In this inspiring episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kia Chatmon, founder of Heart for the Community Consulting, to explore her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to building a thriving grant writing and consulting business.

Kia opens up about the diverse cause areas she serves—ranging from health and education to youth development—and shares the exact systems she’s put in place to streamline operations, improve client onboarding, and free up her time.

From the power of networking and word-of-mouth referrals to the game-changing decision to hire a virtual assistant, Kia reveals how intentional delegation and clear processes have transformed her business. She also dives into her new blog strategy for generating leads and providing value, plus gives a sneak peek into her upcoming LinkedIn Live series supporting Black-led organizations.

Whether you’re a new freelance grant writer or a seasoned pro looking to scale, this conversation is packed with practical tips and motivation to help you work smarter—not harder.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Kia transitioned from nonprofit staffer to successful grant writing consultant
✅ The importance of grant readiness for nonprofit clients
✅ Why networking and referrals are still the most powerful growth tools
✅ How mentorship programs can accelerate your business journey
✅ The systems Kia uses for onboarding, follow-up, and client retention
✅ The benefits of hiring and delegating tasks effectively
✅ How blogging can position you as a trusted expert in your field
✅ Insights into Kia’s LinkedIn Live series for Black-led organizations

Chapters:
01:01 – Kia's Journey into Grant Writing
04:39 – Niche Services and Grant Readiness
08:48 – Starting the Business and Networking
11:58 – Joining the Grant Professional Mentorship Program
14:22 – Comparing Business Training Programs
16:30 – Elevating Business Communication
21:00 – Leveraging Digital Platforms for Growth
25:58 – Streamlining Operations and Hiring
28:57 – Enhancing Client Relationships and Retention
32:05 – Empowering Communities Through Nonprofit Leadership

Resources & Links Mentioned:
🔔 Subscribe for more grant writing and nonprofit strategy tips!
📚 The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing – Get the Book
🎓 Freelance Grant Writer Academy – Join Here
🤝 Grant Professional Mentorship – Learn More
🌐 Visit Holly’s Website – Grant Writing & Funding

Do you want a FREE Master Grant Template? Grab our FREE 5-Part Private Podcast, where you get
1) a private podcast episode for 5 days explaining how to write our Academy Master Grant
2) an editable Master Grant Template
3) a Master Grant Workbook

Just visit https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast