Grant Writing & Funding

In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast, host Holly Rustic shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a recent team retreat in Madrid, Spain, that cost $20,000. Holly discusses the strategic decisions, deep work, and innovative approaches taken during the retreat, which have already shifted the trajectory of their grant writing and funding movement. Learn about the intense planning, the creation of new curriculum pathways, and the alignment that will support their goal of securing $1 billion in grants and generating $30 million for grant writing businesses by 2030. Holly also shares insights on the importance of investing in your mission, stepping into leadership, and building a supportive, results-driven community.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 exp

In this new subseries 'Funded.' Learn about the massive movement to secure $1 billion in grants and $30 million for grant writing businesses by 2030. Holly shares success stories, real data, and insights into what's working in grant writing and funding today. Discover practical tips, how to navigate economic and political shifts, and the innovative strategies of their signature programs. Plus, hear from real students about their achievements and experiences in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.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 Wri

Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! In this episode, host Holly Rustick sits down with Clare Bresnahan English, Senior Director of the Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) Challenge at the Aspen Institute, to break down a massive $60 million grant opportunity for U.S. nonprofits.Tune in today to listen to this podcast.WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WIN CHALLENGE GRANTTotal Grant Monies: $60 Million ($20 million for each Opportunity)How Many Application Opportunities: 3 (Culture and Practices, AI, and Narratives). Yes, you can submit 3 different applications if your nonprofit has programs for all.Eligibility: 501c(3) Nonprofit in the US or Territories (they need to be a lead at least. If you are a different 501 or business, you need a 501c3 who will be the lead)Initial Registration Due Date: Dec. 11th at 5 pm EST. This is a quick registration ONLY and just takes a few minutes.Full Grant Due Date: Each Opportunity has a different due date in January 2026, but only for folks who registered.What the Fu

Join host Holly Rustick on the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast as she delves into the essential topic of setting boundaries as a freelance grant writer. Learn how to professionally handle client requests that fall outside the scope of work while maintaining good relationships and avoiding burnout. Holly shares practical advice, including key phrases and strategies, to ensure that freelance grant writers can protect their time, deliver quality work, and run a sustainable business. Tune in today to listen to this podcast.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

Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast In this episode, Holly Rustick explores the importance of money mindset in the nonprofit and freelance grant writing sectors. She shares her personal experiences growing up in poverty and how it influenced her career and pricing strategiesYou’ll learn: -How to reframe your worth as a grant writer -The difference between charging for time vs. transformation -Why undercharging hurts both you and your clients -How to use value-based pricing in your freelance business -Real success stories from grant writers who tripled their incomeThis is the episode every grant writer needs to hear — especially if you’ve ever felt guilty about charging what you’re worth.Tune in today to listen to this podcast.To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsFavor, please?If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener

Want to land invite-only grants and corporate sponsorships? Hear how Surge for Water built trust-based relationships that unlocked over $1M in funding. Founder Shilpa Alva shares actionable strategies for grant writers and nonprofit leaders to move from cold outreach to long-term funder partnerships, boost corporate support, and secure sustainable funding for water access, menstrual health, and community-led solutions. Most grant writers never get access to invite-only funding…but Surge for Water cracked the code. In this episode, founder shares how building trust and transparency helped the nonprofit unlock over $1.7 million in foundation and corporate funding. You’ll learn how relationship-building, cultural sensitivity, and community ownership can position your nonprofit for exclusive funder invitations — not just open calls.Key Takeaways:-How Surge for Water earned funder trust before ever applying-Turning reports into relationship tools-Steps to get noticed by invite-only grant funders and corporate spon

In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Marivi V. Bryant, founder of Home Agency, discussing the critical role of marketing and storytelling for nonprofits. They explore how effective branding and a polished online presence can enhance a nonprofit's credibility and attract funding. Marivi emphasizes the importance of utilizing social media, creating engaging content, and leveraging available resources, including board members and interns, to build a strategic roadmap for success. The conversation highlights practical steps nonprofits can take to improve their marketing efforts and effectively communicate their mission.Tune in today to listen to this podcast.To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsFavor, 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

Veronica Kulon, CEO of VK Empowerment Solutions, shares her journey from starting a business to becoming an advocate for her clients after joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. She had been full-time with her business (and working part-time at a job) but she still wasn’t tapping into her financial goals. It wasn’t until she joined the Academy, and got some mindset coaching, that she was then able to secure $1 Million in grants for her clients and $42K in her grant writing business - in just three short months.She even started law school while in the Academy, so she can advocate for her social justice nonprofit clients even more. Veronica is truly a beacon of nonprofit light in 2025!About Veronica KulonVeronica Kulon, MNM, GPC, began her career as a grant professional in 2012 after obtaining her Master's in Nonprofit Management. With 14 years of experience in the field of grants, she has raised over $22 million from foundations, corporations, and government funders for nonprofits in the areas of poverty

This is a POP-UP Bonus Podcast, meaning it WILL disappear soon! It's a replay from our Student Panel, "First $100K in the Academy" and Open House "Is the Academy for Me?"

Dr. Eve McGee shares her inspiring journey from the social work sector to more than doubling her revenue and impact as a freelance grant writer.  She went from a draining job to starting her own grant writing business. The first year in her own business, with no support was isolating and hard, though. So she joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.Within 9 months, she went from earning $1,050 in her business (in ONE year) to nine months later going to $149,000. She also was able to secure $294,500 for her social service clients.Tune in today to see how she did this! (spoiler alert: she binged the Academy’s CEO mindset videos, got help from me and our coaches on her packages and pricing, and got her grants reviewed with our unlimited grant reviews).About Dr. Eve McGeeDr. Eve McGee has dedicated her career to advancing social change. With a background in social work practice and nonprofit leadership, she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by social service nonprofits, navigating limited resource

You may be curious if 2025 is a good time to be a grant writer. YES! Nonprofits need you NOW more than ever and are streamlining their budgets to hire freelance grant writers vs. staff grant writers.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

You may be wanting to join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but have no grant writing experience. That is FINE. Changemakers who have never seen a grant before all the way to seasoned 20+year grant writers get value inside the Academy. You learn grant writing and business acumen in our #1 in the Industry program. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

You may be wondering if you can get grant writing clients if you don't have a network, email list, or social media following. YES. Our Academy students get clients without websites, email lists, or on social media.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

You may be interested in joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but aren't sure if it's for you since you already have a freelance grant writing business. If you don't have recurring income, filled out your client pipeline, or are still confused about your offers, marketing, or sales... then yes. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

You may be wanting to join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but are wondering HOW to pay for it. Find out with these 8 ways. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is  a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

You may be wondering how long it takes to learn grant writing and to get a paying client in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. You can do it within 90 days.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

You may be wondering if grant writing is a shiny object this year. I'm here to say NO. Grant writing is needed. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is also NOT a shiny object as it's a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This the final times doors will be open in 2025. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

THE DOORS CLOSE TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY ON OCTOBER 24TH. CLICK HERE TO JOIN FOR THE FINAL TIME IN 2025: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyIf you got caught in getting laid off in Academics, Health, or Research in 2025 have you considered being a freelance grant writer? This is what Caitlin did and it paid off.In this episode, Holly Rustick chats with Caitlin Doran, a student in the Academy and the brains behind Katydid Communications. Caitlin opens up about her leap from getting laid off from a large academic medical center to the world of freelance grant writing. Caitlin shares how crucial networking and leaning on her connections were in landing clients. Plus, she talks about how the coaching calls in the Academy, and the community itself, have been game-changers in getting such a huge ROI in her business quickly.About:Caitlin Doran is the founder of Katydid Communications, a strategic communications consultancy specializing in health and science. She previously led communications for

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.Welcome to this episode of Grant Writing & Funding with your host Holly Rustick and special guest Rachel Werner, CEO of RBW Strategy Consulting and principal of My Fed Trainer. In this insightful conversation, Holly and Rachel break down the complexities around the 2025 government shutdown and its direct impact on federal grants, nonprofits, and grant writers.#grantwriting #grantwriter #government #governmentshutdown #federalgrants #nonprofitfunding #nonprofit #grantfunding #trumpadministration ✅ How the current government shutdown is affecting grant applications, drawdowns, and reporting✅The real-time impact on nonprofit cash flow, reporting deadlines, and staffing✅Major regulatory changes and executive orders influencing eligibility and compliance for federal grants✅The increased need for "grant strategy" over j