actually the newer invention with everyone talking about artificial intelligence and large language models. That’s a two sided coin.”The Importance of Grant Strategy: “So if seeking grants are going to be a major revenue stream for your organization, then how to build out that strategy? I think we get this sense that grants are just like raining down from heaven, and you just put your bucket out and the water will come in, and then you take it. And there’s really no need for that kind of plan.”The Benefits of Joining the Mentorship: “The Grant Professional Mentorship has been phenomenal… I love Book Club because we read two books a quarter and I found most of the books to be not only interesting, but actionable.”Finding Success in Business: “Being in the Grant Professional Mentorship gives me the confidence that I can reach out to areas outside of my comfort zone and still be able to bring in clients.”GrantStream Consulting LLC Services:Pre-Award Wellness & Readiness Assessments preparing for private & public fundingBrand Audit & Analysis of community and funder awareness of your public & online brandingGrant Strategy to help your organization determine how grants impact sustainabilityProspect Research to discover multiple mission-aligned funding sourcesProposal Development to present a well-crafted competitive proposal or LOlProposal Review & Editing to provide an additional pair of eyes for error-free submissionsPost-Submission Audits...

What does it really take to grow as a grant writer?In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Taylor to discuss her experience inside the Grant Professional Mentorship and the key lessons that have helped her strengthen her grant writing skills and business.We dive into the importance of embracing feedback as a tool for growth, and how the grant review process can sharpen your proposals and elevate your work. Christine also shares why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for progress—and how pushing yourself can open new opportunities.One of the standout moments in Christine’s journey was becoming a federal grant peer reviewer. She explains how this experience deepened her understanding of what funders are truly looking for, including insights into budgets and evaluation criteria.We also explore the power of community—why having a support system of like-minded grant writers can provide accountability, encouragement, and meaningful connections that help you grow faster.If you’re looking to improve your skills, gain confidence, and build a stronger grant writing career, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.ABOUT OUR GUESTChristine Taylor is a grant writer and consultant who has advanced her skills through the Grant Professional Mentorship program. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, she has leveraged feedback, peer collaboration, and hands-on experience to strengthen her grant writing expertise.Christine has also served as a federal grant peer reviewer, gaining valuable insight into the grant evaluation process and bringing that knowledge back into her work to create stronger, more competitive proposals.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.

Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding”! In this week’s episode, we have a very special guest joining us: Alejandra Salazar, a seasoned grant writer and business owner. Alejandra has been in the grant writing space for over 20 years, working closely with founders on various projects. Today, she shares with us her valuable insights and experiences in managing multiple projects and teams within a non-profit organization.Alejandra emphasizes the importance of being strategic and authentic in grant applications, cautioning against making promises that cannot be kept to funding sources. She advises against chasing every opportunity, highlighting the need to focus and build expertise in order to increase success and position oneself as an expert in the field.Furthermore, Alejandra shares her passion for conservation and her journey in the environmental sector, discussing the difference between being a grant writer within an organization and being a freelance grant writer consultant. She opens up about the challenges she faced in finding a job in the environmental sector and her decision to pursue a master’s degree in natural resources management. Alejandra also shares her experiences working with NGOs in Latin America and Central America, highlighting the limited funds and challenges faced by smaller organizations.We delve into the impact of grant writing on the conservation field, and Alejandra’s company, the Social Environmental Design Project, which aims to help NGOs increase funding and impact. She also discusses her personal growth as a business owner and the importance of setting higher prices to achieve financial stability and invest in oneself.She also shares how she has been able to get clear about her business within the Grant Professional Mentorship, and that she now has joy and freedom in her business and life!You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation with Alejandra as she shares her expertise as a grant writer and the lessons she has learned along the way. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into this episode of “Grant Writing & Funding”!What you’ll learn in this episode:How the Grant Professional Mentorship has been beneficial for Alejandra’s freelance grant writing businessThrough the mentorship program, Alejandra is continuously learning new skills and abilities as an independent nonprofit worker and business owner.How Alejandra identified her target population nonprofit client and developed strategies to position her business for success.Designing effective projects for social and environmental problemsAlejandra’s journey in the environmental sectorThe difference between being a consultant and an in-house grant writerAlejandra’s expertise in biodiversity, conservation, and grant writing as a consultantDeveloping accessible products for small and medium organizationsAbout Alejandra Salazar:Alejandra is a certified grant writer and funding expert, with a passion for helping civil society organizations increase their funding and impact. She has 19 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector on biodiversity conservation, climate change, and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. She holds a degree in international relations (2000) and a master’s degree in environmental legislation (2004). She has been a freelance certified grant writer for nonprofits since 2019. In 2022 she launched her signature company “Diseño de proyectos socioambientales”, serving clients in Mexico, Central America, Germany, and the United States of America.During her career, she has co-developed and implemented on ecosystem-based adaptation, environmental education, environmental policy, community forest management, forest conservation,  green finances, mainstreaming biodiversity in agriculture, migratory bird conservation, protected areas effective management, REDD+, resilient cities, sustainable fisheries, voluntary forest carbon markets,  wetland conservation, among others. She has worked with private, public, and social sectors,  helping secure millions of dollars from international and national funding sources.She lives in Mexico City with her husband, two kids, a dog, and a cat.Contact Alejandra:asalazardreja@gmail.comlinkedin.com/in/alesalazardrejaHire AlejandraQuotables:The Importance of Increasing Prices: “If you want to do it all alone, it won’t work. So you have to keep in mind that you have to increase your prices so you also have the bandwidth to outsource other services. And then you can really improve the service that you’re giving and get it’s not about growing and getting more clients and getting more money. No. That’s not the mindset. The mindset is to make a living where you are financially stable, and you can do what you love. I think that is the main goal.”Grant Writing: “One of the most valuable things that grant writers bring to the table is this expertise or know-how in really looking at the design of the project. Find out where the gaps are and ask yourself, ‘What are we not saying that this is important?’About the Grant Professional Mentorship Program: “The mentorship has helped me identify my target population and broaden my perspective beyond just working in Mexico. Another great thing about the Grant Professional Mentorship is that you learn all of these different strategies and you feel the support. You’re not alone. You have a space where you can just say, ‘Look, I’m thinking about doing this,’ and someone else has done it and they help you out. They have templates. And, well, that’s been, yeah, an incredible support.”Resources mentioned in this episode:Grant Professional MentorshipFree Masterclass “The Must-Have System to Double Peace and Profit in Your Growing Grant Writing Business”Hire a Grant WriterOTHER 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 Reven...

Experienced consultant Kim Collier joins Holly Rustick to discuss creating a value-driven grant writing business. They explore saying no to certain opportunities, attracting ideal clients, increasing revenue, and bringing peace to your work. Kim shares tips for success in grant writing, building relationships with government officials, setting meaningful objectives, and the benefits of mentorship.

Welcome to another episode of Grant Writing & Funding with your host, Holly Rustick. In this episode we delve into the art and science of finding the right grants for your nonprofit or nonprofit clients. Holly shares valuable insights on the importance of separating grant research from grant writing, and the significance of building relationships with potential funders. She highlights the need to review and respond to grant instructions diligently, while considering practicalities like eligibility, funding amounts, and necessary documents. Holly also introduces a grant research package offered by an organization, which includes finding fitting opportunities and providing grant writing services. Plus, she explores the power of analyzing 990s, public information from foundations, to identify potential grants and understand their priorities. Join us as we dive into the world of grant research and equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge to secure funding for our causes. What you’ll learn in this episode: ✨Introduction to grant research package offered by an organization ✨Details of the package, including finding 8 to 10 grant opportunities for non-profit ✨Importance of having separate contracts for research and writing services ✨Emphasis on keeping track of these services as separate line items in contracts ✨Tips for reviewing and responding correctly to grant instructions ✨Importance of assessing eligibility, funding amount, matching requirements, and necessary documents ✨Consideration of practicalities such as board availability and time constraints for submissions ✨Shifting perspective to align missions when considering partnerships for nonprofits or consulting clients ✨Importance of focusing on resonance and building up the mission rather than just looking for financial support ✨Reducing stress and panic about needing money with a shift in perspective ------------------------------------------------ ✨💌 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/285 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

Andy Robinson, a consultancy practice owner, discusses starting and growing a nonprofit consultancy, finding nonprofit clients through networking and online platforms like LinkedIn, and setting up a transition into consultancy. He also shares insights on billable hours, getting first clients, and the challenges of being a consultant.

Are you thinking about starting your own nonprofit consultancy—or wondering how to grow the one you already have?In this episode, Sean Kosofsky, also known as the NonProfit Fixer, brings nearly three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector to share what it really takes to build a successful consulting business. We dive into why nonprofits need consultants and the value they bring to organizations looking to grow, stabilize, or scale. Sean also breaks down how nonprofit consultancies are structured and why it’s critical not to offer every service you’re asked for—instead, focusing on what you do best.We explore how to know when you’re ready to launch your own consultancy, the essential systems you need to have in place from the beginning, and how consultancies evolve and grow over time.If you’re looking to build a focused, effective, and sustainable consulting business, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who has done it successfully for decades.ABOUT OUR GUESTSean Kosofsky, known as the NonProfit Fixer, has nearly 30 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, including serving as executive director for five organizations. His expertise spans fundraising, communications, advocacy, management, and organizational development.Sean has raised millions of dollars for causes, campaigns, and organizations, and his work has been featured in media outlets around the world. He is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and trainer who helps nonprofits and consultants build stronger, more effective organizations.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.

Christina Edwards, Founder of Splendid Consulting, discusses the use of evergreen courses for passive income, the importance of marketing when creating online courses, teaching yourself to enjoy marketing, marketing tricks introverts can use, and marketing online courses without social media.

Geri Leon Guerrero joins us to share why having a strong online presence is essential for nonprofits, and why a website is more than just a digital placeholder. With nearly two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and digital strategy, she breaks down the key functions of a nonprofit website, the importance of collecting and leveraging supporter data, and how to effectively brand your organization online. We also explore why social media alone isn’t enough, how to create a more impactful and conversion-driven donate button, and practical ways nonprofits can strengthen their visibility and engagement in today’s digital landscape.ABOUT OUR GUESTGeri Leon Guerrero is the President and General Manager of Adztech & Public Relations, Inc. and Adztech Wholesale, with over 18 years of experience leading innovative sales and marketing strategies in online and social media management. She oversees company operations while directing the concept, development, and execution of media campaigns, public relations, and outreach programs tailored to client needs.Geri has extensive experience in procurement, grants, accounts, and client services, and has led numerous local community outreach projects across Guam. She is an active board member of several civic organizations, including the Guam Contractors Association, Special Olympics Guam, Lupus Awareness Group of Guam, and the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Her company is HUBZone certified and the only business in its industry on the island designated as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTLinkedInAdztechOTHER 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.