Grant Writing & Funding

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026!

You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck?

Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. 
Get weekly coaching, unlimited grant and business reviews, business and grant training, hundreds of templates,Grant Writer & Consultant Certification, a community, and listed on our Grant Hire for Hire Directory.

Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Freelance grant writing comes with freedom—and a lot of moving parts. If you’re juggling multiple clients, deadlines, and reporting requirements, you need more than a spreadsheet. You need a system that saves time without adding complexity.

Join us for this live panel replay where fellow freelance grant professionals share how they use Grant Management Made Easy to stay organized, meet deadlines, and keep clients happy—without burning out.

You’ll hear directly from 4 amazing grant professionals staff who made the switch from overwhelm to organized—and are now saving hours each week.

Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems to book a free demo and save 10%. 

Thank you to our sponsor GEMS for lovingly sponsoring this podcast episode!

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026!

You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck?

Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. 
Get weekly coaching, unlimited grant and business reviews, business and grant training, hundreds of templates,Grant Writer & Consultant Certification, a community, and listed on our Grant Hire for Hire Directory.

Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Ever wondered what grant writing actually is and how you can start even without a degree, certification, or years of experience?

In this video, Holly Rustick, CEO of Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship, breaks down grant writing in its simplest form: connecting mission and money.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-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/
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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 
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The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026!

You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck?

Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. 
Get weekly coaching, unlimited grant and business reviews, business and grant training, hundreds of templates,Grant Writer & Consultant Certification, a community, and listed on our Grant Hire for Hire Directory.

Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Discover how you can earn significantly more and work less as a freelance grant writer compared to a full-time nonprofit job. Join Holly Rustic, owner of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, as she breaks down the math, showing you how freelancing can result in higher earnings and more free time. Learn about potential incomes, expenses, and the benefits of freelancing, including greater flexibility and vacations. Explore additional resources to improve your grant writing skills, set up your business, and transition to a fulfilling freelance career.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-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/
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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 
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The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026!

You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck?

Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. 
Get weekly coaching, unlimited grant and business reviews, business and grant training, hundreds of templates,Grant Writer & Consultant Certification, a community, and listed on our Grant Hire for Hire Directory.

Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Cynthia Currence, author of Beyond Checks and Halos, to explore how nonprofits can build impactful, long-term partnerships with corporations to increase funding, expand reach, and boost community impact. 

Cynthia shares real-world strategies for creating win-win collaborations between nonprofits and for-profits, moving beyond transactional sponsorships to meaningful, mission-aligned relationships. Together, they discuss how nonprofits can position themselves as valuable partners, align goals with corporate stakeholders, and create partnerships that deliver lasting value for both organizations and the communities they serve.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Cynthia Currence is the author of Beyond Checks and Halos and an expert in nonprofit and corporate partnerships. With extensive experience helping organizations build strategic collaborations, Cynthia specializes in creating win-win relationships between nonprofits and businesses that go beyond traditional funding models. Her work focuses on helping organizations increase impact, strengthen partnerships, and develop sustainable funding strategies through corporate engagement.

OTHER RESOURCES:

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

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

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.

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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

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The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026!

You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck?

Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. 
Get weekly coaching, unlimited grant and business reviews, business and grant training, hundreds of templates,Grant Writer & Consultant Certification, a community, and listed on our Grant Hire for Hire Directory.

Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Sophie Olivier, the CEO and founder of Flourish Fundraising, who shares her journey in grant writing and fundraising from South Africa. Sophie discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in the South African nonprofit sector, the importance of understanding different grant types, and the value of templates and adaptability in grant writing. 

She emphasizes the significance of grant readiness, building client relationships, and the impact of global changes on local funding. Sophie also reflects on her growth as a business owner, the importance of community support, and the rewarding nature of a career in fundraising.

Sophie also discusses how the Grant Professional Mentorship has helped her 1) hire the right team, 2) take her first laptop-free vacation in 8 years, 3) grow her revenue, and 4) have support from an amazing group of peers.

To find out more about Sophie, visit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/sophie

To find out more about the Grant Professional Mentorship, visit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026!

You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck?

Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. 
Get weekly coaching, unlimited grant and business reviews, business and grant training, hundreds of templates,Grant Writer & Consultant Certification, a community, and listed on our Grant Hire for Hire Directory.

Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Learn about my super power - turning a no into a yes: from winning grants, to securing nonprofit clients, to having changemakers join the Grant Professional Mentorship. See this in action, as not knowing how to do this is hurting your grant wins and holding you back from getting clients.

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026!

You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck?

Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. 
Get weekly coaching, unlimited grant and business reviews, business and grant training, hundreds of templates,Grant Writer & Consultant Certification, a community, and listed on our Grant Hire for Hire Directory.

Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

The word for grant writers to embrace in 2025 is current. This can be used in many ways, but one is that of following a current in a river. There might be rocks in the way, and sometimes it feels like a strong current, but remembering there is flow and change is vital. And currents aren't a bad thing, either! We need them so the waters aren't stagnant. Tune in today to be inspired by everything grant consulting in today's new world of grant writing.

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026!

You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck?

Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. 
Get weekly coaching, unlimited grant and business reviews, business and grant training, hundreds of templates,Grant Writer & Consultant Certification, a community, and listed on our Grant Hire for Hire Directory.

Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

In this inspiring episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kia Chatmon, founder of Heart for the Community Consulting, to explore her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to building a thriving grant writing and consulting business.

Kia opens up about the diverse cause areas she serves—ranging from health and education to youth development—and shares the exact systems she’s put in place to streamline operations, improve client onboarding, and free up her time.

From the power of networking and word-of-mouth referrals to the game-changing decision to hire a virtual assistant, Kia reveals how intentional delegation and clear processes have transformed her business. She also dives into her new blog strategy for generating leads and providing value, plus gives a sneak peek into her upcoming LinkedIn Live series supporting Black-led organizations.

Whether you’re a new freelance grant writer or a seasoned pro looking to scale, this conversation is packed with practical tips and motivation to help you work smarter—not harder.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Kia transitioned from nonprofit staffer to successful grant writing consultant
✅ The importance of grant readiness for nonprofit clients
✅ Why networking and referrals are still the most powerful growth tools
✅ How mentorship programs can accelerate your business journey
✅ The systems Kia uses for onboarding, follow-up, and client retention
✅ The benefits of hiring and delegating tasks effectively
✅ How blogging can position you as a trusted expert in your field
✅ Insights into Kia’s LinkedIn Live series for Black-led organizations

Chapters:
01:01 – Kia's Journey into Grant Writing
04:39 – Niche Services and Grant Readiness
08:48 – Starting the Business and Networking
11:58 – Joining the Grant Professional Mentorship Program
14:22 – Comparing Business Training Programs
16:30 – Elevating Business Communication
21:00 – Leveraging Digital Platforms for Growth
25:58 – Streamlining Operations and Hiring
28:57 – Enhancing Client Relationships and Retention
32:05 – Empowering Communities Through Nonprofit Leadership

Resources & Links Mentioned:
🔔 Subscribe for more grant writing and nonprofit strategy tips!
📚 The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing – Get the Book
🎓 Freelance Grant Writer Academy – Join Here
🤝 Grant Professional Mentorship – Learn More
🌐 Visit Holly’s Website – Grant Writing & Funding

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026!

You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck?

Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. 
Get weekly coaching, unlimited grant and business reviews, business and grant training, hundreds of templates,Grant Writer & Consultant Certification, a community, and listed on our Grant Hire for Hire Directory.

Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

In this inspiring conversation, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Ginny Blankenship, founder of Lightmaker Grants and Strategy, to explore her unexpected path into grant writing and how she built a thriving business from the ground up. Ginny opens up about the challenges and opportunities in today’s grant landscape, the power of community and mentorship, and the lessons she’s learned about growing strategically while staying true to her mission.

Whether you’re just starting your grant writing journey or looking to scale your consulting business, this episode is packed with actionable advice, real-world strategies, and uplifting reminders that you don’t have to do it all alone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why so many successful grant writers “fall into” the field — and how to embrace it.
• How claiming a clear niche can help you attract your ideal clients.
• Key differences between federal and private foundation grant strategies.
• The critical role of relationship-building in finding opportunities.
• Why time tracking is essential for running a sustainable business.
• How community and mentorship can break the isolation of remote work.
• The importance of setting boundaries and hiring help for growth.

About Dr. Ginny Blankenship, CRFE

Ginny Blankenship is the Founder and Lead Strategist of Lightmaker Grants & Strategy, one of
the only agencies in the country dedicated to grant writing and fundraising for education,
youth, and workforce development programs.

She brings over 20 years of experience across the nonprofit, education, and public policy
sectors. A recovering policy wonk turned grant whisperer, Ginny began her career as a
communications director in the U.S. House of Representatives during 9/11 — a baptism by fire
that sparked her passion for public service, education equity, and systems change.

She went on to earn a doctorate in education policy from The George Washington University
and has since led successful advocacy campaigns and secured more than $9 million in grant
funding for mission-driven organizations across the country. As a Certified Fund Raising
Executive (CFRE), she holds one of the highest credentials in the nonprofit sector.

Ginny lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her husband, son, two rescue cats (Cleo and Minnie
Pearl), and one wild Weimaraner named Juice.

Connect with Dr. Ginny Blankenship:

• Lightmaker Grants & Strategy’s website: www.lightmakergrants.com
• Lightmaker’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightmakergrants
• Ginny’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnyblankenship

Links Mentioned:

• Grant Professional Mentorship

OTHER RESOURCES:

• 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 

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

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.

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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 

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The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026!

You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck?

Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. 
Get weekly coaching, unlimited grant and business reviews, business and grant training, hundreds of templates,Grant Writer & Consultant Certification, a community, and listed on our Grant Hire for Hire Directory.

Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Is grant writing still a viable business in 2025? YES—and here’s the proof.
 In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down what’s happening in the U.S. federal grant landscape in 2025 and how freelance grant writers are still building thriving, high-income businesses even during times of funding uncertainty.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

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. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

RESOURCES:

• 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 

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

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.

———————————————————————————

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 

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