Grant Writing & Funding

Holly Rustick

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. 5D AGO

    Funded Series: How Our Students Broke $10 Million in Grant Writing Businesses

    This month marked a major milestone inside the grant writing community: over $10 million generated in student grant writing businesses and a collective $278 million in grant funding secured.  In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in March 2026 in the grant writing industry, what’s working right now in the grant funding landscape, and what these results signal for both freelance grant writers and nonprofit leaders. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The different levels of grant funding being secured right now—from $10K wins to multi-million dollar awardsWhere funding is actually coming from (and how to position yourself to access it)The key patterns driving consistent grant winsHow grant writers are building sustainable, high-revenue businessesThe biggest shifts happening in the grant writing industry todayKEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH 2026 A total of $4.3 million in grants won by our Students (just in March)A total of nearly $5 million in revenue in our students grant writing businesses (just in March)WHERE FUNDING IS FLOWING Funding is being secured across a diverse ecosystem, including: Community, family, and private foundationsState funding programs like the Michigan Invasive Species Program and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and DelinquencyCorporate and hospital system fundingCreative and micro-funding opportunitiesWHAT’S DRIVING THESE WINS Coaching that leads to action and submissionGrant reviews that strengthen applications and increase competitivenessProven systems like grant research frameworks, LOI strategies, and structured execution plansBUSINESS GROWTH FOR GRANT WRITERS Grant writers are not just winning funding—they are building scalable businesses. Examples from this month include: $32,400, $45,000, and $42,000 retainersMultiple $15K–$25K contractsMonthly retainers ranging from $2,500–$4,000Expanded service packages and long-term client engagementsSALES & PRICING SHIFTS Transitioning from hourly pricing to value-based packagesStronger positioning as experts and consultantsEthical sales strategies that build trust and close clientsREAL REVENUE NUMBERS Monthly revenues reported include: $17K$21K$27KUp to $38K monthsThe biggest challenges are not skill-based, but around consistency in marketing, visibility, and sales activity. INDUSTRY SHIFT Grant writers are evolving from freelancers to consultants and agency-style business owners, with services including: RetainersStrategy engagementsSubcontractingExecutive-level advisory rolesFINAL THOUGHT This $278 million milestone is more than just a number—it represents a shift in the industry. The demand for grant writers is real, the opportunity is growing, and the business model is proven. The question is no longer whether opportunity exists, but whether you are building your work like a business. 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. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast for more weekly insights. Warmly, Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement by 2030.

    27 min
  2. 2026 Federal Funding Changes: What Academic Researchers Must Know Now

    APR 28

    2026 Federal Funding Changes: What Academic Researchers Must Know Now

    In this episode, Holly Rustick shares a real-time update from Guam following a recent super typhoon, and then dives into what every grant writer needs to understand about 2026 federal funding. If you’ve been hearing that “there’s no more grant money” or that federal funding has been slashed, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening versus what made headlines. Holly unpacks key budget shifts, where research funding is still strong, and how to position your proposals to stay competitive. Most importantly, she introduces a powerful framework for winning grants right now: diversification, reframing, and alignment. Whether you’re a researcher or a freelance grant writer, this episode will help you adapt your strategy, strengthen your applications, and confidently move forward in today’s funding landscape. 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 daughter, Isabella. 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 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.

    27 min
  3. APR 21

    Beyond Freelancing: The Power of Fractional Work in the Nonprofit Sector

    In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick interviews Cindy Wagman, founder of the Nonprofit Fractional Network, about the growing role of fractional consulting in the nonprofit sector. Cindy explains how fractional work differs from traditional freelance work by combining strategy, planning, and implementation into one role. This model allows nonprofits to access experienced leadership without hiring full-time staff—making it especially valuable for organizations that have outgrown basic operations but don’t yet have the budget or need for a full-time director. Cindy shares her journey from working in-house in nonprofit fundraising to launching her own consulting business and eventually creating the Nonprofit Fractional Network to train and support others building fractional consulting businesses. Holly and Cindy also explore how fractional models provide more stability for consultants through long-term retainers, while helping nonprofits maximize limited resources. They discuss how the grant writing industry is evolving, how consultants can expand beyond project-based work, and how positioning yourself as a strategic funding partner can increase impact and income. By the end of the episode, Cindy shares how professionals can learn more about fractional consulting and connect with her network supporting nonprofit fractional leaders. In This Episode You’ll Learn: • What fractional consulting is and how it differs from freelance work• Why growing nonprofits benefit from fractional leadership roles• How fractional consultants combine strategy, planning, and implementation• The difference between freelance grant writers and fractional grant strategists• Why retainer-based clients can provide greater stability and predictability• How grant writers can evolve into broader strategic funding advisors• Cindy’s journey from nonprofit employee to fractional consulting leader• How the Nonprofit Fractional Network supports professionals building fractional businesses ABOUT OUR GUEST Cindy Wagman helps seasoned nonprofit pros build six-figure consulting businesses—without the burnout. A former in-house leader turned business coach, she’s the founder of the Nonprofit Fractionals Network, and has guided 100+ consultants (over 85 of whom are fractionals) to grow profitable, values-driven practices. She’s the bestselling author of Raise It!, former co-host of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, and host of Fracture, a private podcast for nonprofit fractional execs ready to stop fixing broken systems and start building something better. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Website: https://www.nonprofitfractionals.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/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.

    30 min
  4. Grant Writers Using AI Wrong? The Readiness Problem No One Talks About

    APR 14

    Grant Writers Using AI Wrong? The Readiness Problem No One Talks About

    Steve Vick returns to the podcast to unpack what nonprofit leaders and grant professionals need to understand about AI adoption right now. As the founder of Bright Nonprofit and longtime host of the Nonprofit Ally podcast, Steve brings both nonprofit and tech expertise to the conversation and explains why AI is not just a tool issue: it is a governance issue. In this episode, Holly and Steve dig into AI readiness, source of truth, data integrity, human-in-the-loop review, and why AI often reveals organizational problems instead of fixing them. They also discuss what this means for grant writers, why strategic thinking matters more than ever, and how nonprofits can start using AI responsibly without creating bigger bottlenecks, mission drift, or reporting problems down the line. If you’ve been wondering how to use AI in grant writing or nonprofit operations without sacrificing quality, accuracy, or oversight, this conversation is a must-listen. ABOUT OUR GUEST Steve Vick is the founder of Nonprofit Ally and Bright Nonprofit, where he helps nonprofit leaders navigate governance and organizational change in the age of AI. His work focuses on helping organizations understand the structural challenges AI exposes before they accelerate their organizations with AI.   CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Website: https://brightnonprofit.com/YouTube: Bright Nonprofit 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 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.

    36 min
  5. [Funded Series] Inside a $1.9M Month

    APR 7

    [Funded Series] Inside a $1.9M Month

    In this February 2026 Funded Series episode, we break down what actually changed in just 30 days inside a growing ecosystem of freelance grant writers and why it matters. This month alone: Over $1.5 million in grant funding was securedNearly $464,000 in client deals were closedIn this episode, Holly unpacks the exact patterns behind these wins, including: The shift from learning → leveragingWhy clarity is outperforming hustleHow systems and feedback loops are driving real resultsAnd what’s actually working right now to win grants and close clientsIf you’ve been working hard but not seeing consistent results, this episode will show you what might be missing—and how to fix 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/ 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 WIN $1 Billion in Grants, andMAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.We are on our way already.

    16 min
  6. What Separates a $50K Grant Writer From a $150K Grant Business Owner

    MAR 31

    What Separates a $50K Grant Writer From a $150K Grant Business Owner

    In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down a key shift that separates grant writers earning around $50K per year from those building six-figure grant businesses. Interestingly, the difference isn’t talent, experience, or even how hard someone works. Many grant writers have similar technical skills: strong proposal writing, program design knowledge, and a passion for supporting nonprofit missions. The real difference lies in how their work is structured as a business. Holly walks through four major shifts that occur when a grant writer moves from freelancer to grant business owner. From moving beyond hourly pricing to building systems, support teams, and diversified income streams, these changes allow grant professionals to scale their impact and income without burning out. If you’ve ever wondered how some grant writers grow sustainable six-figure businesses while others stay stuck in reactive client work, this episode will show you exactly where that shift happens—and how you can start thinking like a grant business owner. 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/ 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 WIN $1 Billion in Grants, andMAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.We are on our way already.

    14 min
  7. How Alex Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business and Took 2 Weeks Off Without Losing Income

    MAR 27 ·  BONUS

    How Alex Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business and Took 2 Weeks Off Without Losing Income

    What does it really take to move from freelancer to CEO—and finally take time off without your business falling apart? In this special mentorship spotlight episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Alexandra Cohen, founder of ANC Consult, to share her journey of building, refining, and scaling her grant writing business. Alexandra first joined one of Holly’s earliest programs back in 2022, then rejoined years later to grow and scale her business in a more sustainable way. Since then, she’s streamlined her services, shifted fully into nonprofit work, increased retainer clients, and—perhaps most importantly—built systems that allow her to step away from her business without everything stopping. If you're ready to grow beyond freelancing, create consistent income, and build a business that supports your life (not the other way around), this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Alexandra transitioned from freelance consulting to a structured businessThe mindset shift required to scale your grant writing servicesWhy systems and SOPs are critical for growth (and freedom)How to move into retainer-based clients for more stabilityThe power of community and mastermind support in business growthHow Alexandra now confidently takes extended vacations without losing incomeNew ways to expand your services (including training programs and group offers) ABOUT OUR GUEST Alexandra helps nonprofits strengthen their fundraising, diversify revenue, and build the operational infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. She works with Executive Directors, development teams, and boards to clarify strategy, streamline systems, and create practical plans that translate ambitious goals into actionable, fundable plans. Known for blending data with storytelling, Alexandra supports nonprofits in developing competitive grant proposals and donor communications that clearly articulate need, impact, and outcomes. Her work helps organizations translate programs, evaluation data, and financial priorities into compelling narratives that resonate with institutional funders and individual donors alike -strengthening funding relationships and supporting long-term revenue growth. Before launching ANC Consult, Alexandra spent 15 years as a litigation attorney, developing skills in strategy, communication, and creative problem-solving that now inform her work with mission-driven organizations. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University (B.A.), Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.), and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MBA/MA in Social Enterprise & Finance and International Policy & Development). CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Website: https://anc-consult.com LinkedIn 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 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.

    15 min
  8. How Emma Went from Overwhelmed to Organized—and Finally Scaled Her Grant Writing Business

    MAR 27 ·  BONUS

    How Emma Went from Overwhelmed to Organized—and Finally Scaled Her Grant Writing Business

    In this bonus episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Emma Krass, Owner and Lead Grant Writer of Grants & Growth, to talk about what it really takes to move from freelancer to CEO. Emma shares her journey from working at a grant writing firm to building her own business—and the challenges she faced along the way. From underpricing services and taking on the wrong clients to feeling disorganized and overwhelmed, Emma opens up about what wasn’t working and how she turned it around. Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, Emma found the structure, systems, and confidence she needed to grow sustainably. She discusses how implementing retainers, hiring her first virtual assistant, and preparing to onboard a grant writer have transformed her business operations and capacity. If you're a grant writer feeling maxed out, disorganized, or unsure how to scale, this episode offers real talk and practical insight on what to focus on first—and why you don’t have to do everything at once. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Emma transitioned from working at a grant writing firm to running her own businessWhy taking the wrong clients can stall your growth—and how to fix itThe shift from hourly work to retainers (and why it matters for scaling)How hiring a virtual assistant helped Emma get organized and free up timeWhat to focus on first when you feel overwhelmed in your businessHow to build systems and SOPs to support growthWhy you don’t need to do everything at once to scale successfullyThe mindset shifts required to hire your first team memberHow Emma is preparing to bring on a grant writer to expand capacity  ABOUT OUR GUEST After graduating with her Master's in Social Work, Emma began working as a freelance grant writer to leverage her writing and research skills, and knowledge of human rights frameworks to support non-profits activated around social justice through the arts and community organizing. In 2023, she founded grants & growth in order to dedicate more time to each individual client and focus intentionally on each non-profit's journey towards growth and stability. Emma has helped non-profits in the arts and culture and social change realm grow their budgets and find more time to focus on their communities' needs! Since 2021, Emma has raised over $5 million for non-profits with budgets under $750,000. Outside of grants & growth, Emma enjoys playing with her three cats, watching the NBA and WNBA, making films, and organizing against the war machine and for tenants rights in her community. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Website 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 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.

    24 min
4.9
out of 5
141 Ratings

About

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.

You Might Also Like