Grant Writing & Funding

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.As 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!

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.Joy 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/

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.Holly 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

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.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!

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.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!

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.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!

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.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!

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.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/

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.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/

Join the Free, Live Training, "Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants at Home" on Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar.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