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
Feb 27, 2025 • 42min
Ep. 390 Federal Grant Updates under the Trump Administration
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 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!
Feb 27, 2025 • 24min
Ep. 389 Banned and Trigger Words in Federal Grant Writing in the Trump Administration 2.0
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.We 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!
Feb 27, 2025 • 46min
Ep. 391 Why Federal Grant Writing Might Still be a Way Forward for Your Nonprofit
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 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!
Feb 9, 2025 • 35min
Ep. 388 Grant Writing Success Rates and Wins Don't Mean You're a Good or Bad Grant Writer
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.You 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!
Jan 31, 2025 • 16min
Bonus Ep: Can I still be a Grant Writer and Get Clients during this Administration
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.With all the news this week about the federal grant freeze, many of you may be wondering:
“Is grant writing even going to be needed during this Administration?
Can I even get grant writing clients during this Administration?”
I get it. There is a lot of commotion this week surrounding federal grants (we've been keeping track of it - follow me on LinkedIn or Instagram for more updates).
But…what I also know about Administrations AND grant writing, is…yes, you can secure grants and clients during this Administration and for the many more Administrations to come.
Why am I so sure?
Because I have written grants for the last 21 years and have been through:
-MANY Administrations,
-A worldwide Pandemic,
-AI,
-Inflation,
-And more…
all while supporting myself with my grant writing skills and business.
Grant writing is a skill that’s been around for a long time.
And if the week has shown us anything, it is that grants are a large part of the U.S. economy that supersede any Administration.
And nonprofits are the fastest growing sector in the U.S. economy.
Your clients might lean into areas that aren’t a priority for the current Administration.
Will you maybe need to write more foundation grants or corporate solicitations? Maybe.
Will you need to lean into Strategic Planning instead of writing a federal grant? Maybe.
Plus, the federal government is NOT the only place where you can find grants. MANY of our Academy students only write non-government grants (Foundation and Community grants).
Once again this depends on your cause area and type of organizations you work with.
Right now nonprofits need your ability to pivot and write HIGH-QUALITY grants so they can focus on running their missions.
Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, we teach you how to write high-quality grants and how to sell your grant writing services during any Administration.
Academy students are still securing grants AND clients - even during this week.
The doors are open to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy until Sunday, Feb. 2nd. Join now to Replace Your Full-time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
Jan 31, 2025 • 20min
Federal Grant Updates and 6 Action Steps for Your Nonprofit Clients
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.You may already be a freelance grant writer (or a grant writer at a nonprofit), and this week was chaotic for you.
Your clients may be asking you a lot of questions about what’s going on in the world of grants.
Here are some things we have been talking to with our Academy Changemaker Students this week, that may apply to your Clients:
1. Advocate for Funding
2. Evaluate Your Nonprofit’s Budget
3. Put all Cash Ideas on the Table
4. Broaden or Double Down in Funding
5. Do a Strategic Planning Session
6. Practice Self-Care
When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Sunday, Feb. 2nd we will help you immediately come up with a plan for your clients based on the types of organizations you work with, cause areas, and more.
We will help create a personalized plan for you.
Plus, we already include a Course (including workbooks) on how to lead a Strategic Planning Session so you can implement that next week.
Join now so you have a go-to resource for all of 2025. You don’t want to spend all your time Googling what’s happening and trying to figure out how to get your clients results.
We got you.
When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, aspiring and seasoned grant writers get everything you need - including how to get your clients results during the changes of grant priorities this year. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy
Jan 31, 2025 • 35min
BONUS EP: New to Grant Writing, Christina Made $30,840 While Working on Her MFA
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.Join Holly Rustick and Christina Royster, CEO of Cape Fear Grant Solutions, as she discusses how she managed to learn how to write grants, open her business and earn $30,840 in her freelance grant writing business, and work on her novel in her MFA program - all in less than a year.
Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close this Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy to Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home - just like Christina.
To learn more about Christina, visit: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Christina
"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
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!
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/
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
Jan 30, 2025 • 19min
Bonus Ep. Why 2025 is the Best Time to Be a Grant Consultant Even with all the Grant Changes and Open House Call
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.Join the Open House Call on January 30th at 11:59 pm EST. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com
You might be wondering if 2025 is the best time to start writing grants after everything going on with federal grants in January 2025.
Yes, it is.
Nonprofits, gov't agencies, schools, hospitals, businesses, and more will still need you to write grants and they aren't going away.
Also now these leaders need a grant consultant to focus on all the changes and come up with strategy so they can focus on leading their programs.
The doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close on Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST.
Join now so you can have access to the 12-month Group Coaching program for aspiring and seasoned grant writers to replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.
"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
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!
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/
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
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Jan 28, 2025 • 30min
Bonus Ep. What I am Doing in 2025 to Grow my 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.Find out what I'm doing in 2025 to grow my business as it will surprise you! I am saying yes to something big!
The doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close on Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST.
Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy to find out more!
Jan 27, 2025 • 35min
Ep. 387 Why Consultants Should Stop Pricing Hourly with Alexander Lapa
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.Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast!
In this podcast episode, Alexander Lapa discusses his experience as a consultant for more than a decade.
As a Salesforce consultant, he talks about how pricing by the hourly is damaging to you as a consultant.
Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
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!
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/
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
