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.

This episode, Niki Wanner explains what services grant writers should provide to their clients, the boundaries you need as a grant writing consultant, and how to turn a grant writing job into a grant writing business.

Niki Wanner is an experienced Grants Consultant, Fundraising Professional, and Grant Writer who has won funding from 12 federal agencies and dozens of leading national and regional foundations. 

In this episode, Niki explains the benefits of having generalist services with a niche audience, how to create boundaries when working with nonprofits, and who freelance grant writers should hire on their team.

She also talks about why nonprofits should hire freelance grant writers instead of staff grant writers, how a mentorship program can help your grant writing business, and why you need a niche for your grant writing services.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The benefits of having generalist services with a niche audience.
• The boundaries you need as a grant writing consultant.
• How to create boundaries when working with nonprofits.
• What services grant writers should provide to their clients.
• Why it’s better to hire a freelance grant writer instead of a staff grant writer.
• How to turn a grant writing job into a grant writing business.
• Who freelance grant writers should hire on their team.
• How a mentorship program can help your grant writing business.
• The importance of having a niche for your grant writing services.

About Niki Wanner

Niki Wanner is an experienced Grants Consultant, Fundraising Professional, and Grant Writer who has won funding from 12 federal agencies and dozens of leading national and regional foundations.

She consults with nonprofits to increase proposal win rates, diversify grant funding, and set up systems for successful grant compliance. Niki and her team specialize in affordable housing, mental health, and human services.

Connect with Niki:

• LinkedIn
• Email
• Website

Quotables:

• “You’ve got to have really clear boundaries, really clear policies, and your boundaries can come from your policies. That’s what we work on in the mentorship because a lot of nonprofits don’t realize how it is to work with consultants because they’re so used to that staff relationship.”
• “I knew that if I wanted to scale, if I wanted to make this a business that could run in my absence when I take vacations, then I needed to bring on people and train them so that we could keep on going.”
• “Without a niche it’s really hard to market effectively because otherwise you’re just all over the place.”

Links:

• Grant Professional Mentorship

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Free Webinar on July 24th at 4 pm – 5:30 pm EST “Double Your Revenue: Hire a Part-Time Team Without Slashing Your Owner’s Pay”
• Treat Your 9-5 as Your Anchor Client as a Freelance Grant Writer
• When to Start a New Service for a Grant Writing Business
• Stop Being Guilted to Work at a Nonprofit
• 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 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.

What does it actually take to build a successful grant writing business?

In this episode, Holly breaks down the four major areas every grant writing business needs to focus on to grow sustainably and profitably. We dive into how your business is structured, the different types of support you can bring in, and how to think strategically about scaling. Holly explains the various types of grant writing assistants you can hire—and how each role can support your workflow and free up your time.

You’ll also learn the key differences between operating as a freelance grant writer versus building a grant writing agency, and what that transition can look like as your business grows.

We explore multiple income streams available to grant writers, helping you diversify your revenue and create more financial stability. Plus, Holly shares how mentorship programs and webinars can accelerate your learning, sharpen your skills, and provide clarity on your next steps.

If you’re ready to better understand how your business works—and how to grow it with intention—this episode will give you a clear roadmap.

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/

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.

In this episode, Holly Rustick takes you inside the Grant Professional Mentorship and breaks down how grant writers can increase their income without increasing their workload. She shares what’s included in the mentorship curriculum and how it’s designed to help grant writers build sustainable, scalable businesses. 

Holly also dives into common challenges grant writing businesses face, from inconsistent income to lack of structure, and explains the essential frameworks needed to create stability and growth. 

Additionally, she highlights opportunities like the Grant Writer For Hire Directory and how to get featured on the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast to increase visibility and attract clients. If you’re ready to grow your grant writing business more strategically—without burning out—this episode will show you how.

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.

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 breaks down what it really takes to create and deliver a successful grant training program. She shares insights on how much time goes into developing training, how to price your program for profitability, and effective ways to market your training to the right audience.

Holly also explores the differences between hosting grant trainings in person versus online, how to turn training participants into long-term clients, and strategies to move beyond a time-for-money model into more scalable income streams.

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.

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 operating as a freelance grant writer—or truly stepping into the role of a business owner?

There’s a big difference.

In this episode, Holly breaks down the shift from freelancer to business owner, and why this identity change is essential if you want to grow and scale your grant writing business.

We explore what it really means to adopt a business owner mindset, including how you make decisions, structure your services, and plan for long-term growth. Holly also shares how many grant writers start as a side hustle—but with the right systems and strategy, can evolve into a full-fledged business.

A key part of this evolution? Building a team.

You’ll learn the benefits of bringing on team members, how to maintain quality as you grow, and what systems you need in place to ensure consistency across your services.

We also dive into how to step into your role as a CEO, create scalable offers, and avoid burnout while increasing your revenue.

If you’re ready to move beyond doing everything yourself and start building a sustainable, scalable grant writing business, this episode will give you the roadmap.

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/

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.

Welcome to a special episode of Grant Writing & Funding! 

In this behind-the-scenes episode, Host Holly Rustick shares her journey from grant writing to coaching eager entrepreneurs on how to start their own grant writing businesses. She delves into her decision to rebrand and focus exclusively on teaching others to become successful business owners, uplifting women, and increasing their income. 

Holly discusses the impact her business has had on her life and the satisfaction she finds in coaching others. She emphasizes the importance of creating a brand that reflects the unique qualities and mission of a business and shares insights from her rebranding process. Join us as we explore the power of entrepreneurship, branding, and the journey towards creating a legacy business.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Holly Rustick’s journey from grant writing to coaching and training entrepreneurs
• How she shifted her focus from grant writing to coaching others to start grant writing businesses
• Why she decided to exclusively teach people to become business owners and write better grants
• Her desire to uplift women and help them increase their income through entrepreneurship
• A shift from on-demand courses to live coaching to strengthen her movement and mission
• Holly Rustick’s emphasis on creating a brand that reflects the unique qualities and mission of a business or organization
• The mission of creating a community where grant professionals have peace, profit, and a legacy business
• Importance of understanding the brand’s results, transformation, and products when working with brand professionals
• Highlighting the control and freedom that entrepreneurship provides compared to traditional employment
• The advice not to rush into branding without establishing a client base
• Recommending starting scrappy and low-cost before considering a rebrand

Quotables:

• “I really wanted to talk today a little bit about why we did a rebrand, what it all includes, because it’s not just, like, new photos, right, or new colors, but there’s a lot more behind the scenes than that.”
•  “Colors, pictures, all of those things are really important. But it’s not just like, oh, what colors do I like? Oh, you know, let’s just grab some stock photos of people sitting at computers because I’m a grant writer.”
• “Our mission at Grant Writing and Funding is to create a community where grant professionals have peace, profit, and a legacy business.”

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 mentioned in this episode:

• Free webinar, “Double Your Revenue: Hire a Part-Time Team Without Slashing Your Owner’s Pay” on July 24th at 4 pm – 5:30 pm EST.
• Grant Professional Mentorship
• Freelance Grant Writer Academy

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.

Brian Meagher joins us to share his insights from over a decade of experience in fundraising, during which he has helped raise millions of dollars for small nonprofits. He breaks down what clients really expect from grant writers, how to find and retain clients for your grant writing business, and how to build strong, lasting relationships in the sector. 

We also explore strategies for writing successful grants, how to grow and hire for a grant writing business, and the evolving role of AI in supporting more efficient and effective grant writing.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brian Meagher is an experienced fundraising professional with over ten years in the nonprofit sector, where he has successfully raised millions of dollars for small organizations. He specializes in grant writing, donor development, and building sustainable funding strategies. 

Brian is passionate about helping nonprofits and grant writers alike strengthen their approach to fundraising, grow their impact, and navigate the evolving landscape of grant funding.

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.

Kim Collier has secured over $35 million in government and foundation funding for nonprofits over the past 20 years—and in this episode, she brings both experience and real talk to the conversation. We dive into what it actually looks like to build a sustainable and profitable grant writing career, starting with a topic many grant writers know all too well: being underpaid.

Kim shares the real impact of undercharging (and undervaluing your work), and how shifting your mindset—and your pricing—can change everything. We also talk about the power of community and why being part of a grant writing network can accelerate your growth, confidence, and opportunities as a grant professional.

But we don’t stop there.

Kim brings a unique perspective on nonprofit infrastructure, including common security risks organizations face today. She shares insights on how nonprofits can better protect themselves from cybersecurity threats—an often overlooked but critical area of sustainability.

And finally, we explore how housing grants have been evolving and what that means for grant writers working in this space.

If you’re ready to strengthen your business, better serve your clients, and stay ahead of industry shifts—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kim Collier is an experienced grant professional who has secured more than $35 million in government and foundation funding for nonprofits over the past two decades. She brings deep expertise in grant strategy, funding research, and nonprofit capacity building.

In addition to her work in grant writing, Kim has a strong focus on nonprofit systems and sustainability, including risk management and cybersecurity awareness. She is passionate about helping grant writers build profitable businesses while supporting nonprofits in operating more securely and effectively.

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, Rachel Waterman explains the results of the grant writer’s pricing survey report, how the report has changed from last year, and the biggest trends currently affecting grant writers.

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

In this episode, Rachel explains how grant writers price their services, the different pricing structures that grant writers use, and where grant writers are losing money.

She also talks about how a grant writer’s gender impacts their work, how much unpaid work grant writers do, and how grant writers can improve the grant writing community.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The results of the pricing survey report by Global Development Solutions.
• The difference between the 2022 and the 2023 report.
• How grant writers price their services.
• How much unpaid work grant writers do.
• What you need to consider when pricing your services.
• The ways a grant writer’s gender impacts their work.
• The different pricing structures that grant writers use.
• Where grant writers are losing money.
• Why grant writers do unpaid work.
• How grant writers can improve the community.

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

Quotables:

• “People didn’t realize that they were working for free, they would tell us how many hours they were working but when we did the math they weren’t getting paid for all their hours.”
• “Logging our hours and wrapping our brains around what we’re doing for free allows us to create boundaries and expectations with our clients. We need to show them that we value our time because we’re telling them that our time isn’t valued when we’re working for them for free.”
• “Men tend to think of themselves more in a monetary value and women tend to think of themselves of how they can be helpful and then we end up devaluing ourselves.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• 2022 Pricing Survey (50% Off!): GDS 2022 Pricing Survey Report
• 2023 Full Pricing Survey (10% Off!) 
• GEMS 
• Freelance Grant Writer Academy
• Why you struggle with pricing as a freelance grant writer with Rachel Waterman
• Grant Writer Pricing Survey: Why Grant Professionals Don’t Feel Valued
• Grant Management Made Easy: Never Miss a Grant or Funding Deadline

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!

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.

Rhea Wong joins us to share how nonprofit leaders can build strong individual major gift programs to increase fundraising success. She breaks down why donor retention rates are often so low, the core principles behind creating a meaningful donor experience, and how consultants can strategically choose the right projects. 

We also explore practical strategies for staying calm and focused, what it takes to build a successful group coaching program, and how a nonprofit consultant’s career can evolve over time.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rhea Wong helps Executive Directors and development staff build out individual major gift programs in order to raise more money. She brings over 15 years of fundraising experience to help people make a plan to move their individual donor program forward.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn

Website

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.