Grant Writing & Funding

Why is this important? Well, it’ll do the following things for you Freelance Grant Writers and Nonprofit Consultants: • Create relationships on and offline • Develop & nurture warm leads • Give you a plan of how to start the pitch discussion Okay, I am going to outline the 3 Essential Steps for Freelance Grant Writers to Pitch Services #1: Reframe Your Thinking from When Do I Ask for Money to What Problems Do I Solve? #2: Create / Share Valuable Content that Solves the Problems #3: Implement the “Give, Give, Give, Ask” Approach If you have any questions, feel free to email holly@grantwritingandfunding.com I’d love to connect with you! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzIfwJt0az9KKwKz1Uc8vg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to your Freelance Grant Writer: 6 Weeks to Summer Success Toolkit! ✨✨ I know, I know, many of us still have our kids at home this summer as summer programs are still closed (ahem), and we may be burned out with being on our screens all the time. I get it. You need something tangible that you can do today that will move your business forward and pick up some serious momentum. The “Work Smarter, Not Harder’ adage could never be truer than right now. So first let’s cover what reading this article – and doing the free downloadable – will not do for you. You will not make a million dollars overnight or get 5,000 clients in 15 minutes. But here’s what it can do for you: ✨ Be the gamechanger that keeps you working in your business this summer ✨ Give you the confidence to take it up a notch ✨ Provide guidelines that relieve your stress and that looming monster in the back of your mind called procrastination Get the Toolkit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-six-weeks-to-summer-success-toolkit/ If you have any questions, feel free to email holly@grantwritingandfunding.com I’d love to connect with you! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzIfwJt0az9KKwKz1Uc8vg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ If you are a freelance grant writer / nonprofit consultant: ● You might be paralyzed with going after funding because you just aren’t sure what to do. ● You might not want to pitch your services because you are nervous asking nonprofits for money right now. ● You aren’t sure what types of grants and funding are available. If you are a nonprofit leader or development coordinator: • You might have put off applying for grants because you aren’t sure what projects you want funded • You might have been focused on getting PPP and CARES Act funding and put the grants to the side. • You might just think the Feds aren’t funding regular grant programs right now. This podcast episode will address all these three items and you will learn the following: • The current grant environment • Where to find grants • Why charging clients is acceptable or if you are a nonprofit how to pay for help This will help you to be competitive in the current funding arena and gain new clients if you are a freelance grant writer or nonprofit consultant, or help you stand out in the crowd and move forward in sustainable funding if you are a nonprofit leader. If you have any questions, feel free to email holly@grantwritingandfunding.com I’d love to connect with you! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzIfwJt0az9KKwKz1Uc8vg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author

This week’s episode continues our Nonprofit Strategic Planning series—and it comes at the perfect time. We’re halfway through the year, which makes this the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and get clear on your strategy moving forward.If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills or you’re a consultant (or aspiring one) wanting to expand your services into strategic planning, this episode is for you.Joining me is Samantha Taitano, Executive Director of Mañe’lu (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam), who shares practical and powerful insights on how to rethink fundraising and grow your nonprofit’s impact.In our conversation, Samantha dives into strategic planning tips, time management for productivity, and creative fundraising pivots that nonprofits can implement right now. We also explore how to build a strong and committed board of directors, why tracking your social media data matters more than just posting content, and how to choose the right platforms for your organization.Additionally, we discuss branding, hosting effective strategic planning retreats, navigating HR challenges while wearing multiple hats in a small nonprofit, and why now is a great time to apply for grants with potentially less competition.Samantha also shares her experience transitioning an organization from a national nonprofit model to a locally driven one—along with lessons learned along the way.If you’re ready to get focused, strategic, and creative with your nonprofit planning and fundraising, this episode is packed with actionable insights.ABOUT OUR GUESTSamantha Taitano is the Executive Director of Mañe’lu, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and educating youth and families to create positive change in their lives. Since joining the organization in 2018, she has successfully led its transformation and rebranding from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam to Mañe’lu.Samantha has secured over $500,000 in grant funding, enabling the expansion of programs and services across the organization. Her background includes community development work with the Peace Corps in South Africa, where she supported rural communities, as well as experience in the private sector developing IT solutions.She is passionate about strengthening local communities, building organizational capacity, and integrating innovative strategies into nonprofit leadership. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with her island home of Guam and exploring new destinations.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 to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Are you ready to make all your 2020 goals happen during the next six months? Or are you still trying to figure out how to survive during the pandemic? If you are either a nonprofit leader, staff, or volunteer and are trying to move the needle forward on your nonprofit OR if you are an aspiring freelance consultant and are stuck in overwhelm then this podcast and article is for you! Just imagine how much more accomplished you will feel having the steps to create a plan that will work. These 10 steps can be down internally in your nonprofit or business OR if you are a freelance grant writer or nonprofit consultant can be learned services you can offer!  So if you want to make a huge difference in ending the cycle of stressing out about not having enough time, not securing the funding you need, and having real burnout and instead you want to feel in control of your life, have a higher quality of life, and have a plan that brings in real financial results, then this is for you. If you want to go WAY more into depth, get downloadables and checklists, and MORE, then get the Nonprofit Strategic Planning Master Course. If you get it by June 30th you get $100 off the price! As a grant writer, you know that all nonprofits are not able to go for grants all the time or that they could improve their projects. Thus, this episode will give you skills to do each of these 10 steps as a stand-alone service for nonprofits or you can do them all as an overall package. In any case, this is another way to multiply your streams of income. Check out www.grantwritingandfunding.com/126. If you have any questions, feel free to email holly@grantwritingandfunding.com I’d love to connect with you! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzIfwJt0az9KKwKz1Uc8vg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Being stuck in decision paralysis is real. This might be because you have made the 'wrong' decision before or you aren't sure about the future and how it will all turn out. Honestly, either of those reasons feeds into your decision paralysis, but digging a layer deeper is more important and effective.  It's knowing not just what your values are, but in what order you follow your values.  For the month of June, I am giving you some amaze-balls strategic planning action steps to follow. Last week I shared the 4 Reasons to Expand (Not Grow) Your Nonprofit or Freelance Consultancy. We will continue how to not just survive the pandemic, but how to thrive utilizing basic action steps. Keep listening if you resonate with one of the following: Nonprofit Leaders and Freelance Consultants: This is for you if: ✔ You are not sure where to even start with pivoting your organization in the new normal ✔ You take on projects sometimes that you want to avoid completing and aren’t sure why ✔ You have a really hard time making decisions As we follow through on the series this month, we are doing to discuss how to know when to cut your expenses in order how to expand. For this podcast, you will learn how to do the following: 1. List all of your values for your nonprofit or business 2. Evaluate them and see if they really are the main values Brainstorm new values (check out www.grantwritingandfunding.com/125 for more ideas) Read them out loud and see if they are action words and have emotional meaning for you 3. Prioritize your values 4. Look at your products / services and see if there is something that is not congruent with your values and needs to be strategized or cut. If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on iTunes! I’d love to hear your thoughts and this helps others find the podcast and get value to help their nonprofits or freelance consultancies expand. I’d love to connect with you! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzIfwJt0az9KKwKz1Uc8vg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Just what is the difference between growth and expansion, and why should I think about this half-way through 2020? One of the best ways I have heard the difference is: “Growth is doing the same thing bigger. Expansion is using the current platform to develop other areas of business.” However, I’d like for you to think of expanding also as a mindset and as an action. The way I am talking about expanding here is the opposite of constricting. Expanding is key. Therefore… Nonprofit Leaders: This podcast is for you if: ✔️ You are not sure where to even start with pivoting your nonprofit in the new normal ✔️ You do in-person events and fundraisers and now need a different way to get income ✔️ You are overwhelmed by putting out virtual fires every day instead of focusing on GROWTH for your nonprofit Freelance Consultants: This is for you if: ✔️ You aren’t sure if you should close the shop ✔️ You need to figure out a new way to get clients ✔️ Your expenses overwhelm your income So if you want to move forward and expand your nonprofit or your consultancy, but just aren’t sure how to do that, this podcast is for you. Press play… If you have any questions, feel free to email holly@grantwritingandfunding.com I’d love to connect with you! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzIfwJt0az9KKwKz1Uc8vg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author

In this special behind-the-scenes episode from the Open Kimono series, Holly Rustick is interviewed by Dr. James Pann to share her journey and insights into building a successful grant writing consultancy. This episode is perfect for aspiring and established consultants alike who want to sharpen their grant writing skills and grow their business with real-world lessons. Together, they dive into how Holly got started in grant writing, why conducting a Needs and Strengths Assessment is essential, and what led her to launch her own company. They also discuss where to find grants, how to set realistic expectations with nonprofit clients, and what to communicate when funding isn’t awarded. Holly shares lessons learned from podcasting, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and how to use tools like the G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to get started with writing proposals. The conversation also highlights why becoming a grant reviewer can strengthen your skills, resources for new grant writers, and how platforms like Instagram can help you build meaningful professional connections.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. James Pann, Ph.D., is an educator, interviewer, and thought leader who brings insightful conversations to the nonprofit and professional development space. Through his work, he highlights the journeys and expertise of leaders, helping audiences gain practical strategies and inspiration for growth. His engaging interview style draws out actionable insights that support both aspiring and experienced professionals.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.

Jenni Hargrove joins us to share what foundations are really looking for when deciding to fund your nonprofit and how you can better position your organization for success. She breaks down key insights into funder expectations, along with practical strategies for improving your nonprofit’s visibility through Search Engine Optimization (SEO) so you can rank higher in Google search results. We also explore how to easily host online auctions as a fundraising strategy, giving nonprofits additional tools to diversify revenue and increase engagement.ABOUT OUR GUESTJenni Hargrove is a nonprofit consultant and fundraising strategist who specializes in helping organizations increase their visibility, strengthen their funding strategies, and leverage digital tools for growth. With expertise in foundation funding, SEO, and online fundraising, Jenni supports nonprofits in building sustainable revenue streams and expanding their reach in an increasingly digital world.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 to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ This week my project manager and I are taking you behind the scenes of Grant Writing & Funding to share with you how we’re pivoting in light of Covid-19. We also share our favorite systems for running online businesses. If you have any questions, feel free to email holly@grantwritingandfunding.com I’d love to connect with you! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzIfwJt0az9KKwKz1Uc8vg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wego-grants/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick