Grant Writing & Funding

Grant Writing & Funding

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Grant Writing & Funding episodes

  • Fundraising and Prioritizing the 10,000 things on your nonprofit plate!

    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.


    Do you ever feel like your nonprofit to-do list never ends? As a nonprofit leader, development director, or grant writer, you’re likely juggling a lot—and some of those tasks have been sitting on your list for months… or even years.

    But here’s the real question:

    Do you actually need to do all of them?

    In this episode, Patrick Kirby, founder of Do Good Better Consulting, challenges the idea that doing more leads to better results. Instead, he shares his simple yet powerful 5-day priority recipe to help you focus on what truly moves the needle in your fundraising efforts. We dive into how to identify which tasks matter most, how to let go of unnecessary work, and how prioritization—not busyness—is the key to building sustainable fundraising success.

    If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, this episode will give you a practical framework to take back control of your time and energy.

    ABOUT OUR GUEST

    Patrick Kirby is the founder of Do Good Better Consulting, where he helps nonprofits raise more money by simplifying their fundraising strategies. With years of experience in nonprofit development and communications, Patrick is known for his practical, no-fluff approach to helping organizations prioritize what actually works.

    He is a speaker, trainer, and host of the “Do Good Better Podcast,” where he shares actionable insights to help nonprofits grow their impact without burning out. Patrick is passionate about helping nonprofit professionals do less—but better.

    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.

    50 min
  • Ep. 233: The Burning Question to Help You Take Time off from Your Nonprofit

    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 Burning Question to Help You Take Time off from Your Nonprofit
    It's been a busy week and I am back in the full-time swing of things. Why? School started! If you are a parent, you know what I am talking about. Summer is real for taking mandatory time away from the computer when you have kids.
    But it's a great mandatory time away. If we try to 'work through holidays' we may end up feeling guilty for not spending time with our kids or burned out by trying to work regular hours and getting frustrated with everyone in the house.
    You might say, "Just send your kid to summer camp or to daycare!"
    Well, that's not always the solution for every working parent.
    Summer camp and daycare can cost a pretty penny, your kids may dread it, and there could be major transportation issues. Plus, you actually might want to spend more time with the kiddos during these times off ;)
    A better solution may be setting up your year so you work shorter hours during summer, Christmas break, and other holidays.
    It may not feel like you even have that choice to do that at this point in your life, but let me tell you it is possible.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    ✨💌 Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources
    🤩 Want to Join the 2-Day Nonprofit Consulting Conference happening August 25th and 26th, 2022? Click here: https://nonprofitconsultingconference.com/
    ———————————————————————————
    Your answer might not be opening a business (but it might be!).
    ✨ It might be having that uncomfortable conversation with your boss and asking for a raise while simultaneously asking for reduced hours at work (believe me, you probably deserve both).
    ✨ It may be applying for a promotion within your nonprofit.
    ✨ It may be asking for that overdue bonus.
    ✨ It may be saying you will stay at the nonprofit but will work only 10 months out of the year.
    The time to negotiate is NOW.
    Find out about more about this episode here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/233
    🤩 Want to Join the 2-Day Nonprofit Consulting Conference happening August 25th and 26th, 2022? Click here: https://nonprofitconsultingconference.com/
    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!
    If you have any questions, feel free to email
    I’d love to connect with you!
    Thanks for listening!
    Holly Rustick
    Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author
    https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/
    ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨
    16 min
  • The What, Why, and How Webinars Help Grow Your Organization

    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 thinking about running a webinar for your nonprofit consultancy—or your nonprofit organization? You’re not alone.

    Webinars have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years—and for good reason: they work.

    In this episode, we break down exactly how webinars can help you grow your organization, expand your reach, and build stronger relationships with your audience. We dive into the what, why, and how of webinars—what makes them effective, why they’ve become such a powerful tool for nonprofits and consultants, and how you can start leveraging them in your own work.

    Whether you’re looking to educate your audience, attract new clients, or increase engagement with your community, webinars offer a flexible and scalable way to do it.

    If you’ve been considering adding webinars to your strategy, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to get started.

    ABOUT OUR GUEST

    Mandy Pearce is the Founder and CEO of Funding for Good, a consulting and training organization dedicated to helping nonprofits build strong, sustainable funding strategies. With decades of experience in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit leadership, Mandy has worked with organizations across the country to increase revenue, strengthen operations, and grow impact.

    She is a sought-after speaker, coach, and trainer who equips nonprofit leaders and consultants with practical tools and strategies to succeed. Mandy is also the creator and host of the Nonprofit Consulting Conference, where she helps professionals elevate their consulting businesses and expand their influence in the nonprofit sector.

    Mazarine Treyz is an internationally recognized fundraising consultant, author, and speaker who has helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars through innovative and effective fundraising strategies. She is the founder of Wild Woman Fundraising and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals around the world in donor engagement, major gifts, and sustainable funding practices.

    Mazarine is the author of several books on fundraising, including The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising, and is known for her bold, practical approach to helping nonprofits build strong donor relationships and increase revenue. She is passionate about empowering organizations to confidently ask for support and create lasting impact.


    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.

    43 min
  • Common Grant Writing Constraints That Make you Pull Your Hair Out

    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.


    Knowing how to write grant applications is an essential technical skill in the nonprofit sector—but what happens when funders add layers of constraints that make the process even more challenging? In this episode, Teresa Huff of Grant Writing Simplified joins us to break down common frustrations in grant writing, from strict character limits to navigating funder expectations and misconceptions about proposals.

    We also dive into how to align your proposals effectively, find the best-fit grants through research, and handle rejection when grants aren’t awarded. Teresa shares insights from her own journey into grant writing and offers practical advice to help you determine if grant writing is the right path for you—and how to succeed despite the constraints.

    ABOUT OUR GUEST

    Teresa Huff is the founder of Grant Writing Simplified, where she helps grant writers and nonprofits streamline the grant writing process and secure more funding. She is an experienced grant professional, educator, and podcast host dedicated to making grant writing more accessible and effective.

    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.

    39 min
  • How Nonprofits can Share Stories of Impact that Honor the Dignity of Clients

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

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

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

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

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


    Mary Gladstone-Highland, joins us to discuss how nonprofits can share powerful stories of impact while still honoring the dignity of the communities they serve. We explore the fine line between compelling storytelling and unintentionally exploiting beneficiaries for emotional appeal, and how “clickbait-style” narratives can do more harm than good. 

    Mary shares how nonprofits can shift their messaging to be both effective and ethical—ensuring stories empower rather than disempower—while still driving engagement and funding for their mission.

    ABOUT OUR GUEST

    Mary Gladstone-Highland is the CEO of Spark Group Consulting, where she helps nonprofits communicate their mission with clarity, integrity, and impact. 

    She specializes in ethical storytelling, guiding organizations to move beyond deficit-based narratives and instead highlight the strength and dignity of the communities they serve. Through her work, Mary supports nonprofits in aligning their messaging with their values while still achieving strong fundraising and engagement results.

    CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

    Website: https://www.sparkgroupconsulting.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.

    42 min
  • How to Find Ideal Nonprofit Clients That Pay for Your Services

    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.


    Getting a nonprofit client is amazing when you are a nonprofit consultant. Until it isn’t amazing.

    I’ve seen many nonprofit consultants pull their hair out (including me!) when they get the wrong type of client. 

    • The one that keeps negotiating your price down.
    • The one that asks for continued revisions of grants outside of the scope of the contract.
    • The one that doesn’t respect your boundaries.

    So how do you figure out who and what your ideal nonprofit client is?

    Well, that’s what Mandy Pearce from Funding from Good and Mazarine Treyz from Wild Woman Fundraising share today!

    What We Discuss:

    • Introduction to Nonprofit Consulting 
    • How to Get Nonprofit Clients
    • Identify Your Ideal Client
    • Why You Should Charge People to Pick Your Brain 
    • Questions to Determine Your Ideal Client
    • Why You Should Interview the Nonprofit
    • Why a Discovery Call Might Not Give You Leads
    • Qualifying Leads
    • Contract Nuggets

    About Mazarine Treyz

    Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best-selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

    Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

    Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

    • Work with Mazarine
    • Need a speaker? Chat with Mazarine

    About Mandy Pearce

    In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

    She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

    Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

    Ways to Connect with Mandy:

    • Website: Funding for Good
    • LinkedIn: Connect with Mandy

    Related Links:

    • Episode 200: How to Identify What Rates to Charge as a Grant Writer
    • Episode 201:  Why the Nonprofit World Has a Bias Against Women and How to Break the Bias
    • Episode 219: How Much Time to Spend Working In vs. On Your Business
    • Episode 225: Why Becoming a Nonprofit Consultant is a Good Career Move 
    • Episode 226: Where to Find and Manage Grants for Nonprofits
    • Episode 227: How to Prevent Losing Your Nonprofit’s Tax-Exempt Status
    • Nonprofit Consulting Conference

    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.

    26 min
  • 46 Grant Writing Tips to Fast-Track Your Grant Writing

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

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

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

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

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


    Hey, it’s my birthday!

    And in celebration of my 46th (woot-woot), I am giving you 46 grant writing tips!

    Grab this download of all the 46 tips when you join the FREE Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven! 

    Grant Writing Tip #1: Be Concise in Your Writing

    No long, fluffy sentences in your grant writing! Be succinct. Be concise.

    Grant Writing Tip #2: Explain the Problem with Simplicity

    What is the problem? How will you solve it? When you get that across with clarity it goes a long ways!

    Grant Writing Tip #3: Complete Your Budget Before You Write the Entire Narrative

    If you work on your entire narrative and then do the budget last a few calamities could happen.

    • You realize you don’t have enough money to fulfill all your objectives
    • You have to rewrite your narrative because the budget doesn’t make sense any longer. That full-time program director you wanted to hire? Oops, now it’s down no program director. Here goes redoing the org chart and tossing out that job description that took you 20 hours to complete.

    Grant Writing Tip #4: Have SMART Objectives

    Your grant writing objectives need to be SMART. No, they do not need a PhD, but they do need be:

    • Specific
    • Measurable
    • Achievable
    • Relevant
    • Time-bound

    Click here for more information and examples about how to write SMART objectives.

    Grant Writing Tip #5: Your Goal Should Change a Behavior or Situation

    Your goal can be much more audacious than your objective. But it still needs to improve, increase, or change something! There needs to be a larger impact out there that will change some type of situation or behavior for good!

    Click here for more examples on how to write goals.

    Grant Writing Tip #6: Write to the Criteria of the Funding Source Grant Application

    There is usually a criteria (directions) of what the funding source is wanting you to answer. Make sure you clearly and succinctly answer these questions!

    I see a lot of grant writers NOT answer all of the criteria in a grant application. For example, some criteria may have several questions listed in one section and the grant writer only answers the first question. Don’t do that! Answer all the questions!

    Grant Writing Tip #7: Make Sure You Have Skittles

    Yep, sugar helps your brain. That’s scientific ;)

    Grant Writing Tip #8: Make Sure the Grant is Money Your Nonprofit Wants & Can Handle

    Too often people in nonprofits get stars in their eyes when seeing dollar signs. But sometimes money (or the amount) isn’t necessarily a place that your nonprofit is set up. One of the smartest executive directors I ever worked with was on a grant winning streak, but instead pulled back a minute and said, “Let’s first ensure that we have the capacity to handle more grants.”

    Grant Writing Tip #9: Make Sure the Funding Source is Dating Material

    What if the foundation also supports other organizations that conflict with your nonprofit’s values? Or what if they have a bad reputation in reimbursing organizations or paying out? Or what if they ask for just WAY too many reports?

    Remember, getting a grant creates a relationship. Make sure it’s one you want to be in and isn’t taking advantage of you.

    Grant Writing Tip #10: Ask for Feedback Before You Submit the Grant

    Save yourself a ton of time by first contacting the program office at the funding source. Let them know about the project that you will be submitting the grant proposal for and find out if it’s a good fit. Do this before you spend tons of time, money, and opportunity costs by writing the grant.

    On paper I have seen a lot of ‘great fit’ funding opportunities, but after talking to the program officer with the funding source I have gotten the most valuable information. Sometimes it is clear that the program isn’t a good fit and they give advice to tweak it so that it’s a perfect fit and other times I find out that even though they are accepting applications they probably won’t be funding new programs. This is gold.

    Grant Writing Tip #11: Showcase Your Needs with Data

    Oftentimes I see emotional language in grants and absolutely no statistics, reports, or data. This is a HUGE no-no. Writing the need section in grants is not about how many heartstrings you can pull, it’s about how you can demonstrate the need with facts.

    Personally, showing facts and statistics actually makes me more emotionally than prose!

    Grant Writing Tip #12: Don’t Chase the Money!

    I know that those dollar signs can sway many a person into mission drifting! Don’t do it! Just because you might have a great chance at getting $3 million dollars doesn’t mean that you should apply for the grant. If you have to create a program that is entirely outside of your mission and vision, then you are probably mission drifting.

    Remember: Most grants do not have unrestricted funding (unfortunately).

    Grant Writing Tip #13: Make Sure the Grant is a High Enough Time Investment

    What this means is that if the grant is making you jump through hoops and it will take you a 100 hours to apply for $5,000, it might not be the best use of your time!

    Remember, time = money.

    Grant Writing Tip #14: Make Sure Your Beneficiaries Want the Program

    If you have beneficiaries receiving support, make sure that they will use, implement, or be active in the program! You might think of (what you think is) the greatest idea, and then to find out that the nonprofit’s beneficiaries don’t even want the program!

    What can help with this is by doing a Needs & Strengths Assessment! By d...

    20 min
  • How to Prevent Losing Your Nonprofit's Tax-Exempt Status

    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.


    How can you prevent your nonprofit from losing its tax-exempt status? And if you’re a nonprofit consultant, are you setting aside enough money for taxes? These are critical questions that can have major financial and legal implications.

    In this episode, Noura Almasri joins us to break down the red flags that could put your nonprofit at risk and what you need to know to stay compliant. With decades of experience in accounting and nonprofit finance, Noura shares practical insights to help both nonprofits and consultants stay on track.

    ABOUT OUR GUEST

    Noura Almasri is an Enrolled Agent and the founder of Noura’s Books, a tax and accounting firm. She holds a master’s degree in Business Information Technology from DePaul University and brings over 22 years of accounting experience and 15 years of nonprofit experience.

    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.

    49 min
  • Where to Find and Manage Grants for Nonprofits

    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.


    Knowing where to find grant funding sources is essential to winning grants—but simply Googling “grant funding” can send you down an endless rabbit hole (and waste a lot of time).

    In this episode, we dive into smarter, more strategic ways to find and manage grant opportunities with the help of Foundant Technologies.

    We explore Tammy’s journey working with nonprofit organizations, the learning curve of using online tools for grant research, and how Foundant supports philanthropy through effective grant management systems. 

    We also cover best practices in grant software, key features that make grant tracking easier, how foundations manage scholarships, and how nonprofits can streamline accounting and financial reporting for grants.

    ABOUT OUR GUEST

    Tammy Tilzey works with Foundant Technologies, supporting nonprofit organizations and foundations in optimizing their grant management systems. With experience in philanthropy and nonprofit operations, she helps organizations leverage technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and impact.

    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.

    48 min
  • Why Becoming a Nonprofit Consultant is a Good Career Move

    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.


    Nonprofit Consultant Series #2

    If you are considering a job transition, then becoming a nonprofit consultant could be your best bet.

    Why?

    Well, in mid-2022 the job market is prime. Plus, nonprofit organizations are looking for talent right now.

    In fact, studies have shown that the nonprofit sector is regaining some of its pre-pandemic growth, where it was the largest growing sector since 2009. 

    Plus, what the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted is the need for technical skills in the nonprofit sector.

    About Mandy Pearce

    In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

    She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

    Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

    Ways to Connect with Mandy:

    • Website: Funding for Good
    • LinkedIn: Connect with Mandy

    About Mazarine Treyz

    Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best-selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

    Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

    Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

    • Work with Mazarine
    • Need a speaker? Chat with Mazarine

    Related Episodes:

    • How to Identify What Rates to Charge as a Grant Writer
    • Why the Nonprofit World Has a Bias Against Women and How to Break the Bias
    • Nonprofit Consulting Series Part 1: How Much Time to Spend Working In vs. On Your Business

    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.

    28 min

About Grant Writing & Funding

From the publisher's feed

This show is for grant writers who are working in nonprofits or already have a few freelance clients but haven't replaced their nonprofit income yet, and don't have a clear system to get there.

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