Grant Writing & Funding

✨ Join my Free 5-day FB Challenge: Confidently Pitch Your Grant Writing Services to Nonprofit Clients" Click here: http://grantwritingandfunding.com/5-day ✨ Grant Writing Certificate. To have or not to have?  And then... from where? This is a question I get all the time.  I get this question from freelance grant writers and aspiring freelancers, but I also get it from potential nonprofit clients.  Do you have a grant writing certificate? This question, and 7 more common questions asked by nonprofit clients, I will go over in even more detail (and give you a fill-in-the-blank script) in my upcoming 5-Day FB Challenge, "Confidently Pitch Your Grant Writing Services to Nonprofit Clients" on March 8th - 12th. Sign up above. But for this week's podcast, I will uncover the answer to the elusive question, "Do you have a grant writing certificate?" Here's the thing though. Grant Certificate or not, it doesn't really showcase your grant writing abilities. To have long-standing credibility and a reputation and to implement your learned skills, you need to write grants. Real-world grants. Not just a sample in a grant workshop. You need a pen to paper (or, er, keyboard to monitor?) and get out there and write some grants.  So, yes, a grant writing certificate can increase your resume and improve your skills, but grant writing certificate or not, you need to actually write grants. If you aren't sure where to start, then check out nonprofits to volunteer at! And believe me, if you start volunteering the nonprofit won't ask you for a grant writing certificate! But you may be able to ask them to pay for your grant writing certificate and then you will volunteer ;)  So do you really need one? No. However, a grant writing certificate can be helpful in increasing credibility, knowledge, skills, and confidence. But you still will need to actually start writing grants. 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 I’d love to connect with you! Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about grant writing—and believing these myths can hold you back from success.In this episode, we break down seven of the most common grant writing myths and what you actually need to know.First, let’s talk about the idea that grants are easy to get. While grants are absolutely possible to win, they are competitive and require skill, strategy, and practice to write effectively. We also unpack the misconception that grants never have to be paid back. While generally true, funds must be used exactly as approved—or you risk having to return them. Always communicate with the funder before making any changes to your budget.Another big myth? That grants can be used for personal expenses. The reality is that grants are awarded for specific program purposes—not to pay off personal debt or unrelated costs. We also cover the belief that grant writing is just like writing an English paper. While writing skills help, grant writing is a technical craft with its own rules and structure.And let’s talk about money. You should not be writing grants for free if you have the skills and experience—you can and should get paid for your work. But at the same time, working on commission is not ethical and goes against industry best practices.Finally, we address whether you can get paid clients without experience. If you’re new, it’s important to first build your skills—through volunteering, training, or internships—so you can confidently deliver results and charge for your services.If you’re ready to separate fact from fiction and build a strong foundation in grant writing, this episode is a must-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.

✨ Click here to download the Infographic Top 10 Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Executive Director: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/158-3-tactics-you-didnt-know-to-become-a-nonprofit-executive-director-ninja/ ​ ✨ What if you had a checklist to help streamline your duties as an executive director of a nonprofit organization? Sometimes an executive director of a nonprofit organization is stereotyped as juggling a million things and getting paid peanuts. But this doesn't, nor shouldn't, need to be the case. For a nonprofit organization to thrive, the executive director should have a roadmap. Some nonprofit organizations may not even have an executive director yet, and are even drooling at this aspect of having one! But the deal is - if your nonprofit is so fortunate to have an executive director - don't burn them out! So here's the old hierarchal order of a nonprofit. There is a board of directors that provides guidance for the nonprofit organization and then the executive director implements this guidance. Of course, the board should still support the mission in governance ways, and other staff, volunteers, and consultants can help out too! The executive director is then often tasked with a lot of items, ranging from taking minutes of meetings to writing grants! This is why they get the stereotype of juggling a lot of diverse responsibilities. Well, if you know of a busy nonprofit executive director that feels like they are virtually drowning, or if you are one, then you will want to listen to this week's podcast! Sean discusses the following: How to communicate with your board of directors How to delegate How to manage time (time management hacks) What activities to focus on most of the time (high level) What you should ask for in a contract and why one is important Much more... ✨ Click here to download the Infographic Top 10 Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Executive Director: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/158-3-tactics-you-didnt-know-to-become-a-nonprofit-executive-director-ninja/✨

Ready to start growing your freelance grant writing business—but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Starting a freelance grant writing business or nonprofit consultancy can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding and securing your first clients. It can feel like you’re staring out at a massive ocean of possibilities with no clear direction.But it doesn’t have to be that way.In this episode, we walk through a clear, actionable roadmap to help you confidently connect with nonprofit leads and start securing clients—yes, even if you’re starting from zero.This step-by-step approach breaks down exactly how to identify your strengths, clarify your niche, and position your services so you can attract the right clients.We cover the five essential steps to building your client pipeline: Identifying your skillset  Clarifying your passion, knowledge, and experiences  Deciding which services to offer first  Creating a targeted nonprofit client lead list  Pitching your services with confidence By following this roadmap, you can build a list of at least 50 nonprofit leads—making it much more realistic to secure your first (or next) 10 clients.Even better? These strategies help turn cold outreach into warm opportunities, so you can spend less time guessing and more time growing your business.If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of finding clients and start building momentum, this episode is your starting point.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.

Being a freelance grant writer doesn’t have to feel like a frustrating career filled with stress and uncertainty—it can be the exact opposite. In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with freelance grant writing expert and coach Rodney Walker to talk about how to build your business with a strong foundation and grow in a methodical, sustainable way. Rodney shares his journey from struggle to success and offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the mistakes many new grant writers make—and how to avoid them. From developing real confidence as a business owner to understanding when closed doors are actually signs to pivot, this conversation is packed with insights. They also explore the power of affirmations, what it truly takes to move from broke to financially stable, and insider details about igrantwriters.com—including how you might already be featured there. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing grant writing business, this episode will help you feel more confident, clear, and grounded in your path forward.ABOUT OUR GUESTRodney Walker is a freelance grant writing expert, coach, and founder of igrantwriters.com. He has helped aspiring and established grant writers build profitable businesses by strengthening their confidence, refining their skills, and avoiding common pitfalls in the industry. Through his work, Rodney empowers grant writers to create sustainable income streams while making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTWebsite: https://igrantwriters.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.

In this podcast, I am going to bring up when your freelance company or nonprofit should stand up for movements or injustice. Here’s the deal. Sometimes I see nonprofits and freelance companies not sure if they should publicly support something. Most of the time it’s not because you don’t support something, but rather you might not be sure if your brand should make a stand. In this episode, I am going to give you indicators on how you can quickly decide if you want your nonprofit to stand on an issue and how you want to represent it. I am not going to shove down your throat what my stances are on issues, however, I will use my company’s stances as examples that I actually practice what I preach. Here’s the issue. Many times nonprofits and freelancers are just scared to publish a social media post or say they are in alignment with issues. They may fear losing donors, losing followers, or getting unsubscribes on their email list. They may not want to marginalize or polarize their audience. I am going to show you how to make decisions where those fears will not be an issue. Why is this important? Because we are moving more and more from a position where non-political players have an influence in the social, economic, and yes political movements. The invention of social media is has created a platform for sharing views and perspectives. I remember when celebrities first got on social media and suddenly there was direct access to their thoughts and beliefs. It was, and is, pretty cool. But social media is also your platform of your nonprofit’s view and ethics or your freelance grant writing businesses branding. To post nothing is to post something. ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ 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 https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions: Why should I start a podcast? And once that’s answered, the next questions naturally follow—How do I start one? and Can I actually make money from a podcast?To break it all down, I’m joined by podcast expert Larry Roberts, host of Readily Random and 1 Big Win. Larry shares why podcasting is such a powerful platform for building your voice, expanding your reach, and creating new opportunities—and why he’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after podcast consultants in the United States.We explore why podcasting is a powerful tool for nonprofit leaders and freelance grant writers to build authority, credibility, and meaningful connections. A podcast can serve as your platform and voice, helping you become a go-to expert, open doors to speaking opportunities, and share impactful stories that resonate with funders and donors.We also break down how to monetize a podcast, from promoting your own services and campaigns to understanding that revenue builds over time. You’ll learn how to strategically use your podcast to support both digital and physical offerings while growing your audience.Finally, Larry takes us behind the scenes of his journey from a 21-year career into full-time podcasting. He shares lessons on trusting your intuition, testing the market before making a leap, recognizing when it’s time for a change, and why building multiple streams of income is essential—especially during uncertain times.ABOUT OUR GUESTLarry Roberts is a podcast expert, host of Readily Random and 1 Big Win, and a highly sought-after podcast consultant. He is quickly becoming one of the top podcast consultants in the United States, helping entrepreneurs and creators successfully launch and grow their shows.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.

Are you ready to stand out in your next job interview or elevate your professional presence online?In this episode, Lynée Alves shares expert strategies on how to position yourself for success—whether you're applying for a nonprofit role, growing your freelance grant writing business, or advancing your career.We dive into how to interview with confidence and clarity, including practical tips to help you communicate your value, showcase your experience, and leave a lasting impression.Lynée also breaks down how to optimize your LinkedIn profile so it actually works for you—helping you attract opportunities, build credibility, and expand your professional network.From mindset shifts to actionable tactics, this episode is packed with insights to help you show up as your best professional self. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, volunteer, or freelancer, these strategies will help you take your career to the next level.ABOUT OUR GUESTLynée Alves is a career and business coach who helps individuals effectively position their skills and experience to achieve their professional goals. She specializes in job search strategies, interview preparation, and mindset coaching to help her clients gain confidence and clarity in their careers.Lynée works with professionals across industries, including nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs, to strengthen their personal brand, improve their communication skills, and create opportunities for growth and advancement.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.

Oh my goodness—this episode was so much fun to put together.I went back through some of the most-listened-to episodes of 2020 and pulled out the absolute best moments—the gold of the good. Think of this as your caramel boutique popcorn snack: bite-sized, powerful insights you can enjoy all in one place.In this special mash-up episode, we kick things off with impactful nonprofit tips before diving into pricing and packaging strategies for freelance grant writers. Along the way, you’ll hear wisdom, strategies, and perspectives that helped shape how we all pivoted—and continue to pivot—in the nonprofit and grant writing world.This episode is more than just a highlight reel—it’s a snapshot in time. A reminder of the resilience, creativity, and innovation that emerged during a pivotal year.You’ll also hear from an incredible lineup of experts featured throughout the episode, including nonprofit leaders, grant professionals, and industry influencers who share their top insights and strategies.If you’re looking for inspiration, practical tips, and a dose of motivation from voices across the field, this episode delivers.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.

What is your New Year’s resolution for your nonprofit?As Dr. Beverly Browning says, “This is the time not to drink, but to think.”In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can use this time to reflect, reset, and strategically plan for the year ahead—especially in a landscape that has shifted priorities and funding opportunities. We discuss why understanding the full journey from startup to sustainability is critical before even launching your nonprofit, and how having the right foundation—like a strong board of directors, a clear strategic plan, financial systems, and cohesive branding—can set you up for long-term success.We also explore how to reflect on what truly matters for your organization, set new and aligned goals with your board, evaluate whether your mission, vision, and values are still in sync, and determine if it’s time to create new or adapted programs.If you’re ready to move into the new year with clarity, intention, and a stronger strategy, this episode will help guide your next steps.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits build strong foundations—from startup through sustainability—by developing strategic plans, diversified funding streams, and effective organizational systems.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.