Grant Writing & Funding

Grant writers ask me this question a lot, “Holly, how much should I charge to write grants?”While executive directors at nonprofit organizations ask me, “How much should I expect to pay to hire a freelance grant writer?”My answer… Well, there certainly is no magic number.But there are systems to identify what rates YOU can charge as a grant writer.Because the most important constant variable in this situation is…You.Whether that is you as a freelance grant writer or you as an executive director. What are you willing to charge or what are you willing to pay?About Mandy PearceIn 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.Mandy lives in Hickory with her husband, Ricardo, and their two furbabies, Dalli and Max. She and Ricardo also own and operate a successful landscaping and custom woodworking company, Two Green Thumbs and More (twogreenthumbsandmore.com). On her decompression days, she enjoys working in their garden, sipping sweet tea on their porch swing with a good magazine and cooking gourmet meals for their family and friends.Ways to Connect with Mandy:Website: Funding for GoodFunding for Good Training: Webinar Series LinkedIn: Connect with MandyOTHER 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.

Does your nonprofit struggle to retain donors while constantly searching for new ones? You’re not alone.This challenge is known as donor churn—and most nonprofits lose around 55% of their donors every year. Even more surprising? It can cost 50–100% more to acquire new donors than the value of their initial donation. So how do you break the cycle?In this episode, we explore a powerful and personal approach to donor engagement using video—with Matt Barnett, co-founder of Bonjoro.Bonjoro is a platform designed to help organizations build real relationships at scale through simple, personalized video messages. Imagine this: a new donor gives to your nonprofit, you get a notification, record a quick thank-you video using their name, and send it off in minutes. That small effort can create a huge, lasting impact.Matt and I dive into how nonprofits can use Bonjoro to strengthen donor relationships, increase retention, and enhance fundraising campaigns. We talk about using video for monthly giving programs, why relationship-building is at the core of sustainable funding, and how Bonjoro makes this process seamless and effective.We also explore the inspiration behind Bonjoro, the company’s unique culture (including the story behind the bears!), their 1% pledge, and even tips on working with virtual teams.If you’re looking for innovative, human-centered ways to connect with your donors and grow your impact, this episode is packed with actionable ideas.ABOUT OUR GUESTMatt Barnett is the co-founder of Bonjoro, a customer (and donor) engagement platform designed to help businesses and nonprofits build meaningful relationships through personalized video messaging. With a background in entrepreneurship and a passion for human connection, Matt created Bonjoro to help organizations scale authenticity and stand out in a digital world.Through Bonjoro, Matt has helped thousands of organizations improve customer and donor retention by making communication more personal, impactful, and memorable.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTBonjoro Website: https://www.bonjoro.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.

✨💌 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/ Writing grant proposals can feel overwhelming, defeating, and just plain stressful. However, it doesn't need to feel that way when writing a grant proposal. When you understand the basic grant writing structure, then you start to: ✨ Put grants together more quickly ✨ Feel more confident when starting the grant writing process ✨ Start to see your grant award success rate improve Follow these simple steps to write a grant to eliminate overwhelm, defeat, and stress! ✔️ ​Step #1 Grant Proposal Process - Get the FOA/RFP ✔️ Step #2 Grant Proposal Process - Research the Needs and Design ️✔️ S️tep #3 Grant Proposal Process - Articulate the Goal ✔️ Step #4 Grant Proposal Process - Narrow the Objectives ✔️ Step #5 Grant Proposal Process - Timeline Your Activities/Tasks ✔️ Step #6 Grant Proposal Process - Strategic Budget ✔️ Step #7 Grant Proposal Process - Submit Early For the full article, visit: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/7-steps-to-write-a-grant-proposal/ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to join the free Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven ✨✨

Is your nonprofit on Instagram—but not seeing real results?In this episode, Christina Edwards, founder of Splendid Consulting, shares how nonprofits can strategically use Instagram to grow their audience and convert followers into real supporters and donors.We dive into simple, actionable steps to help you avoid the social media rabbit hole and focus on what actually matters—conversion. Christina breaks down how to move followers to take meaningful action, how to use tools like Canva to create quick and effective graphics, and how to develop pillar content that keeps your messaging consistent and aligned.We also explore how to manage your time so social media doesn’t take over your day, how to direct followers to your nonprofit’s website, and how to use Instagram’s built-in donate button to make giving easy and accessible.If you’re ready to use Instagram more intentionally—and actually see results—this episode will give you the strategy you need.ABOUT OUR GUESTChristina Edwards is the founder of Splendid Consulting, where she helps nonprofits grow their impact through strategic marketing and communications. She specializes in social media strategy, content creation, and helping organizations convert online engagement into meaningful action.Christina is passionate about helping nonprofits simplify their marketing efforts, save time, and build stronger connections with their audiences.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.

The Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven is your go-to space for support, strategy, and success in your grant writing journey. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure about your next steps in securing funding, this episode is for you.In this solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into what the Hub Haven is, why it was created, and how it serves as a powerful resource for both new and experienced grant writers. From ongoing training and expert guidance to a supportive community of like-minded professionals, the Hub Haven is designed to help you build confidence, increase your income, and win more grants.Tune in to learn how you can leverage this space to stay consistent, sharpen your skills, and grow a sustainable grant writing business—all while being part of a movement that’s making a real impact.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.

✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨ It's almost that time of the year! GivingTuesday is right around the corner and you might be getting ready to raise funds for your nonprofit! Therefore, it is only fitting that we have Nonprofit Jenni on the show to share some awesome tips about GivingTuesday strategies. Jenni has worked with nonprofits for years on GivingTuesday fundraising campaigns and shares some case studies on what works! Plus, she's got an amazing Book Club opening up :) In this show we discuss: ✔️What is GivingTuesday ✔️How Nonprofit Organizations can utilize GivingTuesday to grow donors ✔️Realistic Revenue Goals for GivingTuesday ✔️The Steps to Roll Out a GivingTuesday Campaign ✔️Jenni's new Nonprofit Book Club "Over Head Book Club" Jenni hosts the podcast, the Nonprofit Jenni Show, which you can find for free on your favorite podcast app, and runs a virtual book club for nonprofit leaders. 🤗 Contact Jenni: https://www.nonprofitjenni.com/ 📚 Join the Over Head book club (use 10OFF Coupon for GW&F Youtubers!): https://www.nonprofitjenni.com/coursesandmore/nonprofit-book-club-box I hope you enjoy this podcast! 👉💰🖥️ 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/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

Are you looking for a place to find Foundation Grants? Look no further, Instrumentl is your place! ✨ [Start your 14-day trial here: https://www.instrumentl.com/holly] and use ‘HOLLY50′ to save $50 off your first month. 🍾 Want other FREE Grant Writing & Funding Tools? https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com 🖥️ Want the Grant Writing Master Course? Get tons of templates and tools to write winning grants: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ We have Gauri Manglik back on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast and YouTube Show this week to discuss Instrumentl's updates to include how to analyze 990s for funding prospecting. Instrumentl known as the "institutional fundraising platform". It is a subscription-based software of where you can find grants and funding opportunities. Gauri is the co-founder and CEO of Instrumentl, and brings her computer science background into full view as we discuss how to use 990s for your grant research. If you have never looked at a foundation's 990s (what they need to submit to the IRS each year to include what grants they awarded, to whom, and for what), then you are missing out! 990s are key in understanding how funding sources allocate their money. Don't worry. We will break it down in this episode today! What Gauri and I Discuss on 990s prospecting: Why 990s are essential for grant research Hacks on what to look for in 990s The upcoming Advanced Prospecting Workshops The new updates in the Pro Plus Plan Why grant research can be tricky and overcoming hurdles And more! Click here to read the full article :) https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/194 ✨ [Start your 14-day trial here: https://www.instrumentl.com/holly] and use ‘HOLLY50′ to save $50 off your first month. 🍾 Want other FREE Grant Writing & Funding Tools? https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com 🖥️ Want the Grant Writing Master Course? Get tons of templates and tools to write winning grants: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/

Sean Kosofsky from Nonprofit Fixer joins us to share how nonprofits can successfully launch or revive a development (fundraising) committee to increase revenue without overburdening their board of directors. He breaks down what a development committee is, why it shouldn’t consist solely of board members, and the essential actions it must take to be effective. We also explore how to recruit and engage volunteers, assign and complete tasks efficiently, avoid social loafing, run productive meetings, and even make the process enjoyable—so your committee stays active, accountable, and results-driven.ABOUT OUR GUESTSean Kosofsky is the founder of Nonprofit Fixer, where he helps nonprofits grow their impact through smarter fundraising, advocacy, and strategic planning. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sean has raised millions of dollars, trained thousands of leaders, and worked with organizations across the country to strengthen their development strategies.Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Sean specializes in helping nonprofits fix what’s not working—whether it’s fundraising, board engagement, or organizational structure—so they can build sustainable and successful missions.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.

If you’re tired of being on the fence and you want to start a real business and get nonprofit clients, I can help. Or, if you’re already an accomplished grant writer and want to grow your business, you’ll see how the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course can get you there easier and faster. Let's outline how to start a real business and get nonprofit clients. I’m going to show you how to get there with a lot more ease.  And it’s all because of the system I’ve developed behind the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course. For more information, visit: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/192-sneak-peek-of-the-freelance-grant-writer-master-course/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

Understanding how to price grant writing services is one of the biggest headaches that freelance grant writers have. I know this because: Pricing services was what I struggled with the most, and It is the biggest question / coaching sessions that I get asked about by people transitioning into freelance grant writing. If you’ve ever been confused about how all the pieces of freelance grant writing fit together, and more importantly, what goes into creating massive success with freelance grant writing, this article is for you. Maybe you’re a newbie grant writer, and you aren’t sure how to price services, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer that isn’t experiencing the kind of growth you're after.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/ 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.