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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 6, 2025 • 2h 27min
Work Smarter, Not Harder: How to Hire Help and Streamline Your Grant Writing Business in 2025
The Doors are Now Open to the Grant Professional Mentorship for the Final time in 2025. Be sure to join the 12-Month Group Mastermind to Double Your Monthly Revenue as a Grant Writer with Streamlined Systems, a Part-Time Lean Team, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship. Doors Close Sunday, August 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Limited Seats Available.Tune into the Replay Training: "Work Smarter, Not Harder: How to Hire Help and Streamline Your Grant Writing Business in 2025."
Aug 5, 2025 • 30min
Courtney Left Her Job, Hired Her Husband & Mom, and Now Helps Arts Orgs Fund Big Dreams
The Doors are Now Open to the Grant Professional Mentorship for the Final time in 2025. Be sure to join the 12-Month Group Mastermind to Double Your Monthly Revenue as a Grant Writer with Streamlined Systems, a Part-Time Lean Team, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship. Doors Close Sunday, August 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Limited Seats Available.In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Courtney Oliphant, CEO and founder of Coastal Nonprofit Consulting. Courtney shares her journey from working at a performing arts small nonprofit to starting her own consulting business. She discusses how she added services (and hired her husband full-time and her mom) to help performing arts nonprofits and organizations impacted by 2025 grant changes, the importance of being inside the Grant Professional Mentorship when hiring help, and how her business has evolved to be a grant and funding agency. Takeaways:Courtney's journey began in the nonprofit sector, leading her to grant writing.She transitioned to consulting to create more flexibility in her life.The first year of business was focused on reaching $100K in revenue.Hiring contractors was essential to manage workload and prevent burnout.Joining the Grant Professional Mentorship program helped her overcome mental blocks and set appropriate rates.The business has expanded to include comprehensive fundraising plans.Collaboration among nonprofits is becoming increasingly important for funding.Foundations are pooling resources to support organizations facing funding challenges.Building deeper relationships with existing donors is key to increasing donations.The mentorship program provided valuable resources and community support for growth.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to Courtney Oliphant and Her Journey02:50 - Transitioning to Consulting and Business Growth05:34 - Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change08:31 - Strategic Growth and Mentorship Impact11:17 - Expanding Services and Family Business Dynamics14:07 - Adapting to Market Changes and Client Needs15:46 - Collaborative Approaches in Grant Making18:51 - Individual Giving Trends and Strategies
Aug 5, 2025 • 20min
I've Spent $97,403 On Freelancers For My Grant Writing Business : Here's What I learned
The Doors are Now Open to the Grant Professional Mentorship for the Final time in 2025. Be sure to join the 12-Month Group Mastermind to Double Your Monthly Revenue as a Grant Writer with Streamlined Systems, a Part-Time Lean Team, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship. Doors Close Sunday, August 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Limited Seats Available.In this episode, we delve into the crucial lessons learned from spending over $97,403 on hiring freelancers and agencies for a grant writing business. Discover the importance of developing the right hiring mindset, knowing which roles to hire for and when, setting clear job descriptions, and using test projects to find the best candidates. Join us for actionable tips and insights to enhance your hiring process and drive your business forward.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 listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickCoaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/———————————————————————————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 ———————————————————————————
Jul 29, 2025 • 31min
Proven Steps to Book Out Your Freelance Grant Writing Business
The Doors are Now Open to the Grant Professional Mentorship for the Final time in 2025. Be sure to join the 12-Month Group Mastermind to Double Your Monthly Revenue as a Grant Writer with Streamlined Systems, a Part-Time Lean Team, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship. Doors Close Sunday, August 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Limited Seats Available.In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding podcast, host Holly Rustic shares proven strategies to help freelance grant writers find and secure clients. Holly discusses the importance of short-term, medium-term, and long-term lead generation methods, including leveraging personal and professional networks, social media, and hosting training events. She also provides insights into the benefits of creating a newsletter, investing in ads, and using SEO to scale up your grant writing business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business, this episode offers valuable tips to help you succeed.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 listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickCoaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/———————————————————————————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 ———————————————————————————
Jul 22, 2025 • 19min
Mastering Grant Writing Pricing Models
The Doors are Now Open to the Grant Professional Mentorship for the Final time in 2025. Be sure to join the 12-Month Group Mastermind to Double Your Monthly Revenue as a Grant Writer with Streamlined Systems, a Part-Time Lean Team, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship. Doors Close Sunday, August 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Limited Seats Available.Holly shares her expertise in grant writing and nonprofit sales strategies to help freelance grant writers create stable incomes and flexible schedules. Holly discusses the challenges of pricing grant writing services accurately and introduces the three primary pricing models: hourly, retainer, and packaging. She emphasizes the importance of value-based pricing and offers steps to determine fair pricing.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 listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickCoaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/———————————————————————————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 ———————————————————————————
Jul 15, 2025 • 21min
Grant Writing Pricing Models Explained: Hourly, Package & Retainer
The Doors are Now Open to the Grant Professional Mentorship for the Final time in 2025. Be sure to join the 12-Month Group Mastermind to Double Your Monthly Revenue as a Grant Writer with Streamlined Systems, a Part-Time Lean Team, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship. Doors Close Sunday, August 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Limited Seats Available.In this episode Holly delves into the various pricing models for freelance grant writers, emphasizing the importance of tracking time to accurately estimate pricing. She discusses the drawbacks of charging on commission and explains why it is against best practices. Holly presents three core pricing models: hourly, package, and retainer, outlining the pros and cons of each. She shares tips on setting up effective retainer agreements for consistent cash flow and highlights the importance of valuing one's services. This episode is a comprehensive guide for grant writers looking to optimize their pricing strategies.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 listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickCoaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/———————————————————————————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 ———————————————————————————
Jul 8, 2025 • 40min
The Future of Philanthropy: 2025 Trends and Insights
The Doors are Now Open to the Grant Professional Mentorship for the Final time in 2025. Be sure to join the 12-Month Group Mastermind to Double Your Monthly Revenue as a Grant Writer with Streamlined Systems, a Part-Time Lean Team, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship. Doors Close Sunday, August 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Limited Seats Available.Explore how cause-driven giving, advocacy, and innovation are reshaping nonprofits in 2025 and beyond. Tune in to listen to Micheal Thatcher from Charity Navigator.In this conversation, Holly Rustick speaks with Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, about the evolving landscape of nonprofit evaluation and philanthropy. They discuss the launch of new funds, trends in giving, and the importance of advocacy in the nonprofit sector. Michael shares insights on how giving patterns are changing, particularly among younger generations, and the impact of recent legislative changes on nonprofits. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the critical role of nonprofits in addressing societal needs.Holly and Michael also discuss how to work with Charity Navigator for developing a free will and how to create a legacy with your assets to nonprofits. Connect with Michael Thatcher:Charity Navigatormthatcher@charitynavigator.orgTune 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 listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickCoaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/———————————————————————————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 ———————————————————————————
Jul 1, 2025 • 28min
Bridging Divides: Connecting for Impact in Today's Fundraising Landscape
The Doors are Now Open to the Grant Professional Mentorship for the Final time in 2025. Be sure to join the 12-Month Group Mastermind to Double Your Monthly Revenue as a Grant Writer with Streamlined Systems, a Part-Time Lean Team, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship. Doors Close Sunday, August 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Limited Seats Available.Navigating political divides in fundraising—learn how connection, storytelling, and strategy can drive nonprofit success.In this conversation, Holly Rustick and Kamy Akhavan discuss the intersection of politics and fundraising, emphasizing the importance of human connection in nonprofit work. They explore how social division impacts community engagement and fundraising efforts, while also highlighting opportunities that arise from chaos. The discussion underscores the need for emotional storytelling and relationship building in the nonprofit sector, particularly in grant writing and fundraising strategies.TakeawaysPolitics today influences fundraising efforts significantlyThe shrinking public square leads to increased isolationConversations are essential for fostering change and understandingBuilding trust is crucial for effective communication in nonprofitsNetworking should be approached with genuine curiosityCreating relationships takes time but is essential for long-term successConnect with Kamy Akhavan:LinkedInInstagramTune 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 listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickCoaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/———————————————————————————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 ———————————————————————————
Jun 24, 2025 • 55min
Find out What Freelance Grant Writers Charged for their Services in 2024
The Doors are Now Open to the Grant Professional Mentorship for the Final time in 2025. Be sure to join the 12-Month Group Mastermind to Double Your Monthly Revenue as a Grant Writer with Streamlined Systems, a Part-Time Lean Team, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship. Doors Close Sunday, August 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Limited Seats Available.Go behind the scenes with Global Development Solutions and their 2024 Freelance Grant Writer Pricing Survey!Rachel Waterman and her team have done a 3rd annual Pricing Report! We love everything about this!Find out what freelance grant writers are pricing their grant writing surveys.Connect with Rachel Waterman:Global Development Solutions WebsiteLinkedInGrant Easy Management SoftwareTune 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 listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickCoaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/———————————————————————————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 ———————————————————————————
Jun 20, 2025 • 27min
Gabrielle Quit Her Job When Pregnant & Built a $12K Per Month Grant Writing Business
The Doors are Now Open to the Grant Professional Mentorship for the Final time in 2025. Be sure to join the 12-Month Group Mastermind to Double Your Monthly Revenue as a Grant Writer with Streamlined Systems, a Part-Time Lean Team, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship. Doors Close Sunday, August 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Limited Seats Available.In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Gabrielle Perry, a successful grant writer who shares her journey of transitioning from a 9-5 job to running her own grant writing business. Gabrielle discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of community and mentorship, and how she has achieved significant financial success through value-based pricing and building a strong brand. She emphasizes the personal transformation she has experienced, gaining confidence and freedom in her professional and personal life, and highlights the importance of structured education in her growth.TakeawaysGabrielle secured $232,784 in grants in 2025.She quit her 9-5 job to thrive in her business.Community and mentorship were crucial for her growth.Overcoming imposter syndrome was a significant challenge.She transitioned from one client to $12,000 a month.Value-based pricing transformed her business.Confidence gained from the Academy was invaluable.She enjoys more freedom and time with her children.Streamlined processes improved her efficiency.Structured education is essential for success.Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gabrielle to learn more!Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to results - just like Gabrielle. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy
