Grant Writing & Funding

By Holly Rustick

Quit your toxic nonprofit job and replace your full-time income while writing grants part-time, from home! Join our students in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to create Financial Stability and Fle... more

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FAQs about Grant Writing & Funding:

How many episodes does Grant Writing & Funding have?

The podcast currently has 442 episodes available.

Grant Writing & Funding episodes:

April 02, 2025 Bonus Ep: The First Hire You Shouldn't Make as a Grant Professional
Many grant professionals who are booking out clients and feeling overwhelmed think they need to hire a full-time, credentialed grant writer ASAP. They assume an experienced hire will require less training and be easier to manage. But here’s the truth: hiring a fully credentialed grant writer is NOT the first team member you should bring on.
In this episode, we break down why this is a costly mistake and what you should do instead. You’ll learn:
✅ Why hiring a credentialed grant writer is your most expensive hire
✅ Why you still need to train any new hire in your methods, even if they have experience
✅ The importance of creating Systems and SOPs before bringing in a team
✅ A smarter, more affordable way to get help with research and admin tasks first
You deserve to feel confident and financially safe as you build your team. Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, we teach you exactly who to hire first, how much your business can afford, and how to streamline your hiring process with our Part-Time Lean Team Method.
Join the Grant Professional Mentorship!A 12-month group coaching mastermind designed to help grant professionals double their business revenue with a team, systems, and scalable offers—without burning out.
💰 Investment: $6,000 paid-in-full (includes a 1:1 Business Strategy Call with Holly!) or 6 payments of $1,000.🚀 Limited seats available! Once spots are filled, enrollment will close.
📌 Ready to grow your team the right way? Join now or book a sales call today! Doors close April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship

Join the NEW and FREE Webinar, ""Work from Home: Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025” on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar
...more
12min
April 01, 2025 Bonus Ep. How to Recession-Proof Your Grant Writing Business - Why Waiting Won’t Work
The world feels uncertain, but your grant writing business doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we talk about why waiting for the "right time" can cost you opportunities—and how leaning into change can set you up for success.
I’ll also share exciting updates about our Grant Professional Mentorship, including new Innovation Calls designed to help you pivot, expand, and double your revenue in 2024.
👉 Doors to the Mentorship close this Friday, and we may not re-open in 2025! If you’re serious about thriving, not just surviving, tune in to learn why NOW is the time to take action.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔ Why waiting for stability could hold back your success
✔ How to recession-proof your grant writing business
✔ The power of Innovation Calls and expert mentorship
✔ Why this may be the last chance to join before 2026
Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship close Friday, April 4th at 11:59 pm EST.
Find out more here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship

Join the NEW and FREE Webinar, ""Work from Home: Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025” on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar
...more
16min
March 31, 2025 Bonus Ep: How to Hire a Grant Writer in Your Grant Writing Business & Stop Doing all the Client Work
If you're a freelance grant writer or running a service-based business, there comes a point where you hit a financial and time ceiling. To scale beyond $50,000 to $100,000 per year, outsourcing is crucial. In this episode, we explore when and how to hire grant writers to help you grow your business without burnout.
Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship close on Friday, April 4th at 11:59 pm EST.
The Grant Professional Mentorship is a 12-Month Group Coaching Mastermind for Grant Professionals to Double Your Business Revenue with a Team, Systems, and Scalable Offers - without Burning Out.
Join now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Signs it’s time to start outsourcing in your grant writing business
How to hire the right grant writers and avoid common hiring mistakes
The difference between subcontracting and hiring contractors
How to track time and set task expectations
Why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential for smooth onboarding
How to determine what your business can afford to pay contractors
Creating a clear job description and application process
Why and how to use test projects before hiring
Steps to successfully hire and onboard your first grant writing contracto
Be sure to subscribe to our podcast!

Join the NEW and FREE Webinar, ""Work from Home: Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025” on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar
...more
28min
March 26, 2025 Bonus Ep: Replay "Double Your Grant Writing Revenue, Writing Fewer Grants, During Any Administration"
Join Holly and hundreds of folks who signed up for this Webinar, "Double your Grant Writing Business Revenue, by Writing Fewer Grants, During any Administration".
The doors are now open to the Grant Professional Mentorship!
The Grant Professional Mentorship is a 12-Month Group Coaching Mastermind for Grant Professionals to Double Your Business Revenue with a Team, Systems, and Scalable Offers - without Burning Out.
We have limited seats available. Seats are first-come, first-served. Once our seats fill up, we will not take any further calls.
This is the first time in 2025 that our Grant Professional Mentorship has OPENED publicly and might be the only time this year.
The Investment for the Mentorship is one payment of $6,000 (paid in full bonus includes a 1:1 Business Strategy Call with Holly) or 6 payments of $1,000.
Join by April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST or book a Sales Call: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship

Join the NEW and FREE Webinar, ""Work from Home: Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025” on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar
...more
1h 53min
March 19, 2025 Ep: 394 Growing a Grant Writing Business from $5k to $200k in 2 years with Isatou
In this conversation, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe shares her journey from being an in-house grant writer to becoming a freelance grant writer specializing in grassroots social justice organizations.
She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the funding landscape, particularly the shift from federal to foundation grants. Isatou emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in her business growth, highlighting how delegation and team building have allowed her to achieve a better work-life balance.
Holly and Isatou also touch on the mindset shifts necessary for success in the nonprofit sector.
Connect with Isatou Bittaye-Jobe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isatoubittayejobe/
Website: https://www.amikhaconsulting.com/
Links Mentioned:
Free Webinar on March 25th, 2025 at 4 pm EST
“Double Your Grant Writing Business, Writing Fewer Grants, During any Administration”: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship-webinar
Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
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 NEW and FREE Webinar, ""Work from Home: Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025” on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar
...more
43min
March 18, 2025 Bonus Ep: From Higher Education Grant Writer Job to Retirement Business
Go behind-the-scenes of the Grant Professional Mentorship with Dr. Cheri Westmoreland of Spirit Excel.
Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship Close on Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship
In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, CEO of Spirit Excel, who shares her extensive experience in grant writing and management. Dr. Westmoreland discusses her journey from federal grants to foundation grants, the importance of compliance, and how mentorship has helped her build confidence and business acumen.
She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing funding landscapes and the value of investing in oneself through mentorship programs. The conversation highlights the challenges and successes of managing a grant writing business while working full-time, and the evolution from being a grant writer to becoming a business owner.
Takeaways
- Dr. Westmoreland has 30 years of grant management experience.
- She initially resisted grant writing but found success through mentorship.
- The transition from federal to foundation grants opened new opportunities.
- Compliance is crucial in grant management, especially with federal grants.
- Building confidence through mentorship has been transformative for Dr. Westmoreland.
- Managing clients while working full-time requires strategic planning.
- Investing in oneself is essential for growth in the nonprofit sector.
- The mentorship program provides valuable resources and support.
- Evolving from a grant writer to a business owner is a significant shift.
- Networking and marketing are key to finding clients in grant writing.
About Dr. Cheri Westmoreland
Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, founder of Spirit Excel, exists to energize, empower, and elevate faith- and community-based organizations through tools to enhance professional excellence. Cheri has worked for over 30 years in higher education and in non-profit community-based agencies. She currently works at the University of Cincinnati as the Executive Director for Academic Enrichment and Outreach.
Cheri has successfully received federal grants totaling over 1.2 million per grant for 3-5 years of funding. Offering services to write foundation and state agency grants, strategic planning for nonprofit and business/ministry, program development and program evaluation, grant review and grants management services.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, from Wittenberg University, Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Miami University, and Doctor of Education in Educational Foundations from the University Cincinnati. She is also a member of the Grant Professional Association. Dr. Westmoreland is married to Kim Westmoreland and has an adult married son and two beautiful granddaughters.
Contact with Dr. Cheri Westmoreland
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://spiritexcel.org
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/

Join the NEW and FREE Webinar, ""Work from Home: Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025” on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar
...more
30min
March 12, 2025 Ep. 392 3 Items to Restructure Your Grant Writing Business in 2025
You may need to restructure your grant writing business in 2025.
Meaning three main things need to be re-evaluated:
-Offers
-Systems
-Team
There has been a lot going on with grants in the last month, and it’s clear that there will be changes in 2025.
Does that mean all grant funding is gone or your clients will dry up?
No.
But you may need to get back to the heart of your business.
Pivoting is a word you may be bringing back into your vocabulary this year.
Knowing what service offers to keep, what to double down on, and what to let go is all vital to growing your revenue and serving your clients.
As a grant writing CEO (yes, you’ve graduated from the thought you are ‘only’ a freelancer), you may even have a virtual assistant and/or subcontract grant writer or two on your team.
You may be wondering if you need to restructure your team and offers in 2025 with everything that is happening with the new Administration.
#1 - Restructure Your Grant Writing Offers
If you have federal grant writing service offers (meaning you write federal grants), then you will want to work closely with your clients on how to adjust to all the changes.
This might mean re-working your scope of work retainer and taking out a couple of grants and putting in Monthly Updates instead.
#2 - Update Your Business Systems
You need to create or update SOPs. Even if this year wasn’t full of new grant things, we recommend you do this every quarter! Look over SOPs and update any.
See if you can add AI to support any functions.
#3 - Examine Your Team and Reset Roles
You may need to role reset some team members. Your virtual assistant may need fewer hours this year or you may assign them some hours to attend webinars on federal grant updates and send you notes.
Your grant writers may need to be reporting on grant updates or working on doubling foundation grant outputs.
But within everything, you need to make sure this aligns with your budget.
Students inside the Grant Professional Mentorship have been addressing these needs to see how to adjust in 2025.
Some are hiring virtual assistants to help with more admin duties so they can be in front of a lot of issues.
Others are streamlining team members and paying for scope of work instead of just hourly.
When you join the Grant Professional Mentorship, we will have a LIVE 3-Hour Business Reset Call to dig into your business.
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 NEW and FREE Webinar, ""Work from Home: Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025” on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar
...more
15min
March 11, 2025 Ep. 393 Why Grant Writers Must Track Their Time: Pricing Strategies and Smart Decisions
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 NEW and FREE Webinar, ""Work from Home: Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025” on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar
...more
18min
March 10, 2025 Bonus Ep: Doubling Revenue with Work-Life Balance as a Consultant & a Mom
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 NEW and FREE Webinar, ""Work from Home: Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025” on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar
...more
54min
March 06, 2025 Bonus Ep: Accountability and Growth: How Fielding Doubled Her Grant Writing Revenue
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 NEW and FREE Webinar, ""Work from Home: Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025” on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST. Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar
...more
37min

FAQs about Grant Writing & Funding:

How many episodes does Grant Writing & Funding have?

The podcast currently has 442 episodes available.

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