Grant Writing & Funding

In this power-packed solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into five essential topics every grant writer needs to master to build a sustainable, profitable, and impactful business.

First, Holly shares what she calls a “grant writer’s dream”—a system for building authentic, long-term relationships with funding sources. Instead of chasing one-off grants, you’ll learn how to position yourself and your nonprofit clients for ongoing funding success.

Next, Holly explores how both nonprofits and freelance grant writers can take advantage of the Great Resignation. With shifts in the workforce, there’s never been a better time to step into grant writing, increase your rates, and align your work with purpose-driven organizations.

She then breaks down how to confidently identify what rates to charge as a grant writer. From understanding your value to setting boundaries, this segment will help you stop undercharging and start building a scalable business.

Holly also tackles a critical industry issue: why grant writers should never be paid on commission. She outlines four clear reasons this model is problematic—and what to do instead to ensure ethical and sustainable compensation.

Finally, she shares actionable tips for working better with nonprofit clients, including communication strategies, expectation setting, and how to become a trusted partner—not just a contractor.

Whether you’re new to grant writing or looking to level up your business, this episode is packed with insights you can implement right away.

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

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

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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.