Grant Writing & Funding

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

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

In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Marivi V. Bryant, founder of Home Agency, discussing the critical role of marketing and storytelling for nonprofits. They explore how effective branding and a polished online presence can enhance a nonprofit's credibility and attract funding. Marivi emphasizes the importance of utilizing social media, creating engaging content, and leveraging available resources, including board members and interns, to build a strategic roadmap for success. The conversation highlights practical steps nonprofits can take to improve their marketing efforts and effectively communicate their mission.Tune in today to listen to this podcast.To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsFavor, please?If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I 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 ———————————————————————————

Veronica Kulon, CEO of VK Empowerment Solutions, shares her journey from starting a business to becoming an advocate for her clients after joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. She had been full-time with her business (and working part-time at a job) but she still wasn’t tapping into her financial goals. It wasn’t until she joined the Academy, and got some mindset coaching, that she was then able to secure $1 Million in grants for her clients and $42K in her grant writing business - in just three short months.She even started law school while in the Academy, so she can advocate for her social justice nonprofit clients even more. Veronica is truly a beacon of nonprofit light in 2025!About Veronica KulonVeronica Kulon, MNM, GPC, began her career as a grant professional in 2012 after obtaining her Master's in Nonprofit Management. With 14 years of experience in the field of grants, she has raised over $22 million from foundations, corporations, and government funders for nonprofits in the areas of poverty alleviation, homelessness, education, workforce development, community development, mental health services, and social justice initiatives. Her mission is to grow the capacity of organizations to meet the needs of underserved communities. As Founder and Principal Consultant of VK Empowerment Solutions LLC, Veronica partners with nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions, and public sector agencies to build capacity, secure funding, and drive systemic change. She has also held Grants Manager positions with well-established nonprofits in Atlanta's human services sector and served as a Grant Writer in the Office of Research at Kennesaw State University, where she supported institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion goals through external funding. In addition to her consulting work, Veronica began law school this year at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School to further her commitment to advancing justice and equity. She continues to mentor emerging grant professionals and volunteers with nonprofits advocating for individuals and communities impacted by systemic racism. Veronica holds the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, is a member of the Grant Professionals Association, and currently serves as Vice President of the Georgia Chapter.Connect with Veronica KulonWebsiteTune 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 ———————————————————————————

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

Dr. Eve McGee shares her inspiring journey from the social work sector to more than doubling her revenue and impact as a freelance grant writer.  She went from a draining job to starting her own grant writing business. The first year in her own business, with no support was isolating and hard, though. So she joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.Within 9 months, she went from earning $1,050 in her business (in ONE year) to nine months later going to $149,000. She also was able to secure $294,500 for her social service clients.Tune in today to see how she did this! (spoiler alert: she binged the Academy’s CEO mindset videos, got help from me and our coaches on her packages and pricing, and got her grants reviewed with our unlimited grant reviews).About Dr. Eve McGeeDr. Eve McGee has dedicated her career to advancing social change. With a background in social work practice and nonprofit leadership, she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by social service nonprofits, navigating limited resources, securing sustainable funding, and delivering impactful programs to vulnerable communities.As a seasoned social worker with three decades of direct practice experience, Dr. McGee has worked in community-based organizations, nonprofits, and academic institutions. She has held multiple nonprofit leadership positions and specializes in program design, implementation, and grants management.Dr. McGee is an advocate, strategist, and problem solver. She holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master's degree in social work from the University of Kansas. She also serves on the boards of directors for the Research College of Nursing, the Community Mental Health Fund, and Eitas.Connect with Dr. Eve McGeeEmail WebsiteBook a Sales Call LinkedIn 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 ———————————————————————————

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

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

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

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