Grant Writing & Funding

As we’ve navigated through the pandemic and into a more digital world, one thing is clear—online engagement and fundraising are here to stay.And if you’re like many nonprofit leaders, you might be thinking: I need to learn everything about online marketing and invest all my resources into it.But what if it didn’t have to be that complicated?In this episode, Brady Josephson joins us to share a simpler, more effective approach to online fundraising for nonprofits. Instead of overwhelming strategies, Brady breaks things down into practical steps you can take right now to strengthen your online presence, connect with your audience, and increase donations. We talk about how to focus your efforts, avoid common pitfalls, and create meaningful engagement without burning out your team or your budget.If you’re ready to simplify your digital fundraising strategy while still seeing results, this episode is a must-listen.ABOUT OUR GUESTBrady Josephson is a nonprofit marketing and fundraising expert known for helping organizations grow their impact through simple, effective digital strategies. He has worked with leading nonprofit organizations to improve online fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing performance.Brady is passionate about cutting through the noise of complex marketing tactics and helping nonprofits focus on what truly works to build relationships and drive sustainable funding.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 a grant writer—or aspiring to become one—especially during times of uncertainty, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s exactly why we brought two powerhouse experts, Dr. Beverly Browning and Rodney Walker, together for a live, virtual Q&A session to tackle some of the most common (and real) challenges grant writers face.In this episode, we dive into lessons learned from failed grant applications, recommendations on grant writing certifications, and how to navigate the ups and downs of client workload—from having too few clients to suddenly being overwhelmed.We also explore practical advice for beginners just entering the grant world, including how to build credibility with limited experience and how to confidently demonstrate your value to potential clients or employers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to stabilize and grow your grant writing business, this episode is packed with honest insights and expert guidance.ABOUT OUR GUESTSDr. 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 is known for her practical, results-driven approach to grant writing and funding strategy.Rodney Walker is the President of Grant Central USA, an internationally recognized grant development training firm that helps organizations secure six- and seven-figure grants. He leads a network of licensed trainers who deliver one of today’s leading systems in grant development. Rodney is passionate about helping organizations streamline their grant processes and significantly reduce the time it takes to secure funding.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.

This is an extra-special episode! I hope you enjoy listening to this dynamic panel of grant writing experts, including Rodney Walker of Grant Central USA, Dr. Beverly Browning, author of Grant Writing for Dummies, and Holly Rustick.Together, they bring a broad range of experience and insights from across the grant writing field, sharing perspectives, lessons learned, and expert advice to help you strengthen your grant writing skills and approach.ABOUT OUR GUESTSRodney Walker is the founder of Grant Central USA, supporting nonprofits and organizations in securing funding and building strong grant strategies.Dr. Beverly Browning is the author of Grant Writing for Dummies and a nationally recognized expert in grant writing and nonprofit funding strategies. She has helped thousands of organizations improve their grant success rates through her trainings and resources.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.

Sarah Olivieri joins us to discuss how nonprofits can increase productivity and strengthen their operations during times of uncertainty, including the challenges brought on by Covid-19. She shares insights on whether nonprofits should pursue CARES Act funding, how to plan spending to not only survive but thrive, and ways to expand and engage your donor base. We also explore what it truly means to pivot operations, the eight key areas of nonprofit operations, strategies for building resilience, the importance of networking and relationship-building during a crisis, and why taking calculated risks can be essential for growth.ABOUT OUR GUESTSarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders improve their organizations through stronger operations, strategic planning, and leadership development. With a background in nonprofit management and business strategy, Sarah specializes in helping organizations become more efficient, sustainable, and impactful. She is known for her practical frameworks that empower nonprofits to scale their work, adapt to change, and lead with clarity.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 ✨✨ I know that nonprofits are struggling right now because of event cancellations and all of the changes that come from the circumstances of Covid-19. As we move forward in this unstable time, we can find peace and calmness in the things we can control, and much needed relief in letting go of the things we can’t control. I am here with encouragement! There’s actually a huge influx of grant funding at this point in time. The federal government in the United States as well as foundations and corporations have acknowledged the overwhelming need for organizations and small business, and they are releasing funding streams. Get a 50% discount on ALL of my online course thru April 30th! 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

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Oftentimes, freelance grant writers and nonprofit consultants think they are ready to go. They have their packages, they know their mission and vision, and they have a functional website and followers on LinkedIn, but they are hearing crickets. In this podcast, I am going to give you the first step for getting more clients. It’s probably not going to be what you think. But it’s really the most important step. 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

I often get emails from people asking about grants in Europe. Although I have worked on international grants before, that is not my forte.So I was super pleased when Geir Sand Nilsen reached out to me to discuss the challenges and solutions of European grants. This goes for grants for businesses, grant writers, and nonprofits.In this podcast, Geir and I discuss:Challenges of EU grantsNavigation is a messEU is a union with many different languages and cultures so it is difficult to organize a central place for grant researchIt’s a partner’s game. You need intra-country partners for many grantsLocal help. Your country needs to have money to fund the grantsIn the end, it’s about EuropeAbout Geir Sand NilsenGeir Sand Nilsen is a Norwegian-based serial tech entrepreneur and thought leader. He has experience from a wide range of industries including app development, mobile marketing, social media, chatbots, and educational technology. For his ventures, Geir has raised both public grants and private funding from the Nordics, EU, Singapore and the US. In his newest venture, mrgrants.com, Geir will use technology to make life easier for all grant writers in the EU.Connect with Geir:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geirsandTwitter: https://twitter.com/geirsandGeir’s Top Quotes:“My nature is finding money to build the dreams. Now I just want to go back and do this a lot, and help others do the same thing.”“Building a business that scales always comes down to understanding people.”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/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.

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Ashia Stevens to discuss how to strengthen your nonprofit from the inside out by building a committed board, increasing product-based revenue, and organizing impactful fundraisers. Ashia shares how her passion for animals led her to create a growing nonprofit and the strategies she’s used to expand its reach and sustainability. The conversation dives into practical ways to engage board members more effectively, develop income streams through product sales, and plan fundraisers that not only bring in revenue but also build community support. Whether you're looking to energize your leadership team or diversify your funding, this episode offers actionable insights to help your nonprofit thrive.ABOUT OUR GUESTAshia Stevens is the founder of a mission-driven animal nonprofit, where she has turned her passion for helping animals into a growing and impactful organization. With hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, Ashia focuses on building strong boards, creating sustainable revenue streams through product sales, and organizing successful fundraising events. Her work is rooted in compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to making a difference.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.

Do you know the difference between research and evaluation? Or how to clearly explain what a logic model is used for? These may seem like small distinctions, but they can make a major impact in grant writing.In many grant applications, the evaluation section alone can be worth up to 30 points—and with competitive grants often requiring scores of 93 or higher, getting this right is critical. In this episode, Dr. James Pann joins us to break down the differences between research and evaluation, explain the purpose of a logic model, and share insights on how to find the right expert to support your evaluation section.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. James Pann is an expert in evaluation and research, helping organizations design strong evaluation frameworks and clearly communicate impact within grant proposals.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ The nonprofits you work with (or the nonprofit you work at) need to not only look at grants, but also other funding sources. Yes, grants can be awesome, but the fiscal health of a nonprofit should not be fully reliant on grants. Get your FREE checklist at https://grantwritingandfunding.com/111 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