Grant Writing & Funding

In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Shiloh Holley, founder of Aderworks Consulting, who shares her journey into grant writing and consulting for nonprofits, particularly museums. Shiloh discusses her transition from executive director to consultant, the development of grant writing products, and the challenges faced by museums in securing funding. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying funding sources and using data to inform fundraising strategies. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of consulting and the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing funding landscapes.About Shiloh HolleyShiloh Holley is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with twenty years experience working with small nonprofits, notably in arts, culture, and education. Her expertise is in assisting organizations find and leverage their strengths to create a bigger impact on their audiences and communities. As a former non-profit executive director, she brings a holistic view to fund development and provides comprehensive and complementary services to help clients accomplish their goals. She is the principal consultant of Aderworks which offers grant readiness support for organizations seeking grant funding for the first time and is the founder of Accession:Grant Writing For Museums.Connect with Shiloh HolleyLinkedInAccession Grant Writing Website Links MentionedGrant Professional MentorshipFreelance Grant Writer AcademyOTHER 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.———————————————————————————This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems ———————————————————————————

We’re gearing up for something BIG—the 2024 Grant Professional Survey Results—and this episode is the perfect lead-in.In this special replay, Rachel Waterman joins us to break down where freelance grant writers stood with their pricing in 2023.We revisit key insights from last year’s survey, including how much grant consultants were charging, how they felt about their pricing, and where gaps still existed across the industry. Because here’s the thing—pricing isn’t just about numbers. It’s about confidence, positioning, and understanding your value. And that’s exactly why this annual survey matters.This is now the third year that Grant Writing & Funding has hosted the GDS Grant Professional Survey Results, and each year brings more clarity, transparency, and empowerment to the industry. Be sure to join us for the FREE 2024 Survey Results Webinar on May 14th, where we’ll reveal updated data, trends, and insights to help you price your services with confidence.If you want to stay competitive, profitable, and aligned with industry standards, this episode (and the upcoming webinar!) is a must.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.———————————————————————————This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!Book YOUR FREE demo now!———————————————————————————

We have exciting news to share: The Grant Writing & Funding Podcast just hit its 400th episode! 🎉We couldn’t have reached this amazing milestone without YOU—your support, your curiosity, and your drive to make a difference in the nonprofit world.To celebrate, Holly Rustick, our founder and host, is giving you something extra special: an exclusive, FREE 5-part private podcast series, “Inside the Master Grant Template: Private Strategies from Our Signature Framework”, hosted by Holly Rustick and the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Plus, you will get:A Master Grant TemplateA downloadable Workbook you can use right away. Tap into Holly’s 20 years of experience and the proven framework that’s helped program members win over $225 million in grant funding!🎁 How to Get Your Free Bonus:Go to grantwritingandfunding.com/400 and claim your access before this limited-time offer disappears.What’s Inside Episode 400:The inspiring origin story of the podcast (did you know it started as a $100 bet?!)90-second tips and encouragement from a powerhouse line-up of leading grant pros and nonprofit experts, including Dr. Bev Browning, Sean Kosofsky, Meredith Noble, Rachel Werner, Alejandra Salazar, Philip Deng, Steve Boland, and many more!Practical advice on building relationships with funders, diversifying revenue, using AI, and how to face uncertain times as a grant writer or nonprofit professional.Words of encouragement and reminders that you are making a powerful impact—even when it feels tough.A Few Golden Nuggets from Our Guests:✨ “Be like a detective. Look under every unturned stone.”—Dr. Bev Browning✨ “Don’t chase the money. Chase alignment.”—Brian Meagher✨ “Focus leads to clarity, confidence, and trust—for yourself and your constituents.”—Sarah Olivieri✨ “You are making ripples in people’s lives you’ll likely never meet.”—Niki R. JonesDon’t miss:The story behind Holly’s first guest appearance from her longtime grant hero, Dr. Bev BrowningHow our listenership has grown to over 650,000 downloads from 2017 to todayReal strategies to get through challenges and keep your mission strong.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. A Big Thank YouThis milestone belongs to every one of you—a true community of grant pros, nonprofit leaders, change makers, and supporters. The world needs your work now more than ever. Please save this episode and come back to it anytime you need inspiration, encouragement, or practical ideas to move forward.Wishing you all the best in your missions—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!P.S. Grab your free private podcast series and master grant template at grantwritingandfunding.com/400. You’ll love the energy and actionable tips inside!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.———————————————————————————This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems ———————————————————————————

Executive Director of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), Mike Chamberlain and Holly Rustick of Grant Writing & Funding to discuss the role of GPA in supporting grant professionals through advocacy, community building, and professionalism. Holly and Mike delve into the importance of job classification for grant professionals, the annual salary and benefits survey, and the future of grant writing in 2025 amidst changing federal policies and economic conditions. They also discuss the intricacies of the grant application process, the evolving landscape of funding, and the importance of adaptability for grant professionals. They explore the necessity of diversifying funding sources, overcoming assumptions in grant writing, and the value of repurposing materials for broader applications. The discussion also highlights the resilience required in the face of uncertainty and the upcoming Grant Summit as a vital community-building opportunity for grant professionals.Watch Video Podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/ZrdynSl3B6cLinks Mentioned:Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipFreelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Tune in today to listen to this podcast.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!"This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!Book YOUR FREE demo now!

This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Interview with Executive Director of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), Mike Chamberlain and Holly Rustick of Grant Writing & Funding to discuss the role of GPA in supporting grant professionals through advocacy, community building, and professionalism. Holly and Mike delve into the importance of job classification for grant professionals, the annual salary and benefits survey, and the future of grant writing in 2025 amidst changing federal policies and economic conditions. They also discuss the intricacies of the grant application process, the evolving landscape of funding, and the importance of adaptability for grant professionals. They explore the necessity of diversifying funding sources, overcoming assumptions in grant writing, and the value of repurposing materials for broader applications. The discussion also highlights the resilience required in the face of uncertainty and the upcoming Grant Summit as a vital community-building opportunity for grant professionals.About Mike ChamberlainMike Chamberlain is the current CEO of the Grant Professionals Association. He has extensive experience in managing/directing personnel and operations, developing the strategy and setting priorities with national associations in dynamic industries. He is a committed professional and an innovative leader with proven abilities in creating and using a vision, identifying problems and using data to develop creative solutions. Chamberlain is experienced in developing leaders, improving performance through removing obstacles to cooperation to focus on member needs. He has been effective in startup operations and in turn-around situations. He has successfully led teams through system implementations, including new Association Management Systems.Connect with Mike ChamberlainLinkedInLinks MentionedGrant Professional MentorshipFreelance Grant Writer AcademyListen to Part 2 HereOTHER 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.———————————————————————————This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems ———————————————————————————

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the grant writing world, but maybe not how you imagine. Sure you could go ChatGPT, put in a Request for Proposal and ask it to produce a grant proposal. But that grant would not get funded. Why? Before AI can produce a quality grant proposal, you need to provide it with your own original content. Today’s AI models need that original content to use, edit, and respond to. In other words, AI grant writing still requires work! In other words, the nonprofit sector still needs grant writers. However, AI tools can make grant writing easier and more efficient. Through my Freelance Grant Writer Academy, I’ve trained thousands of grant writers, helping them build thriving grant writing businesses. It also gives me a unique insight into how grant writers are really using tools like AI. Let’s take a look at what’s working with grant writing and AI (and what isn’t). Watch Video Podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/CbsNL22cM3U Related Links: -Why AI Won’t Take Your Grant Writing Job: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/why-ai-wont-take-your-grant-writing-job/ -Using Chat GPT and AI for Grant Writing with Philip Deng: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/using-chat-gpt-and-ai-for-grant-writing/ Links Mentioned: Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

Surprisingly, there are a lot of myths out there about grant writing. From the myth of working on commission to nonprofits not having money to hire grant writers, these myths might hold you back from even starting a career in grant writing. Why are there so many grant writing myths out there? Because a lot of folks aren’t familiar with grant writing or nonprofit organizations in general. Even many folks who start nonprofit organizations aren’t familiar with how they operate, they just have a passion for helping causes. Grant writing (to non-grant writers) also feels very mysterious and a bit untouchable. However, it’s not. Grant writing as a career is simply offering a service for organizations using your skills and experience. With a successful 20-year grant writing career that is still going strong, I decided it was time to break down some of these myths! Watch Video Podcast Here: https://youtu.be/Kzbv2Zm4lZo Links Mentioned: Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Laura Hull, Grant Consultant and founder of Premio Services, LLC. Laura shares her journey into grant writing and how she navigated key transitions in her career—including negotiating for health insurance, building support through hiring, and managing a growing grant writing business as a single mom. This conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a sustainable grant writing business while balancing life, leadership, and impact.ABOUT OUR GUESTLaura Hull is a first-generation U.S. immigrant with more than a decade of experience in grants and nonprofit leadership across multicultural contexts. She founded Premio Services, LLC in 2017 to elevate the grants profession and increase social impact by providing transformational grant services to nonprofits.Laura supports organizations in expanding their grant portfolios by identifying barriers and aligning them with the right funding opportunities. With a creative strategy, data-driven approach, and an average 98% funding success rate, she delivers high-quality consulting to clients across the sector.Outside of her work, Laura enjoys spending time with her children, reading, creative writing, and exploring Idaho’s outdoors.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahullgrantconsultant/ Website: https://premioservices.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.———————————————————————————This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!———————————————————————————

Many grant professionals who are booking out clients and feeling overwhelmed think they need to hire a full-time, credentialed grant writer ASAP. They assume an experienced hire will require less training and be easier to manage. But here’s the truth: hiring a fully credentialed grant writer is NOT the first team member you should bring on. In this episode, we break down why this is a costly mistake and what you should do instead. You’ll learn: ✅ Why hiring a credentialed grant writer is your most expensive hire ✅ Why you still need to train any new hire in your methods, even if they have experience ✅ The importance of creating Systems and SOPs before bringing in a team ✅ A smarter, more affordable way to get help with research and admin tasks first You deserve to feel confident and financially safe as you build your team. Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, we teach you exactly who to hire first, how much your business can afford, and how to streamline your hiring process with our Part-Time Lean Team Method. Join the Grant Professional Mentorship!A 12-month group coaching mastermind designed to help grant professionals double their business revenue with a team, systems, and scalable offers—without burning out. 💰 Investment: $6,000 paid-in-full (includes a 1:1 Business Strategy Call with Holly!) or 6 payments of $1,000.🚀 Limited seats available! Once spots are filled, enrollment will close. 📌 Ready to grow your team the right way? Join now or book a sales call today! Doors close April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship

The world feels uncertain, but your grant writing business doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we talk about why waiting for the "right time" can cost you opportunities—and how leaning into change can set you up for success. I’ll also share exciting updates about our Grant Professional Mentorship, including new Innovation Calls designed to help you pivot, expand, and double your revenue in 2024. 👉 Doors to the Mentorship close this Friday, and we may not re-open in 2025! If you’re serious about thriving, not just surviving, tune in to learn why NOW is the time to take action. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔ Why waiting for stability could hold back your success ✔ How to recession-proof your grant writing business ✔ The power of Innovation Calls and expert mentorship ✔ Why this may be the last chance to join before 2026 Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship close Friday, April 4th at 11:59 pm EST. Find out more here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship