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 episode, we delve into the impressive success story of Bridget Lomax, founder and principal of WordSource. Bridget joins us to discuss how she secured an astounding $89,000 in her grant writing business within just eight months, using a strategic approach focused on retainer-based pricing.

Bridget will share her journey from feeling uncertain about raising her rates to confidently pricing her services, all with the support of our specialized academy. She'll also reveal how the consistency and financial stability of retainers have transformed her business, allowing her to meet her financial goals, sustain her household, and even take well-deserved vacations.

Stay tuned as we dive into how Bridget leveraged her extensive experience in creating grant proposals and utilizing AI, overcame the challenges of shifting priorities in grant funding, and empowered herself to operate not just as a freelancer, but as a thriving business owner. Plus, we'll touch on how outsourcing can save valuable time and discuss strategies for growing your client base and scaling your business.

Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or just starting your journey, this episode offers invaluable insights into structuring your business for success, building financial resilience, and positioning your services to appeal to a diverse array of funders. Let's get started!

About Bridgett Lomax

Bridgett Lomax is a seasoned philanthropy professional with 20 years of experience in corporate and foundation fundraising, proposal writing, grants management, and program development. She has worked with nonprofits across various sectors, including arts and culture, immigration, entrepreneurship, workforce development, violence intervention, economic justice, and education. Bridgett’s expertise has helped organizations secure over $10 million in funding to support their missions.

In her roles as both a consultant and director, Bridgett has led and managed teams of fundraising professionals, guiding them in developing and executing successful corporate and foundation funding strategies. She has also overseen capital campaigns and programmatic funding efforts, ensuring organizations achieve their goals.

Connect with Bridgette:

• LinkedIn

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.

Rachel Waterman is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of experience in community development and grant writing.

In this episode, Rachel Waterman discusses the different grant management services available in GEMS, how to use GEMS as an onboarding tool, and the AI technology that’s available for grant writing processes.

She also explains how to streamline your grant writing process, track multiple grant applications, and find potential funders.

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management.

She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.

Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures, and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows, and mentees.

Connect with Rachel:

• LinkedIn

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.

Grace Scamurra is a grants professional, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience supporting youth in education and wellness programs.

In this episode, Grace Scamurra explains how to become a freelance grant writer, get paid for writing grants, and how the academy helps grant writers.

She also talks about the importance of pricing grant writing services correctly, what’s included in a master grant application template, and how freelance grant writers can get support.

About Grace Scamurra

Grace Scamurra is a grants professional, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience supporting youth in education and wellness programs. 

As an educator, Grace facilitated the Community 101 program at her school, a curriculum designed to educate and engage youth through the process of grantmaking, in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation. Under her guidance, students researched local nonprofits, invited agencies to apply for funding, reviewed grants, and awarded over $10,000 to local organizations.

Witnessing her students’ empowerment through grant-making inspired her to open a nonprofit consultancy and put her multifaceted skill set to use while continuing to support mission-driven organizations in a larger capacity. Leveraging this extensive background, Grace offers solution-driven consulting for nonprofits in the education and wellness sectors. 

Through her consultancy, NurturEd Funding, Grace aims to increase funding potential, solidify grant strategies, and prevent burnout among passionate educators and nonprofit workers, allowing them to focus on changing lives.

Connect with Grace:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Email

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• We Should All Be Millionaires
• How Tiffany is Quitting Her Full-Time Job Early with Freelance Grant Writing
• $43K in Grant Training in 6 Weeks
• Payton Transformed Her Value in Her 9-5, Made $17K in Her Business in 3 Months, and $4.4 Million in Grants

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.

———————————————————————————

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 

———————————————————————————

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.

This episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains what you should include in your sales calls with nonprofits, the tone you should use when talking to a board of directors, and why some nonprofits need a dedicated grant writer.

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

In this episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains what a grant strategist does, the expectations nonprofits should have with a grant writer, and the difference between grant writing and resource development

She also describes how to explain to nonprofits what grant writing services involve, why nonprofits can’t pay grant writers with the budget from a grant, and how to reduce stress and burnout.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to talk to a nonprofit board about grants.
• What a grant strategist does.
• The tone you should use when talking to a board of directors.
• What you should include in your sales calls with nonprofits.
• The expectations nonprofits should have with a grant writer.
• How to explain to nonprofits what a grant writer provides.
• Why you can’t pay a grant writer with the budget from a grant.
• The difference between grant writing and resource development.
• Why some nonprofits need a dedicated grant writer.
• How to reduce stress and burnout.

About Sabrina Walker-Hernandez

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

Sabrina grew her operation revenue from $750,000 to $2.5M and completed a $12M capital campaign, and is certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School and a bestselling author.

Connect with Sabrina:

• Website
• Email

Quotables:

• “If you want to be around for the long term you have to get the business part right.”
• “Grant writing is not a guarantee, you pay for the work of putting it together.”
• “We need to go into sales calls with the expectations that you are being paid to make products and carry out research. The end result is we want to create funding but the work isn’t dependent on that at all.”

Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• World Hope
• “Write Grants. Get Paid” Newsletter
• Nonprofit Consulting Conference
• The 3 Elements of Nonprofit’s CEO: Fundraising, Board, and Marketing
• Taking Away Friction Points with Nonprofits Clients and Scaling a Grant Agency
• Scale Your Grant Writing Business with an Identity Shift

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.

———————————————————————————

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 

———————————————————————————

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.

This episode, Christina Edwards explains the process of pricing grant writing services, how to effectively network, and different marketing strategies grant writers can use. 

Christina Edwards is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

In this episode, Christina Edwards explains how online grant writing services can be scaled, how freelance grant writers can charge more for their services, and why some grant writers can justify charging a higher rate than others. 

She also talks about the importance of networking, the benefits of having your own podcast, and how to know if your marketing strategies are being successful.

About Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards, Founder of Splendid Consulting, is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

Christina’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results. 

Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. 

Connect with Christina:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Splendid Consulting Website
• Purpose and Profit Club Podcast 
• Purpose and Profit Club Coaching Program
• Ep. 243: Get Over the Overwhelm of End of Year Giving with a Proven Email Strategy
• Ep. 214: Toolkit for Nonprofits to Get Social Media Influencers and Ambassadors
• Ep. 230: How Nonprofits can Share Stories of Impact that Honor the Dignity of Clients
• Ep. 51: 6 Ways to Stand out On GivingTuesday
• Ep 195: Top Tips to Raise Funds for Your Nonprofit on GivingTuesday

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.

———————————————————————————

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 

———————————————————————————

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.

Are you trying to grow your grant writing business—but feel like you’re spinning your wheels?

In this episode, Patrick Kirby, Founder of Do Good Better Consulting, shares what grant writers really need to focus on to build a sustainable and profitable business.

With nearly 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, Patrick breaks down why finding a niche is critical—and how it can actually make marketing your services easier and more effective. We also dive into where grant writers tend to waste the most time and how to refocus your efforts on activities that generate real results.

Patrick shares practical strategies for marketing your grant writing services, including how to clearly communicate your value and attract the right clients. We also explore the power of retainer clients, the different types of services you can offer on retainer, and how these agreements can create more consistent income.

Finally, we discuss how to manage expectations in client meetings so you can build strong, professional relationships from the start.

If you’re ready to work smarter, niche down, and grow your grant writing business with intention, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Patrick Kirby is a nonprofit fundraising expert with nearly 15 years of experience in the industry and the Founder of Do Good Better Consulting. He specializes in helping nonprofits raise more money through smarter strategies, improved donor engagement, and effective communication.

Patrick is known for his practical, no-nonsense approach to fundraising and consulting, helping both nonprofit professionals and grant writers streamline their efforts and achieve better results.

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.

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.

This episode, Sheleia Phillips explains how to grow a grant writing business, different ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable, and the benefits of having an anchor client.

Sheleia Phillips is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting and has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years.

In this episode, Sheleia Phillips explains her journey moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming the CEO of her own business, the impact of having a mentor, and how having SOPs can change a grant writing business.

She also talks about the things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency, how to get the first clients for a grant writing agency, and the impact hiring independent subcontractors has on a grant writing business’s profit.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming a CEO.
• The impact of having a mentor.
• Why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client.
• Things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency.
• How to get the first clients for a grant writing agency.
• How to grow a grant writing business that doesn’t take over your life.
• Ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable.
• How hiring independent subcontractors impacts a grant writing business’s profit.
• How soon after starting a business you should set up SOPs.
• How SOPs can change a grant writing business.

About Sheleia Phillips

Sheleia Phillips, MPH, CHES, is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years. Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. She has advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy. Sheleia’s track record of securing millions of dollars in grants for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies is a testament to her attention to detail and dedication to her clients. Her ability to effectively communicate her clients’ missions and objectives is a key factor in her success.

Sheleia is also a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant reviewer. Sheleia is an active Grant Professionals Association (GPA) board member. She is committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards by following GPA’s Code of Ethics. Beyond her grant writing work, Sheleia’s expertise and insights have made her a sought-after speaker and educator in the field. Sheleia has partnered with and been featured in various industry platforms and publications, including Forbes, Grant Professionals Association, Network for Good, Voyage Magazine (St. Louis), Certified Fundraising Executive Digest, Instrumentl, and Neon One. 

A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Her clients believe she motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and cheerful personality. She genuinely enjoys her work and brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to organizations and individuals interested in growing their capacity.

Connect with Sheleia:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Quotables:

• “Under promise and over deliver and do it in a way that is unique for you.”
• “I want to create my business in such a way that I can be duplicated, not replaced but duplicated because I want to take vacations, I like taking naps, and I don’t want to be the bottleneck in the business.”
• “If you’re just starting out in business give yourself the opportunity to grow into it. Don’t stress about SOPs because you’re going to need to pivot and make adjustments to how your process works as you work with more clients.”

Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Grant Writing Coach Tells All on Going from Biologist to Grant Professional
• When to Start a New Service for a Grant Writing Business
• Scale Your Grant Writing Business with an Identity Shift
• Grant Easy Management Software

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...

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.

Ready to grow your grant writing business and better serve nonprofits—especially those under new leadership?

In this episode, DeaRonda Harrison, founder and President of June First Firm, shares how she helps nonprofits transform their organizations through strategic grant writing and development support.

We dive into how to understand and pursue federal contract grants, what it takes to become a professional grant writer, and how to consistently attract and increase your client base. DeaRonda also breaks down how to structure retainer agreements with clients, the importance of setting clear boundaries within those relationships, and how retainers can create more stability in your business.

Plus, we explore the role of virtual assistants in supporting your workflow and helping you scale—so you can focus on high-value work while building a sustainable business.

If you’re looking to level up your grant writing career and implement smarter systems for growth, this episode is packed with practical strategies.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

DeaRonda Harrison is the Founder and President of June First Firm, a grant writing and consulting firm that specializes in supporting nonprofits under new leadership to transform and grow their organizations. She is an experienced grant professional who helps organizations secure funding while building strong operational foundations.

DeaRonda is passionate about empowering both nonprofits and grant writers with the tools, systems, and strategies needed to create sustainable impact and long-term success.

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

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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.

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 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.