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.

Starting a nonprofit isn’t the only way to make an impact. There are so many ways to support a cause you care about—whether that’s volunteering, donating, or even organizing something as simple as a local cleanup.

But what happens when your passion pushes you to go deeper?

In this episode, we explore how you can turn that passion into a movement—without necessarily creating a nonprofit organization. Joining me is Rebecca Soriano, who shares how her passion for mental health led her to create a powerful movement called Roar to Soar. Through her medical billing business, Rebecca has long supported mental health providers. 

But during the pandemic, like many of us, she experienced isolation—and turned to writing handwritten letters as a way to cope. What started as a personal practice quickly grew into something much bigger. 

After seeing the impact her letters had, Rebecca began offering to send them to others who felt isolated—and the response was overwhelming, with 40+ requests per day. From there, the movement expanded to include writing letters to incarcerated individuals, building meaningful human connections in unexpected ways.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that movements don’t always start with big organizations—they start with heart, intention, and action.

If you’ve been feeling called to create something meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to take that next step.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rebecca Soriano is the founder of the Roar to Soar movement, an initiative dedicated to spreading connection, hope, and mental health support through handwritten letters. With a professional background in medical billing, she works closely with mental health providers and brings a deep understanding of the importance of emotional well-being.

Through Roar to Soar, Rebecca has created a growing community centered on human connection—reaching individuals experiencing isolation, including incarcerated populations, and inspiring others to take simple yet powerful action for social good.

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.

You weren’t an English major or Public Administration major? No worries. You don’t have to have been a writer all  your life to transition into grant writing and to become a grant professional.

In this podcast, Sheleia Phillips tells all on how she has gone from biologist to grant professional… all from the suggestion during an internship.

This literally turned her life around as she realized she could apply her background in research papers and evidence-based practices to writing a grant. She then found out she loves grant writing as has pivoted her career!

What We Discuss about Being a Grant Professional:

• Sheleia’s transition into grant writing
• Why becoming a federal grant reviewer is important
• Why she offers a hybrid of services to nonprofits
• Nonprofit common challenges (and solutions!)
• How to say no to too much work
• How to set up a referral network

About Sheleia Phillips, the Grant Professional

Sheleia Phillips MPH, CHES is the Founder and Principal Consultant of SMP Nonprofit Consulting, a firm commitment to helping nonprofits raise money through grants and sustainable funding since 2018. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for the past ten years. Sheleia has secured nearly $2 million in grant awards for youth development, education, and health programs through her work as a Grant Writer and Fund Development Consultant.

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 is equipped with advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy.

Her expertise spans collaborating and leading a variety of maternal and child health, mental health, recidivism prevention, and education projects. Sheleia is also a grant reviewer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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. Sheleia motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and positive personality

Related Links:

• Ep. #70: Why Blueprints Organize Your Nonprofit Strategies with Sarah Olivieri. Click here
• Ep. #117: Learn How To Pivot Your Nonprofit’s Operations with Sarah Olivieri.
• Ep. #164: How to Get Rid of Boring SWOT Analysis and Revive Your Strategic Planning. Click here
• Ep. #174: How to Conduct Meaningful Conversations for Effective Nonprofit Strategic Planning.
• Ep. #177: 8 Expert Tips For Raising $10,000+ in a Nonprofit Facebook Fundraiser. Click here
• Contact Sheleia: https://www.smpnpc.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 week’s episode, special guest Sarah Olivieri joins us to break down her powerful Impact Method—and how it can be used by both nonprofits and freelance grant writers to create more effective, sustainable organizations.

If you’ve been looking for a clear blueprint to better manage your time, increase your capacity, and grow your impact, this episode delivers exactly that.

Sarah walks us through what the Impact Method is and how it helps organizations move from overwhelm to clarity by focusing on what truly matters. We also dive into what “capacity” really means for nonprofits and how to build it in a way that supports long-term success.

In this conversation, you’ll learn how to create an effective operational blueprint, reclaim your time, build accountability into your systems, and delegate more effectively so you’re not doing everything on your own.

If you’re ready to streamline your work, scale your impact, and lead with more intention, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build sustainable, high-impact organizations. She is the creator of the Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits increase their capacity, improve operations, and achieve greater results without burnout.

Sarah is passionate about helping leaders simplify their work, focus on what matters most, and create systems that support long-term growth and mission 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

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.

It’s officially knee deep into summer. Are you enjoying the popsicles, sparklers, and giggles with the family or are you stuck in the grind? In this article (or feel free to listen to the podcast), I go behind-the-scenes to explain why and how you should take time off your grant writing business or nonprofit.

Maybe July is a super busy month because you have grants due, a nonprofit fundraiser, or more.

Yet. A summer sabbatical, two-week break, or maybe even a year abroad sojourn could be exactly what makes sense for you in your nonprofit or grant writing business right now. ​Even if you are busy beyond busy because let’s face it, every month becomes the busiest month ever. No light at the end of that tunnel.

I’ve been hearing the term ‘sabbatical’ thrown around in entrepreneur groups. No longer is this term only whispered in the halls of academia.

This actual term of sabbatical is defined according to Merriam-Webster dictionary as:

noun

1. a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or other worker for study or travel, traditionally one year for every seven years worked.”she’s away on sabbatical“

adjective

1. 1.relating to a sabbatical.”sabbatical leave”
2. 2.ARCHAICof or appropriate to the sabbath.

So, yes, this is way more of an academia term yet also includes a nod to some thing sacred. Pretty cool, huh?

What is also interesting as most entrepreneurs and grant writers use this term as paid time away. This might mean having saved up funds for this particular time off or maybe they are generating passive income. For nonprofit leaders, the time I am talking about taking off is also paid time away.

Because, let’s face it. Taking time to recharge isn’t so relaxing when you’re not getting paid.

When to Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business

Well, there are several different ideas of this.

1) Forced to take off time from your grant writing business or nonprofit

The most common is to take off time from your grant writing business or nonprofit when you are so burned out that you literally can’t function. Usually this type of  ‘time off’ includes sleeping for days of end (forget the Konmari you planned on doing with your break this year or trips to the beach) all the way to a possible hospital rest (yes, my first grant writing boss actually had a heart attack in his 30s).

This is a dangerous place to be, however the good ole American work ethic and literally work people to death. Not that good after all, huh?

2) Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business After a Heavy Workload

The next most common practice is to schedule time off after an intense workload period. So possibly after a huge fundraiser or long grant season. You know you will need a break so you schedule time off in advance for after that intense period of working. Let’s be real, sometimes the intense periods need to be had. But by this time you are so burned out that the two days off (or week off) isn’t nearly enough.

Literally, your schedule time off from your grant writing business or nonprofit could also be like #1 (sleeping for days on end or ending up in the hospital).

3) Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business Before You Get Burned Out

The least common but most effective. Schedule time off from your grant writing business or nonprofit before you get burned out. Seems pretty simple, but so many people feel guilty for doing this!

Imagine this: You take off time before the crazy intense period so you can feel fresh and 100% during those times and don’t require a 7-day Netflix binge with pizza every night just to feel semi-normal. How much more productive and less intense would those periods feel?

While looking at this in my own life and grant writing business, I realized that I need to be operating on #3  A LOT more. I need to schedule time off in advance from my grant writing business. I am a very classic A type personality and going, going, going is my game. But I often find myself operating in the #2 (or sometimes #1) phase and it is not a pretty place to be!

What I believe I will start incorporating into my life – at the very least – is taking off three months a year minimum. Let’s face it, around the Christmas holidays and during summer I want to spend time with my daughter as she is out of school. Then I want a month to recalibrate and focus on things that light me up! I know that by doing this I will be so, so much more present and energetic for my freelance grant writing mentees and course customers.

In this podcast, I go behind the scenes of how I was able to take off my ‘summer sabbatical’ and set up systems where my brand still continues but I get to take off time with my family!

This system can be replicated :)

Think about what phase (1, 2, or 3) you resonate with and how you can start to operate more in #3 to take time off your grant writing 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, ...

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.

Wait… should you stop asking your board to fundraise? It might sound a little counterintuitive—but in this episode, Sarah Olivieri breaks down a fresh perspective that might completely shift how you think about fundraising. We explore why relying on your board for fundraising may not always be the most effective strategy, and how creating a dedicated fundraising structure—like a committee—can allow your board to focus on governance and leadership instead. 

At the same time, we dive into why donors truly “rock” and how nonprofits can better engage them, including why many donors actually prefer giving unrestricted funds. Sarah also shares practical strategies for building a strong donor base (including how to get your first 150 donors), where to find aligned supporters, and how to simplify your approach—sometimes without needing complex tools like CRMs or heavy social media strategies. 

Plus, we discuss creative ways to think about messaging and donor engagement—even borrowing concepts from industries like weight loss marketing to better connect with your audience.

If you’re ready to rethink your fundraising strategy and build stronger donor relationships, this episode will open your eyes to new possibilities.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build sustainable, high-impact organizations. She is the creator of the Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits increase their capacity, improve operations, and achieve greater results without burnout.

Sarah specializes in helping organizations simplify their strategies, strengthen donor relationships, and build systems that support long-term growth and mission success.

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.

For a nonprofit organization to truly thrive, it needs a healthy mix of funding—from grants and fundraisers to donors, services, and beyond. Relying on just one source, especially grants alone, can put your organization at risk. So, what does a balanced funding strategy actually look like?

If your nonprofit is struggling financially, or if you find yourself relying only on grants or only on fundraising, this episode is a must-listen.

Joining me again on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast is the incredible Dr. Beverly Browning—woot-woot!

In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can build a more sustainable funding model by engaging their board of directors in financial contributions, implementing simple and consistent fundraising strategies (including monthly fundraisers that aren’t overwhelming), and increasing credibility through platforms like GuideStar.org.

We also explore practical ways to secure startup funding, how organizations can raise $40,000+ within a year, and why your funding strategy should never rely on just one stream. Plus, we discuss how social media plays a powerful role in amplifying your fundraising and funding opportunities.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, board member, or freelance grant writer looking to expand your impact—this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits develop diversified funding strategies, combining grants, fundraising, and donor engagement to create long-term financial stability.

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.

Dr. Beverly Browning joins us to discuss how nonprofit leaders can create effective strategic plans that drive growth while avoiding burnout. She breaks down why having a clear strategic plan is essential—from guiding your organization’s direction and helping boards track meaningful milestones, to setting realistic funding goals and meeting grant requirements. 

We also explore how strategic planning can prevent the constant cycle of scrambling from fundraiser to fundraiser, and who this work is especially valuable for, including new nonprofit founders, organizations ready to scale, and freelance grant writers looking to expand their services.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grants expert, author, and consultant with decades of experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, and strategic planning. She has secured millions of dollars in grant funding and is the author of multiple books, including Grant Writing For Dummies. 

Dr. Browning has worked with nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions across the country, helping them build sustainable funding strategies and strong organizational foundations.

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.

What if raising unrestricted funding for your nonprofit didn’t require complicated strategies, ad spend, or hours of setup? 
In this episode, Sean Kosofsky shares a refreshingly simple approach to fundraising that is low-effort, quick to implement, and incredibly effective.

We dive into how peer-to-peer fundraising—especially through platforms like Facebook—can become a powerful, low-hanging fruit strategy for your organization. Sean explains how you can mobilize your existing network to raise funds on your behalf, turning supporters into advocates who help do the work for you.

We also talk about how to quickly plan and launch a fundraiser, how to make simple and effective asks, and how to strategically use unrestricted funds once they come in.

If you’ve been overthinking fundraising or feeling stuck in complicated systems, this episode will show you how to simplify your approach and start seeing results.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is known as the “Nonprofit Fixer” and has more than 27 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. He has served as an executive director for five organizations and has extensive experience in policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, fundraising, and organizational leadership.

Sean has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns, and his work has been featured globally. He has also contributed webinars and content for organizations such as AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays. Sean is passionate about helping nonprofits simplify their strategies and achieve greater impact.

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.

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.

Want to know what grant funding opportunities are ahead for 2021? If you’re a nonprofit, government agency, or even a business seeking grants, this episode gives you a comprehensive look at what to expect—and how to prepare.

In this episode, we break down the full grant funding forecast by looking at trends from 2019 and 2020 and how those shifts are shaping 2021.

We dive into the “Grant Funding Pulse” across multiple sectors, including federal, state, and foundation funding, so you can better understand where opportunities are growing—and where they may be leveling off.

With the massive surge in funding during 2020 due to COVID-19, many are wondering what comes next. Will funding continue at the same pace, plateau, or decline? The answer might surprise you.

If you’re actively writing grants or planning your funding strategy, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve and position your organization for success.

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

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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.