Grant Writing & Funding

Holly Rustick
  • 4.9 (141)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Weekly

Quit your toxic nonprofit job and replace your full-time income while writing grants part-time, from home! Join our students in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to create Financial Stability and Flexibility through writing grants for causes you are passionate about: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy World-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author Holly Rustick provides coaching that helps new and experienced grant writers replace their full-time income while writing grants part-time from home (or anywhere they want to live or travel in the world). She coaches changemakers to master grant writing and start to grow 6-figure+ grant writing businesses on part-time hours via her signature group program, “Freelance Grant Writer Academy." As an unapologetic feminist, Holly’s work in coaching female grant writers to master grant writing, find their cause-area niche, and navigate value-based pricing and nonprofit sales is breaking glass ceilings for women all over the world. Every week, she coaches thousands of people through the top-ranking podcast, Grant Writing & Funding, books on grant writing, and inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Holly has 20 years of experience in grant writing, and began her freelance grant writing journey back in 2005. While teaching in Kuwait and Indonesia, and then earning a Master’s Degree in International Political Economy in Belgium, Holly saw the light of setting up a virtual-based business in grant writing back in the mid-2000s. Having secured more than $45 million of dollars for nonprofit organizations, and then setting up a multi 6-figure freelance business, Holly has a mission to help female grant writers break out of toxic nonprofit J-O-B-S and create high-level income while freelance grant writing. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, students have secured more than $225+ million in grant funding and $4+ million in revenue in their grant writing businesses within two years. To amplify this work, she is past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce and was appointed to the Guam Business Advisory Task Force as an advisor to the first female governor of Guam. Holly lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. If you are interested in replacing your full-time income while writing grants part-time from home (or from anywhere in the world!) join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy! www.grantwritingandfunding.com.

  1. 6d ago

    Why Your Nonprofit Sales Calls Ghost You (And the 30-Day Fix)

    You had a great discovery call. They were excited. You sent the proposal right away. And then…nothing. If you’re replaying the call wondering what you said wrong, the problem might not be the call at all. The problem may be that you never told the potential client when the door closes. In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down a simple 30-day sales follow-up system for freelance grant writers who are tired of chasing proposals, wondering when to follow up, and losing warm leads in an open-ended sales process. You’ll learn why every proposal needs a clear expiration date, how to build your follow-up cadence around that deadline, and why closing the loop doesn’t have to feel pushy or desperate. Holly walks through the five follow-up emails to send during that 30-day window; including the closing-day email most grant writers never send. She also explains why leads who don’t buy shouldn’t disappear from your business entirely. They may be out of the active sales conversation, but they can stay in your ecosystem through your email list until they’re ready to come back. If you want to improve your sales conversion rate without generating more leads, start here: set the deadline, write the emails, send them to everybody, and let the system do its job. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant 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 RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding 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 Rustick Leading 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.

    Why Your Nonprofit Sales Calls Ghost You (And the 30-Day Fix)

  2. Aug 18

    Is AI Too Precious for Your Grant Writing?

    AI is everywhere. New tools are launching almost every week, platforms are changing how they work, and it seems like everyone has an opinion about the "right" way to use AI. But here's the bigger question. Are we becoming too dependent on it? In this episode, Holly Rustick shares why grant writers need to think differently about AI. She talks about how technology standards are changing, what recent shifts across AI platforms tell us about the future, and why understanding how your own brain processes ideas is still one of your biggest strengths. Writing isn't just about producing words. It's how we organize our thoughts, develop expertise, and solve problems. When AI does too much of the thinking for us, we can lose some of those important skills. This isn't an anti-AI conversation. It's about using AI intentionally so it supports your work instead of replacing the critical thinking that makes you a great grant writer. In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI standards are changing so quickly.What recent AI platform updates mean for professional writers.How your brain works differently when you write versus when AI writes for you.Why critical thinking is becoming more valuable, not less.Practical ways to use AI without losing your own voice or expertise.How to make AI part of your workflow while continuing to grow as a grant writing professional.I think this version feels much more authentic to Holly's podcast style. It's educational without sounding like it was generated by AI, and it doesn't rely on buzzwords or overly polished marketing language. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant 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 RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding 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 PODCAST 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! "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 Rustick Leading 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. Join Holly Rustick on the #1 grant writing podcast in the world since 2017.

    Is AI Too Precious for Your Grant Writing?

  3. Aug 13 ·  Bonus

    The Real Truth About Gen X Grant Professionals Taking Care of Aging Parents, College Kids, and Their Own Retirement

    Gen X grant professionals are navigating a unique season of life: growing a business while supporting aging parents, helping college-age or young adult children, and trying to prepare for their own retirement; all at the same time. In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick gets candid about a trend she’s seeing again and again in conversations with grant professionals. As life responsibilities increase, your available time can actually decrease; even while your financial goals and responsibilities grow. The answer isn’t necessarily to work more. It’s to build a grant writing business that gives you more support, stronger systems, better boundaries, and the ability to earn more without constantly adding more hours to your schedule. Holly shares why established freelance grant writers may need to rethink how they price, deliver services, build their teams, and plan for the future. She also talks about moving beyond the emotional overwhelm of being responsible for so much and instead creating a practical plan you can actually work. If you’re balancing your business, aging parents, older children, and your own financial future, this episode is a reminder that your business can be intentionally designed to support the life you’re living now—not the life you had when you first started it. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant 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 RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding 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 PODCAST 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! “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 Rustick Leading 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.

  4. Aug 13 ·  Bonus

    Why Your Revenue isn't Predictable

    One month, your grant writing business feels like you’ve finally figured it out. A few months later, you’re looking at your bank account wondering where the next client, and the next paycheck, is coming from. Feast-or-famine revenue can feel completely random when you’re living through it. But it isn’t random. There are systems underneath predictable revenue, and when those systems are missing, even a successful grant writer can find herself rebuilding her business from zero every month. In this bonus episode, Holly breaks down four reasons your revenue may not be predictable yet—from relying on individual clients and one-off projects to inconsistent lead generation and reactive business decisions. You’ll learn why getting clients isn’t the entire plan, how retainers can create a more consistent revenue baseline, and why marketing needs to keep working even during your busiest months. Holly also shares how Mentorship member Sophie used referral and subcontracting relationships with other members to create another source of work when her own pipeline slowed down. If you’re tired of wondering what next month will look like, this episode will help you identify what may be missing underneath your business—and what you can start building to create more stability, consistency, and confidence. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant 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 RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding 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 PODCAST 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! “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 Rustick Leading 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.

  5. Aug 13 ·  Bonus

    The 4 CEO Decisions That Double Revenue

    What’s the difference between a grant writer and the CEO of a grant writing business? It’s not experience, more clients, a bigger team, or even writing better grants. After coaching hundreds of grant professionals over the past 20 years, Holly has learned that the biggest difference is the decisions they make. In this episode, Holly breaks down four CEO decisions that can help grant professionals increase revenue, create more freedom, and build a business that doesn’t depend on working harder or filling every hour of the day. You’ll learn why pricing from fear can keep your revenue stuck, how one Mentorship member generated more than $27,000 in additional revenue by changing her pricing strategy, why systems should be built before burnout hits, and how delegation creates the capacity your business needs to grow. Holly also shares why protecting your calendar is CEO work—and how making space to think, plan, improve, and live your life can become one of your most valuable business strategies. If you’re ready to stop thinking only like a grant writer and start making decisions like the CEO of your grant writing business, this episode is for you. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant 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 RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding 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 PODCAST 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! “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 Rustick Leading 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.

  6. Aug 11

    June 2026 Funded Series: $7.5 Million in Impact, 41 Grant Wins, and Better Grant Writing Businesses

    Every month on the Funded Series, Holly Rustick celebrates the incredible grant wins and business milestones happening inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship. This month, students reported 41 grant awards totaling $7,095,276, along with $480,340 in new client contracts—creating more than $7.5 million in combined impact in June alone. But beyond the impressive numbers, Holly shares the bigger story behind the results. From diversified funding strategies and repeatable grant systems to value-based pricing, packaged services, and long-term client relationships, June demonstrated how successful grant writers aren't just winning more grants—they're building stronger, more sustainable businesses. If you're ready to see what's possible when excellent grant strategy meets solid business practices, this episode is full of inspiration. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why June's 41 grant awards tell a bigger story than funding totals alone.The breakdown of foundation, state, federal, and community funding wins.What multiple grant awards reveal about building sustainable grant systems.Why diversified funding portfolios matter more than ever.How students secured nearly half a million dollars in new client contracts.The mindset shift from selling services to solving client problems.Why confidence is transforming grant writers' pricing and business decisions.How coaching supports business growth beyond grant writing skills.The role community plays in generating referrals, confidence, and professional growth.Why successful grant writers are becoming long-term strategic partners instead of transactional proposal writers. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS June's student success stories highlighted an exciting trend: consistent, repeatable success. Students secured: 41 grant awards$7,095,276 in grant funding26 foundation grants7 state grants5 federal grants3 additional local government and community funding awards Grant awards ranged from $1,000 to an impressive $2,590,276 federal grant, proving that every award—large or small—creates meaningful impact for nonprofits.On the business side, students reported: $480,340 in new client contractsAnnual retainersGrant readiness packagesFunding asset packagesGrant research servicesDevelopment consultingGrant writing engagementsLong-term strategic partnershipsThe largest client contract reached $48,000 annually, but Holly explains that the most important takeaway wasn't the dollar amount—it was the value-driven mindset students adopted to earn those contracts. Throughout the month, one common theme appeared again and again: Confidence. Students shared wins like: Raising their prices.Transitioning from hourly billing to packaged services.Renewing existing clients at higher rates.Narrowing their services instead of discounting.Understanding the true value of their expertise.The coaching experience also extended far beyond grant writing itself. Students described receiving guidance on: Pricing strategiesService packagesSimplifying grant narrativesStrengthening goals and objectivesNavigating client challengesMaking confident business decisionsPerhaps most importantly, Holly reflects on how the Academy community itself has become one of the greatest competitive advantages for members through referrals, peer coaching, Slack conversations, and shared learning experiences. Her biggest takeaway? June wasn't simply about larger grant awards. It was about building better grant writing businesses. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant 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, and service 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 RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding 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 PODCAST Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player? This helps others find the podcast, and Holly reads 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 the show! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast to receive proven grant writing strategies and conversations delivered every week. Thanks for listening! Warmly, Holly Rustick Leading 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.

  7. Aug 4

    5 Myths That Keep Grant Professionals Stuck from Hiring a Part-Time Team

    Hiring a team should make your business easier, not more stressful. Yet for many grant professionals, mindset barriers around leadership, delegation, and responsibility make building a team feel overwhelming or even impossible. In this episode, Holly Rustick unpacks the five biggest myths she hears from grant writers who want to scale but feel stuck when it comes to hiring and retaining a part-time team. Drawing from recent coaching conversations and her own business journey, Holly shares how shifting your perspective can help you build a healthier, more sustainable business without burnout. If you've been plateauing in your business, struggling to delegate, or worrying about hiring the "right" people, this episode will help you rethink what it really means to lead a team. What You'll Learn: Why being a good manager doesn't mean sacrificing compassion.How poor communication, not compassion, is often the real issue.Why your team shouldn't be responsible for making business decisions.The importance of building systems instead of depending on individual team members.How to stop carrying the financial responsibility for your contractors.Why thinking of yourself as your team's client creates healthier working relationships.How these mindset shifts can improve hiring, retention, and business growth.Why ethical leadership starts with clear expectations and sustainable business practices.How the Grant Professional Mentorship helps business owners implement scalable systems and build lean, effective teams. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant 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 RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding 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 PODCAST 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! "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 Rustick Leading 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.

  8. Jul 28

    How to Scale Your Grant Writing Business Without Building an Agency

    What does it really take to move from being a freelance grant writer to building a thriving business? In this episode, Holly explores the powerful identity shift that transforms a freelancer into a true business owner. She explains why thinking like a CEO not just a service provider is the key to creating a grant writing business that can grow, scale, and support your long-term vision. You'll learn how your mindset influences the way you make decisions, structure your services, and plan for sustainable growth. Holly also shares why many successful grant writers begin with a side hustle and how the right systems and strategy can help you confidently transition into a full-time business. A major part of scaling is building a team. Holly discusses the benefits of hiring support, how to maintain quality as your business grows, and the systems you'll need to create consistency and deliver exceptional client results. In this episode, you'll learn: The mindset shift that separates freelancers from business ownersWhy stepping into the CEO role is essential for long-term successHow to make strategic business decisions that support sustainable growthWhy systems and processes are the foundation of a scalable businessWhen to start building a team and the benefits of delegatingHow to maintain quality and consistency as your business expandsWays to create scalable offers that increase revenue without increasing burnoutIf you're ready to stop doing everything yourself, embrace your role as CEO, and build a grant writing business that increases both your impact and your income, this episode will give you the roadmap to get there. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant 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 RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding 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 PODCAST Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player? 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 the show! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to receive proven grant writing strategies and business-building conversations delivered every week in your favorite podcast player. Thanks for listening! Warmly, Holly Rustick Leading 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.

    How to Scale Your Grant Writing Business Without Building an Agency
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Quit your toxic nonprofit job and replace your full-time income while writing grants part-time, from home! Join our students in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to create Financial Stability and Flexibility through writing grants for causes you are passionate about: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy World-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author Holly Rustick provides coaching that helps new and experienced grant writers replace their full-time income while writing grants part-time from home (or anywhere they want to live or travel in the world). She coaches changemakers to master grant writing and start to grow 6-figure+ grant writing businesses on part-time hours via her signature group program, “Freelance Grant Writer Academy." As an unapologetic feminist, Holly’s work in coaching female grant writers to master grant writing, find their cause-area niche, and navigate value-based pricing and nonprofit sales is breaking glass ceilings for women all over the world. Every week, she coaches thousands of people through the top-ranking podcast, Grant Writing & Funding, books on grant writing, and inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Holly has 20 years of experience in grant writing, and began her freelance grant writing journey back in 2005. While teaching in Kuwait and Indonesia, and then earning a Master’s Degree in International Political Economy in Belgium, Holly saw the light of setting up a virtual-based business in grant writing back in the mid-2000s. Having secured more than $45 million of dollars for nonprofit organizations, and then setting up a multi 6-figure freelance business, Holly has a mission to help female grant writers break out of toxic nonprofit J-O-B-S and create high-level income while freelance grant writing. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, students have secured more than $225+ million in grant funding and $4+ million in revenue in their grant writing businesses within two years. To amplify this work, she is past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce and was appointed to the Guam Business Advisory Task Force as an advisor to the first female governor of Guam. Holly lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. If you are interested in replacing your full-time income while writing grants part-time from home (or from anywhere in the world!) join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy! www.grantwritingandfunding.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Holly Rustick
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    557
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Grant Writing & Funding

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