Grant Writing & Funding

Navigating the road of freelance grant writing can feel lonely and overwhelming at times—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Tawanda Ellis, whose journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when you follow a clear roadmap and stay committed.

Tawanda shares how she built a thriving grant writing business from home, landing 25+ clients in under three years using primarily word-of-mouth marketing. We talk about how she’s helped secure over $2.8 million in grant funding, how she supports nonprofits with strategic planning, and why she expanded her work to launch an additional business, MirrorMom360.

We also dive into her “Write It Out” Method, the importance of reflection time, and the intentional thinking behind her business branding. This conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and real-world strategies for building a sustainable grant writing business. If you’ve been looking for proof that this path works—and a roadmap to follow—this episode will leave you inspired.

Tawanda Ellis is the Owner and Principal Consultant of DNA 360 Consulting, a minority-owned business that provides training and consulting services to government agencies, startup nonprofits, and organizations seeking sustainable funding strategies.

She founded DNA 360 Consulting out of a passion for helping nonprofits increase their impact, strengthen programs, and secure funding. Tawanda works closely with organization leaders to develop community-focused services, evaluate program effectiveness, and win grants to support their missions.

With her team, she brings decades of combined experience in program development, management, and evaluation. Together, they have helped nonprofits secure over $2.8 million in funding in just three years.

Website: https://dna-360-consulting.jimdosite.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawanda-ellis-83476a198/

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. 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/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.