Grant Writing & Funding

THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyIn this conversation, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe shares her journey from being an in-house grant writer to becoming a freelance grant writer specializing in grassroots social justice organizations. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the funding landscape, particularly the shift from federal to foundation grants. Isatou emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in her business growth, highlighting how delegation and team building have allowed her to achieve a better work-life balance. Holly and Isatou also touch on the mindset shifts necessary for success in the nonprofit sector. Connect with Isatou Bittaye-Jobe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isatoubittayejobe/ Website: https://www.amikhaconsulting.com/ Links Mentioned: Free Webinar on March 25th, 2025 at 4 pm EST “Double Your Grant Writing Business, Writing Fewer Grants, During any Administration”: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship-webinar Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" 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! THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyGo behind-the-scenes of the Grant Professional Mentorship with Dr. Cheri Westmoreland of Spirit Excel. Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship Close on Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, CEO of Spirit Excel, who shares her extensive experience in grant writing and management. Dr. Westmoreland discusses her journey from federal grants to foundation grants, the importance of compliance, and how mentorship has helped her build confidence and business acumen. She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing funding landscapes and the value of investing in oneself through mentorship programs. The conversation highlights the challenges and successes of managing a grant writing business while working full-time, and the evolution from being a grant writer to becoming a business owner. Takeaways - Dr. Westmoreland has 30 years of grant management experience. - She initially resisted grant writing but found success through mentorship. - The transition from federal to foundation grants opened new opportunities. - Compliance is crucial in grant management, especially with federal grants. - Building confidence through mentorship has been transformative for Dr. Westmoreland. - Managing clients while working full-time requires strategic planning. - Investing in oneself is essential for growth in the nonprofit sector. - The mentorship program provides valuable resources and support. - Evolving from a grant writer to a business owner is a significant shift. - Networking and marketing are key to finding clients in grant writing. About Dr. Cheri Westmoreland Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, founder of Spirit Excel, exists to energize, empower, and elevate faith- and community-based organizations through tools to enhance professional excellence. Cheri has worked for over 30 years in higher education and in non-profit community-based agencies. She currently works at the University of Cincinnati as the Executive Director for Academic Enrichment and Outreach. Cheri has successfully received federal grants totaling over 1.2 million per grant for 3-5 years of funding. Offering services to write foundation and state agency grants, strategic planning for nonprofit and business/ministry, program development and program evaluation, grant review and grants management services. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, from Wittenberg University, Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Miami University, and Doctor of Education in Educational Foundations from the University Cincinnati. She is also a member of the Grant Professional Association. Dr. Westmoreland is married to Kim Westmoreland and has an adult married son and two beautiful granddaughters. Contact with Dr. Cheri Westmoreland Email: cherispiritexcel@gmail.com Website: https://spiritexcel.org 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 Rustick Coaches 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/ THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyYou may need to restructure your grant writing business in 2025. Meaning three main things need to be re-evaluated: -Offers -Systems -Team There has been a lot going on with grants in the last month, and it’s clear that there will be changes in 2025. Does that mean all grant funding is gone or your clients will dry up? No. But you may need to get back to the heart of your business. Pivoting is a word you may be bringing back into your vocabulary this year. Knowing what service offers to keep, what to double down on, and what to let go is all vital to growing your revenue and serving your clients. As a grant writing CEO (yes, you’ve graduated from the thought you are ‘only’ a freelancer), you may even have a virtual assistant and/or subcontract grant writer or two on your team. You may be wondering if you need to restructure your team and offers in 2025 with everything that is happening with the new Administration. #1 - Restructure Your Grant Writing Offers If you have federal grant writing service offers (meaning you write federal grants), then you will want to work closely with your clients on how to adjust to all the changes. This might mean re-working your scope of work retainer and taking out a couple of grants and putting in Monthly Updates instead. #2 - Update Your Business Systems You need to create or update SOPs. Even if this year wasn’t full of new grant things, we recommend you do this every quarter! Look over SOPs and update any. See if you can add AI to support any functions. #3 - Examine Your Team and Reset Roles You may need to role reset some team members. Your virtual assistant may need fewer hours this year or you may assign them some hours to attend webinars on federal grant updates and send you notes. Your grant writers may need to be reporting on grant updates or working on doubling foundation grant outputs. But within everything, you need to make sure this aligns with your budget. Students inside the Grant Professional Mentorship have been addressing these needs to see how to adjust in 2025. Some are hiring virtual assistants to help with more admin duties so they can be in front of a lot of issues. Others are streamlining team members and paying for scope of work instead of just hourly. When you join the Grant Professional Mentorship, we will have a LIVE 3-Hour Business Reset Call to dig into your business. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" 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! THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyAs a freelance grant writer, or freelancer in general, are you keeping track of your time? One of the biggest flaws I see is that freelance grant writers don’t keep track of their time. Why is tracking your time so important? Because our time is our most valuable asset. What Happens When Freelancers Don’t Track Their Time When freelance grant writers don’t track their time, they underestimate how much time the following takes: Writing grants How much time to write a foundation grant How much time to write a federal grant How much time to write a state grant How much time to write a Letter of Inquiry Finding grant prospects Meetings with clients Emails with clients Talking to funders Working on financials Marketing Industry updates Administration And so much more… And what happens when you don’t accurately count or track your time? According to our friends over at Global Development Solutions, who conduct an annual Pricing Survey among grant professionals (2023), YOU don’t get paid for all your work! This is SO dangerous because if you don’t get paid for your work, then you are not able to sustain a business. You need to know how much time things take you to do. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" 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! THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyJoy Maxwell, Owner and Lead Advisor for Ark Advising, shares about her journey from working in a nonprofit to starting her own business, ARK Advising. Joy shares her experiences with mentorship, financial challenges, and the importance of community support. She discusses how she transitioned to a retainer model for her services, allowing her to achieve a better work-life balance while significantly increasing her revenue. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, especially in the context of the nonprofit sector. In this conversation, Joy M. Maxwell discusses her journey in balancing nonprofit work with a business mindset. She shares insights on shifting relationships with nonprofits, navigating emotional connections, and embracing flexibility in business operations. Joy highlights the importance of mentorship and the tools that have helped her grow her business while achieving a better work-life balance. The discussion emphasizes the value of community support and the ongoing process of adapting to changes in the nonprofit sector. Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship on Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship The Grant Professional Mentorship is a 12-Month Mastermind Coaching Program for 5 to 6-figure Grant Professionals to Double Your Revenue with Scalable Services, Systems and a Part-Time Team - without burning out. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now." >> Join the "Write Grants. Get Paid" newsletter: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyHolly Rustick and Fielding Jezreel discuss the transformative experience of the Grand Professional Mentorship, focusing on Fielding's journey from a toxic job to becoming a successful grant consultant. They explore the importance of accountability, community support, and financial strategies in navigating the challenges of running a grant writing business. Fielding shares insights on developing a federal grants course and the significance of having a supportive network of peers. The discussion emphasizes the need for financial planning and the value of mentorship in achieving business growth and stability. Takeaways - Fielding transitioned from a toxic job to grant consulting. - The mentorship provided accountability and support during tough times. - Community support is crucial for solopreneurs. - Financial planning is essential for business sustainability. - Fielding developed a federal grants course to help others. - The importance of restructuring pricing and contracts for efficiency. - Celebrating wins within the community boosts morale. - Navigating challenges is easier with a supportive network. - Fielding's revenue doubled after joining the mentorship. - Mentorship can help avoid common mistakes in business. Join the Free Webinar, "Double your Grant Writing Business Revenue, by Writing Fewer Grants, During any Administration” on Tuesday, March 25th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST Click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship-webinar THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyWe are moving through a new era in federal grant writing. For access to federal grant funds during this new Trump Administration in 2025, nonprofits need to be more aware of what types of words you are using, and are not using, in your grant applications. We have always said that grant writing is a word game, and the types of words you use play a big part in how you construct a grant. With the Trump Administration in 2025, though, we have not experienced the sheer elimination of word usage in federal grant guidance before. Regular Changes in Words in Grants To put it into context, we’ve been writing grants for more than 20 years, and we have learned to play the wordsmith game of grant writing. What is normal in federal grant word usage changes is that words are often added to the federal grant cycles when: A new administration starts Societal movements and norms enter into the federal mainstream Priorities of the federal government are identified Even for foundation grants, we have been training grant writers to connect words with the funding source priority areas, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and website information so that grant writers mimic funding source language. Then we teach grant writers how to integrate these words into their programs in a way that aligns with what they do. This ensures that everyone is on the same page with language and what that language means AND helps with consistent language in grant applications. This approach also helps nonprofits so they aren’t mission drifting or scope creeping, but are aligning with funding sources for their specific cause areas. While we still entirely support this approach, the new wrench in the bucket in February 2025 is the potential sheer number of words to NOT use for the new recommendations from certain federal agencies (as of 2/10/2025) Replace Potential Trigger Words Using ChatGPT I ran all the words listed in ChatGPT to find alternative words. While this was helpful to get ideas, it was not entirely efficient. At the end of the day, words are important. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts! “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Follow now so you don’t miss any bonus episodes! This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: 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! THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyIn this week’s podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Rachel Werner of MyFedTrainer.com to discuss what is currently going on with federal grants during the Trump Administration, and what the forecast is. We recorded this as one of ‘fly-on-wall’ podcasts where we had Academy and Mentorship students attend the live recording and got to ask questions afterwards! So FUN and needed! In this conversation, we discuss: An outlay of federal grants over the last month What nonprofits can do if they are not aligned with current Executive Orders How freelance grant writers can help nonprofits navigate these times Forecast: What the Continuing Resolution means on the Federal Budget on March 14th Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" 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! THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyIn this week’s Podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Fielding Jezreel of Jezreel Consulting. In this conversation, we discuss: How to know if you are ready for federal grants How to build internal readiness Why organizations should not assume that federal grants aren’t accessible Today’s climate of federal grants Connect with Fielding Jezreel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel/ Website: https://www.jezreelconsulting.com/about At the end of the day, words are important. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts! “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Follow now so you don’t miss any bonus episodes! 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! THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academyYou might be thinking grant writing isn’t your thing because you have a ‘low’ grant success rate or haven’t secured any or much money for organizations yet. Or maybe you, as a Freelance Grant Writer, think your business isn’t great because other Freelance Grant Writers’ posts on LinkedIn get so much more engagement. Stop comparing yourself to others. This is “comparasitis” and will make you stop learning grants or stop selling your grant writing services. In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick explains: Why Grant Writing Success Rates are Skewed Why Total Grant Money Secured Doesn’t Prove Your Grant Writing Skills Why Freelance Grant Writers on Social Media may just have vanity metrics vs. Sales Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Links Mentioned in the Podcast: Freelance Grant Writer Academy Align & Attract by Kerry Rowet Smart Passive Income Podcast Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: 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! THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY! The Academy is for new and aspiring grant writer so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Part-Time Hours, Writing Grants & Funding Assets from Home. Join before Sunday, June 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy