Grant Writing & Funding

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AI is changing grant writing, but experienced grant writers aren’t simply handing over an RFP and asking AI to write the grant.

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with a panel of three seasoned grant professionals - Sara Cohen, Gwen Valentino, and Nic Daniel - to talk candidly about how they’re actually using AI inside their grant writing businesses in 2026.

From developing sophisticated prompts and creating client policies to automating communications, analyzing grant applications, building budgets, and dramatically reducing turnaround time, these grant writers share what’s working behind the scenes; and where human expertise is still absolutely essential.

You’ll hear how Gwen has developed AI processes that have helped her work faster and serve smaller nonprofits while continuing to support municipal clients with tight deadlines; how Nic is using AI and connected client files to streamline research, drafting, budgets, and team workflows; and how Sara uses AI more selectively for editing, strategy, policies, sponsorship packages, and other client value-adds.

They also get into the risks. AI can still hallucinate, confuse client information, produce polished language that doesn’t actually make sense, and create serious problems when users don’t know enough about grant writing to recognize what’s wrong.

The conversation also tackles one of the biggest questions facing the profession: Will AI replace grant writers?

The panel’s answer points to a different future: one where grant writers who understand strategy, know their clients deeply, can critically evaluate AI-generated work, and learn how to use AI as a tool may become even more valuable.

If you’re wondering where AI belongs in your grant writing workflow, how other professional grant writers are using it, or whether you should be using it at all, this episode gives you an inside look at what that can actually look like.

Sara Cohen began her consulting business in September 2014 after 15 years in various fundraising positions at several nonprofits. Over her 25-year nonprofit career, she has raised over $70,000,000 for the organizations she represented. She has successfully written foundation, corporate, county, state, and federal grants in the areas of secondary education, early childhood education and early intervention, youth behavioral health, disabilities, the arts (primarily music, dance, and theater), workforce development, museums, and human services. Sara is committed to constant self-improvement and has acquired the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and the Grant Professionals Certified (GPC) certifications.

She is very open and collaborative with her clients and their staff. Additionally, her past experience in the corporate sector strengthened her analytical and problem-solving skills, which she has been able to draw on when working with clients.

When Sara is not working with her inspiring clients, she can be found with her nose in a book, out running or walking, enjoying Chicago's cultural and culinary splendor, or spending time with friends, family, and her adorable mutt.

Since 2018, I’ve been turning community dreams into funded realities. As the founder of NM Grant Writers, I specialize in helping small nonprofits, cities, and community organizations bridge the gap between vision and funding. My journey began at the South Central Council of Governments, where I learned the art (and strategy) of navigating federal, state, and foundation grants, from USDA and NMFA to private foundations across the Southwest.

What drives me is simple: helping good people do great work. Whether it’s revitalizing rural communities, strengthening local nonprofits, or building sustainable programs, I believe grant writing isn’t just paperwork, it’s storytelling with purpose.

When you work with me, expect strategy, structure, and a genuine partner who cares about your mission as much as you do.

Nic Daniel, GPC is a senior-level grant strategist and founder of Key Development Group, bringing over 30 years of experience guiding nonprofit organizations throughout California and across the United States. Nic is known for expertise in major grants, organizational capacity building, capital campaigns and collaborative proposals, as well as ongoing program and operating support. They have partnered with more than 70 organizations across the country and secured over $12M in grant funding since 2020 alone.

Nic’s work equips organizations to meet ambitious fundraising goals, independently managing all aspects of the grants process, from research and cultivation to submission, reporting, and renewal. Nic has worked in all nonprofit sector areas, but has special expertise in reproductive health, animal welfare, LGBTQ services, environmental justice, and workforce development.

Past accomplishments include a $20M capital campaign for a national health provider, supporting six-figure grants for a search dog training facility, and guiding a nationally recognized film festival through its nonprofit transition and first round of foundation and government funding.

Nic is credentialed by the Grant Professionals Association, and has served as an instructor in UCLA Extension’s Certificate in Fundraising program. They bring a collaborative, mission-centered approach to every engagement, prioritizing strategic alignment to help organizations thrive.

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding

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.