Grant Writing & Funding

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering where to even begin with a grant… you’re not alone. Grant writing can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.In this episode, we break down a simple, step-by-step framework to help you move from confusion to clarity when writing grants. You’ll learn how to stop starting from scratch every time and instead use proven strategies to guide your process. We cover practical research tips so you know exactly where to find the right grants, how to write clear and compelling objectives, and how to map out activities that align with your proposal.We also walk through how to develop a strong, realistic budget—plus share bonus tips to make your grant writing more efficient and effective.If you’re ready to stop pulling your hair out and start feeling confident in your grant writing skills, this episode is for you.Say YES to: Understanding grant lingo  Learning simple, effective grant writing hacks  Knowing where to find grant opportunities  Getting your grant writing reviewed  Using plug-and-play templates to save time and energy 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.

If you are looking to increase your grant writing skills to the next level, you are going to love these tips!First off, do you already know how to write grants? If not, that’s okay! You might also want to refer to our article on the steps on drafting an effective grant application. In this article and podcast, I am going to go over some sidebar tips on grant writing that will increase your competitiveness for getting grant funding.I’ve used these tips throughout my 16+ years of grant writing.Grant Writing Tip #1Go after funding opportunities based on how good of a fit they are for your programs, not only on how much money is available.Sure, sometimes it may not be worth going after certain grants if they do not have the funding to support your program.However, more often then not, I see nonprofit leaders just looking at how much money is available and then trying to fit their program into the funding source’s scope. This is referred to as chasing the money or mission drifting.Your eyes might light up when you see all those zeroes in a grant announcement. However, this does not mean that the funding source is just pouring money out to anyone and everyone.You will have better luck to secure grants when you apply for grants where you can show that your project is a good fit in one sentence. If you have to create complicated Venn diagrams and write more than a couple of sentences on why your project is a good fit, it probably isn’t a good fit after all.Grant Writing Tip #2Do your research and see if any other nonprofit organizations operate projects similar to the one you want to develop.This may seem like a no-brainer, but I can’t tell you how many nonprofit organizations come up with ideas for projects, but they don’t realize that the exact programs may already be operating in the neighborhood.Here’s the thing. Just because you don’t know if a project exists, does not mean that it doesn’t exist. Do your due diligence to check and see if other partner organizations are already running that specific project.Are you ready for the Catch-22?Just because a partner nonprofit is running that same type of project, it does not mean that you cannot develop the project. Your project might serve a different demographic, or be able to serve a wider network.However, it is important when writing your grant application that you demonstrate why there is a need for your project if there is already an existing similar project.For example, your nonprofit organization may want to start a community garden. You do your research and find out that less than five miles away, another nonprofit is running a community garden. It does not mean you have to throw in the towel, but instea,d you can reach out to the nonprofit and find out more about who they serve and any existing gaps.Let’s just say that they have a wait list for people wanting plots at the community garden. In that case, your project might be almost identical. In your grant, you could clearly state that there is a need for additional plots of land for gardening based on the wait list.However, let’s say that this other nonprofit has lots of plots available at their community garden. However, maybe their plots are only available for senior citizens, and your community garden will serve the community-at-large. In this way,  your project may still be needed since you serve a different demographic.You can see how this information will help shape the need for your project, and without this research, it might fall flat.Grant Writing Tip #3Use citations in your grant proposals.I can’t tell you how many grant applications I have reviewed that do not use citations! Many (mostly federal) funding sources require you to cite sources in your grant proposal. However, a lot of foundation grants do not stipulate this, but that does not mean that they do not want citations included.Also, use more than one citation in your grant proposal.What do I mean by this?Well, if you are showcasing the needs for a community garden project, then include quotes, references, testimonies, statistics, reports that identify the need for the project. Make sure that you include the citations from where you found these sources.For example: “According to the Nutritious Study Report (2022), sixty-eight percent of children under the age of ten in Gray County suffer from malnourishment.”Insert a footnote or attach a bibliography that includes the full citation!This showcases credibility.Grant Writing Tip #4Use specific language in your grant writing proposals.Do not use any of the following words by themselves: lack and need for.I see these words utilized a lot in grant applications, and the issue is that they are not specific. Grant writing is a technical language and requires specificity.The following examples would not be specific enough:“There is a lack of community gardens in Grey County.”“There is a need for community gardens in Grey County.”The following examples that are specific:“Currently Gray County has one community garden. However, the existing community garden has a continual wait list and cannot serve the high demand for garden plots (Interview, 2022)”.“Currently Gray County has one community garden, however this is available only for senior citizens. Project Amazing’s community gardens will serve the community-at-large and also focus on school fieldtrips to promote healthy nutrition.”Grant Writing Tip #5:Do not use flowery language.I love creative writing. I even published two poetry books! Believe me, I am not bashing on creative writing at all. However, there is a time and place for it, and grant writing is neither of those.When writing grants, remember (tip #4,) concise language is key.Emotional rambling, with no citations or specific language, is going to make grant reviewers pull out their hair. More importantly, they will not be able to give you the scores you need to get to the top of the funding list.Keep your flowery language for your blogs, but for grants, be specific, specific, specific.Grant Writing Tip #6The rule of thumb is to have a maximum of three objectives.

✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨ 👉💰🖥️ Grant Writing Master Course: Get sample grants, logic models, videos, and more. Start to write winning grants! https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ 🖥️🔥 👉 Want to get paid to write grants? Join the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course to launch and grow a freelance grant writing business: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-course/ 🤗☕👉 Want to increase funding strategies for your Nonprofit? Join the Nonprofit Strategic Planning Master Course to schedule out your year and to increase diverse funding strategies: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/nonprofit-strategic-planning/ #1: Do Your Research Oh, the R word. I know some of you just groaned, but research is essential. In a typical business plan, you would definitely do market research, and it's not much different for a nonprofit organization. You need to understand what the needs are (using research) for your program. Potentially, a workforce program may not be what is the priority for the target demographic, but instead GED or educational support might be more of a priority. By doing this research you can fill out a section of your template (and include citations!) of what the specific needs are for your target demographic. This is huge as you can use this research for so many other items (website, social media copy, PSAs, etc.). #2: Identify a Problem Statement Now that you have done your research for your grant writing template, you can solidify a specific problem statement. Example problem statement: "There are no workforce training programs for at-risk youth, ages 16 to 18-year-old in Amazing city, which leads to a myriad of compounding risk factors." #3: Design Your Goal, Objective, Timeline Activity What is the one main positive change that your nonprofit's program will have? Example goal: "At-risk youth, ages 16 to 18-year-old in Amazing city will reduce their risk factors by securing workforce skills." The objectives underneath this will be how you will reach your goal. Example objective: "Program Amazing will provide three levels of workforce training to 25 at-risk youth, ages 16 to 18-year-old in Amazing city by the end of year one." Underneath your objective you will include different activities to accomplish to ensure your objective is accomplished. For example: Activity 1: The project director will secure three MOUs with workforce training partners by the end of month three. Activity 2: The project director will hire a outreach awareness coordinator to create fliers, social media posts and applications for the program in month one. Activity 3: The project director will attend six outreach events with partner organizations to recruit beneficiaries in the first three months. Activity 4: The project director will screen applications in month four. Activity 5: The project director will launch the program in month five. Activity 6: The 25 beneficiaries will attend workforce training during month five to month 12. #4: Develop Your Budget I love taking an excel sheet and putting it right next to my activities to figure out how much money will be needed for every item. We offer all of these plug-n-play documents in our Grant Writing Master Course. #5: Write up Your Nonprofit's Background Now it is time to write up the section that you will copy and paste the most! Check out www.grantwritingandfunding.com/208 for the full article. Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨

YouTube isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a powerful platform for fundraising.But how can nonprofits actually leverage it?In this episode, Sydney Stelmaszek shares her firsthand experience using YouTube to raise funds for SynGAP1 research, a rare disease that personally impacts her family. As a student of the grant writing master course, Sydney brings both heart and strategy as she explains how she and her husband tapped into his YouTube channel to support their nonprofit mission.We explore how nonprofits can partner with influencers to amplify fundraising efforts, how Sydney leveraged an existing audience to drive donations, and what it looks like to think outside the box when it comes to funding. She also shares insights from working within an international nonprofit, how to identify and collaborate with influencers, and how creative campaigns—like livestreaming a Tesla drive across the country—can generate both engagement and revenue.If you’re looking for innovative, mission-aligned ways to raise funds and expand your reach, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and take action.ABOUT OUR GUESTSydney Stelmaszek is a nonprofit advocate and fundraiser dedicated to advancing research for SynGAP1, a rare genetic condition that affects her son. Through creative fundraising strategies and digital platforms like YouTube, she has helped raise awareness and funds for international nonprofit efforts.Sydney combines her passion for advocacy with innovative thinking, leveraging technology and partnerships to drive meaningful impact for families affected by rare diseases.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.

Ansley Fender joins us to break down the essentials of nonprofit financial management, answering common questions around budgeting, cashflow planning, audits, and financial software like QuickBooks. She shares practical strategies to help nonprofits avoid financial red flags, including how to properly structure financial oversight with key roles like an internal reviewer, treasurer, and auditor. We also explore how financial systems connect across grant management, fundraising, operations, and programming, along with best practices for setting up your books, working with a CPA, managing financial reporting for grants, and understanding the importance of 990s to maintain transparency and compliance.ABOUT OUR GUESTAnsley Fender is a serial entrepreneur who carved her own path while working as a nonprofit financial consultant and bookkeeper, where she saw firsthand how time-consuming and expensive grant management can be. Driven to create a better solution, she founded Atlas to streamline the process. When the challenges of startup life arise, Ansley draws inspiration from her two fearless daughters.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.

Asking donors to give money to your nonprofit can feel uncomfortable—even stressful. Many nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers aren’t sure how to approach the conversation, what to ask for, or even who they should be asking. But here’s the truth: nonprofits need to ask for donations. The key is knowing how to do it effectively.In this episode, Dr. Omotola Akinsola of The Funding Magnet shares her powerful ASK Formula—a simple, actionable approach to help you confidently engage donors and increase giving. We break down how to start by asking those closest to you, how to expand your reach through your network, and how to confidently connect with new potential donors. Dr. Akinsola also shares insights on how to develop and implement a funding plan that supports long-term sustainability. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, grant writer, or board member, this episode will give you practical tools to approach fundraising with more clarity and confidence.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Omotola Akinsola is a funding strategist and founder of The Funding Magnet, where she helps nonprofits and changemakers attract sustainable funding through strategic planning and donor engagement. With a background in social work and grant writing, she brings a holistic approach to funding that combines relationship-building, program development, and financial strategy.Dr. Akinsola has extensive experience supporting nonprofits across the U.S. and internationally, helping organizations strengthen their funding pipelines and increase their impact.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.

To Move Mountains is an U.S. IRS tax-exempt nonprofit organization developed to facilitate education development in the conflict area of Nuba in Sudan. I had the pleasure of speaking to the founder of To Move Mountains, Ryan Boyette in this episode. He shares with you how this nonprofit has been able leverage resources and international funding. But first, they started (and remain) at the community level. They asked the pivotal question to the community, "What do you want?" A resounding voice was Education. _____________________________________________________________________ Want Resources on grant writing and funding? ✔️ ✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨ 👉💰🖥️ Grant Writing Master Course: Get sample grants, logic models, videos, and more. Start to write winning grants! https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ 👉 🖥️🔥 Want to get paid to write grants? Join the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course to launch and grow a freelance grant writing business: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-course/ 👉💡 🖥️ Want to increase your nonprofit’s sustainability? Join the Nonprofit Strategic Planning Master Course: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/nonprofit-strategic-planning/ ________________________________________________________________________________ What Ryan and I discuss on the Show ✔️ Why grassroots program development works better than top-down approaches ✔️ What the conflict has been in the Nuba Mountains ✔️ Why grassroots education is so important to Nuba people ✔️ How to get grants for organizations in other countries ✔️ Why large state grants might not be the best fit ✔️ How to get donors to engage in long-term projects Find out more about To Move Mountains: https://www.tomovemountains.org/ Find out more about this episode on https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/204

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every part of our lives—from mental and physical health to how we work and lead.Nonprofits and freelance grant writers are no exception.As we continue navigating the post-2020 landscape, the workforce has shifted dramatically—giving rise to what’s known as the Great Resignation. And while this shift has created challenges, it has also opened up new opportunities.In this episode, we explore how both nonprofit leaders and freelance grant writers can strategically leverage this moment.For nonprofits, this is a time to rethink hiring and operations. Instead of defaulting to traditional employees, consider working with freelancers or consultants who bring specialized expertise. It’s also an opportunity to broaden your hiring criteria—don’t limit candidates by requiring previous nonprofit experience when transferable skills can be just as valuable.Most importantly, this is the time to revisit your strategy. Through intentional strategic planning—like conducting a SWOT analysis, refining your mission and vision, aligning your funding streams, and mapping out your goals—you can gain clarity on what your organization truly needs to grow. This clarity will help you determine the right roles to fill and whether those roles should be employees or contractors.For freelance grant writers, the Great Resignation has normalized remote work like never before.This means more opportunities to work with organizations across the country (or even globally), while leveraging your specialized skill set in grant writing—one that is in high demand. Ultimately, this moment is about alignment. When nonprofits get clear on their mission and strategy, they attract the right people. And when grant writers step into their expertise, they can build flexible, sustainable careers.If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move—this episode will help you see the opportunities right in front of you.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/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.

Grant writers cannot get paid to write grants on commission. This is one of the most popular urban myths of the grant writing world. It might sound like a win-win situation, but it's not. ✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨ 🖥️ Free Training on January 24th 2022: "How to Identify 50 Nonprofit Clients in Less Than an Hour" https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-clients ✨ 5-Day Challenge: Confidently Pitch Your Grant Writing Services to Nonprofit Clients: (may be closed after Jan. 21st, 2022. Join our Hub Haven for the next challenge update at www.grantwritingandfunding.com): https://grantwritingandfunding.com/5-day ----------------------------------------------------- Courses at Grant Writing & Funding 👉💰🖥️ Grant Writing Master Course: Get sample grants, logic models, videos, and more. Start to write winning grants! https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ 👉 🖥️🔥 Want to get paid to write grants? Join the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course to launch and grow a freelance grant writing business: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-course/ 👉💡 🖥️ Want to increase your nonprofit’s sustainability? Join the Nonprofit Strategic Planning Master Course: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/nonprofit-strategic-planning/ ------------------------------------------------------- #1: Writing a Grant on Commission is Against Best Practices & Is Unethical Getting paid a percentage of the grant award is against the best practices of the grant writing community. Some of the leading associations who prohibit writing grants on commission include the Association of Funding Professionals, Grant Professionals Association, and Grantsmanship Center, and here at Grant Writing & Funding. #2: Writing Grants on Commission is Against Federal & Accounting Guidelines According to the OMB Super Circular Uniform Guidance proposal costs are aligned with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and pre-award costs are very specific. The GAAP standards state that fundraising services should be paid “at the time services are provided.” #3: Grant Budgets Cannot be Allocated For Pre-Award Costs When creating a budget for a grant program, you design a budget for costs to (generally) create, operate, or expand a nonprofit's program. These budgets are generally for future projects (or expansion of programs). Once the grant is submitted, it goes through a review process. If your grant makes it to the top for approval, you then enter into a grant agreement (contract) with the funding source. They are approving your budget from time of signature forward. #4: Writing Grants on Commission is Unethical because a Grant is a Product Once a grant writer has written a grant, they have created a product. This product is a business plan that can be used for multiple funding advancements. Plus, this takes a grant writer's time, technical writing experience, and grant writing knowledge. Many grant writers invest in grant writing courses and hone their skills over years. Even if the grant proposal does NOT get awarded, it is still a product that can be repurposed for the following items: ✨ Resubmit to the same funding source next funding cycle ✨ Submit to other grant funding sources ✨ Submit for funding to corporate sponsors, etc. ✨ Use the copy from the grant for fundraisers, on websites, fliers, social media, etc. Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe and check out the full article here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/4-reasons-why-a-grant-writer-cannot-get-paid-on-commission/ Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author ✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Mazarine Treyz to have an honest and necessary conversation about gender bias in the nonprofit sector. With nearly 66% of grant writers in the United States identifying as women, the prevalence of discrimination, underpayment, and inequity is both widespread and unacceptable. Together, they unpack how sexism shows up in the nonprofit world, including how white supremacy culture can influence freelance grant writing spaces and workplace dynamics. They also challenge traditional structures like the 40-hour workweek and explore alternative rhythms that better support sustainability and equity. Mazarine shares empowering strategies for women to negotiate, advocate for themselves, and confidently ask for what they deserve—offering both validation and actionable steps to help break systemic bias and create a more equitable sector.ABOUT OUR GUESTMazarine Treyz is an internationally recognized nonprofit consultant, author, and advocate for equity in the nonprofit sector. She specializes in fundraising, grant writing, and helping organizations build sustainable development strategies. Mazarine is also a leading voice in addressing gender bias and dismantling inequitable systems within the nonprofit world, empowering women to step into leadership, negotiate confidently, and advocate for systemic change.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTWebsite: https://mazarinetreyz.com/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.