Grant Writing & Funding

In this week’s podcast Holly Rustick brings Laura Hull, Grant Consultant of Premio Services, LLC on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. In this conversation, we discuss: -Laura’s journey into grant writing -How Laura negotiated with her job to get health insurance -Hiring and how it has helped to have support -Managing a growing grant writing business as a single mom. About Laura Hull Laura is a first generation U.S. immigrant with more than a decade of grants experience and nonprofit leadership in multicultural contexts. Laura launched PSI in 2017 to elevate the grants profession and increase social impact by providing transformational grants services to nonprofits. She delivers high quality consulting to nonprofits seeking to expand their grant portfolios by uncovering barriers and finding the right resources to meet unique needs. With creative strategy, an average 98% funding success rate, and a data-driven commitment to success, Laura offers the best in grant services to her clients and sector. Ou

Many grant professionals who are booking out clients and feeling overwhelmed think they need to hire a full-time, credentialed grant writer ASAP. They assume an experienced hire will require less training and be easier to manage. But here’s the truth: hiring a fully credentialed grant writer is NOT the first team member you should bring on. In this episode, we break down why this is a costly mistake and what you should do instead. You’ll learn: ✅ Why hiring a credentialed grant writer is your most expensive hire ✅ Why you still need to train any new hire in your methods, even if they have experience ✅ The importance of creating Systems and SOPs before bringing in a team ✅ A smarter, more affordable way to get help with research and admin tasks first You deserve to feel confident and financially safe as you build your team. Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, we teach you exactly who to hire first, how much your business can afford, and how to streamline your hiring process with our Part-Time Lean Team

The world feels uncertain, but your grant writing business doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we talk about why waiting for the "right time" can cost you opportunities—and how leaning into change can set you up for success. I’ll also share exciting updates about our Grant Professional Mentorship, including new Innovation Calls designed to help you pivot, expand, and double your revenue in 2024.

If you're a freelance grant writer or running a service-based business, there comes a point where you hit a financial and time ceiling. To scale beyond $50,000 to $100,000 per year, outsourcing is crucial. In this episode, we explore when and how to hire grant writers to help you grow your business without burnout. Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship close on Friday, April 4th at 11:59 pm EST. The Grant Professional Mentorship is a 12-Month Group Coaching Mastermind for Grant Professionals to Double Your Business Revenue with a Team, Systems, and Scalable Offers - without Burning Out. Join now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Signs it’s time to start outsourcing in your grant writing business How to hire the right grant writers and avoid common hiring mistakes The difference between subcontracting and hiring contractors How to track time and set task expectations Why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential for smooth onboarding How

Join Holly and hundreds of folks who signed up for this Webinar, "Double your Grant Writing Business Revenue, by Writing Fewer Grants, During any Administration". The doors are now open to the Grant Professional Mentorship! The Grant Professional Mentorship is a 12-Month Group Coaching Mastermind for Grant Professionals to Double Your Business Revenue with a Team, Systems, and Scalable Offers - without Burning Out. We have limited seats available. Seats are first-come, first-served. Once our seats fill up, we will not take any further calls. This is the first time in 2025 that our Grant Professional Mentorship has OPENED publicly and might be the only time this year. The Investment for the Mentorship is one payment of $6,000 (paid in full bonus includes a 1:1 Business Strategy Call with Holly) or 6 payments of $1,000. Join by April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST or book a Sales Call: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship

In this conversation, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe shares her journey from being an in-house grant writer to becoming a freelance grant writer specializing in grassroots social justice organizations. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the funding landscape, particularly the shift from federal to foundation grants. Isatou emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in her business growth, highlighting how delegation and team building have allowed her to achieve a better work-life balance. Holly and Isatou also touch on the mindset shifts necessary for success in the nonprofit sector. Connect with Isatou Bittaye-Jobe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isatoubittayejobe/ Website: https://www.amikhaconsulting.com/ Links Mentioned: Free Webinar on March 25th, 2025 at 4 pm EST “Double Your Grant Writing Business, Writing Fewer Grants, During any Administration”: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship-webinar Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.co

Go behind-the-scenes of the Grant Professional Mentorship with Dr. Cheri Westmoreland of Spirit Excel. Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship Close on Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, CEO of Spirit Excel, who shares her extensive experience in grant writing and management. Dr. Westmoreland discusses her journey from federal grants to foundation grants, the importance of compliance, and how mentorship has helped her build confidence and business acumen. She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing funding landscapes and the value of investing in oneself through mentorship programs. The conversation highlights the challenges and successes of managing a grant writing business while working full-time, and the evolution from being a grant writer to becoming a business owner. Takeaways - Dr. Westmoreland has 30 years of grant management experience. -

You may need to restructure your grant writing business in 2025. Meaning three main things need to be re-evaluated: -Offers -Systems -Team There has been a lot going on with grants in the last month, and it’s clear that there will be changes in 2025. Does that mean all grant funding is gone or your clients will dry up? No. But you may need to get back to the heart of your business. Pivoting is a word you may be bringing back into your vocabulary this year. Knowing what service offers to keep, what to double down on, and what to let go is all vital to growing your revenue and serving your clients. As a grant writing CEO (yes, you’ve graduated from the thought you are ‘only’ a freelancer), you may even have a virtual assistant and/or subcontract grant writer or two on your team. You may be wondering if you need to restructure your team and offers in 2025 with everything that is happening with the new Administration. #1 - Restructure Your Grant Writing Offers If you have federal grant writing service off

As a freelance grant writer, or freelancer in general, are you keeping track of your time? One of the biggest flaws I see is that freelance grant writers don’t keep track of their time. Why is tracking your time so important? Because our time is our most valuable asset. What Happens When Freelancers Don’t Track Their Time When freelance grant writers don’t track their time, they underestimate how much time the following takes: Writing grants How much time to write a foundation grant How much time to write a federal grant How much time to write a state grant How much time to write a Letter of Inquiry Finding grant prospects Meetings with clients Emails with clients Talking to funders Working on financials Marketing Industry updates Administration And so much more… And what happens when you don’t accurately count or track your time? According to our friends over at Global Development Solutions, who conduct an annual Pricing Survey among grant professionals (2023), YOU don’t get paid for all your work! This

Joy Maxwell, Owner and Lead Advisor for Ark Advising, shares about her journey from working in a nonprofit to starting her own business, ARK Advising. Joy shares her experiences with mentorship, financial challenges, and the importance of community support. She discusses how she transitioned to a retainer model for her services, allowing her to achieve a better work-life balance while significantly increasing her revenue. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, especially in the context of the nonprofit sector. In this conversation, Joy M. Maxwell discusses her journey in balancing nonprofit work with a business mindset. She shares insights on shifting relationships with nonprofits, navigating emotional connections, and embracing flexibility in business operations. Joy highlights the importance of mentorship and the tools that have helped her grow her business while achieving a better work-life balance. The discussion emphasizes the value of community support and the o

Holly Rustick and Fielding Jezreel discuss the transformative experience of the Grand Professional Mentorship, focusing on Fielding's journey from a toxic job to becoming a successful grant consultant. They explore the importance of accountability, community support, and financial strategies in navigating the challenges of running a grant writing business. Fielding shares insights on developing a federal grants course and the significance of having a supportive network of peers. The discussion emphasizes the need for financial planning and the value of mentorship in achieving business growth and stability. Takeaways - Fielding transitioned from a toxic job to grant consulting. - The mentorship provided accountability and support during tough times. - Community support is crucial for solopreneurs. - Financial planning is essential for business sustainability. - Fielding developed a federal grants course to help others. - The importance of restructuring pricing and contracts for efficiency. - Celebrating win

In this week’s podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Rachel Werner of MyFedTrainer.com to discuss what is currently going on with federal grants during the Trump Administration, and what the forecast is. We recorded this as one of ‘fly-on-wall’ podcasts where we had Academy and Mentorship students attend the live recording and got to ask questions afterwards! So FUN and needed! In this conversation, we discuss: An outlay of federal grants over the last month What nonprofits can do if they are not aligned with current Executive Orders How freelance grant writers can help nonprofits navigate these times Forecast: What the Continuing Resolution means on the Federal Budget on March 14th Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful g

We are moving through a new era in federal grant writing. For access to federal grant funds during this new Trump Administration in 2025, nonprofits need to be more aware of what types of words you are using, and are not using, in your grant applications. We have always said that grant writing is a word game, and the types of words you use play a big part in how you construct a grant. With the Trump Administration in 2025, though, we have not experienced the sheer elimination of word usage in federal grant guidance before. Regular Changes in Words in Grants To put it into context, we’ve been writing grants for more than 20 years, and we have learned to play the wordsmith game of grant writing. What is normal in federal grant word usage changes is that words are often added to the federal grant cycles when: A new administration starts Societal movements and norms enter into the federal mainstream Priorities of the federal government are identified Even for foundation grants, we have been training grant wr

In this week’s Podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Fielding Jezreel of Jezreel Consulting. In this conversation, we discuss: How to know if you are ready for federal grants How to build internal readiness Why organizations should not assume that federal grants aren’t accessible Today’s climate of federal grants Connect with Fielding Jezreel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel/ Website: https://www.jezreelconsulting.com/about At the end of the day, words are important. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts! “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Follow now so you don’t miss any bonus episodes! 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!

You might be thinking grant writing isn’t your thing because you have a ‘low’ grant success rate or haven’t secured any or much money for organizations yet. Or maybe you, as a Freelance Grant Writer, think your business isn’t great because other Freelance Grant Writers’ posts on LinkedIn get so much more engagement. Stop comparing yourself to others. This is “comparasitis” and will make you stop learning grants or stop selling your grant writing services. In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick explains: Why Grant Writing Success Rates are Skewed Why Total Grant Money Secured Doesn’t Prove Your Grant Writing Skills Why Freelance Grant Writers on Social Media may just have vanity metrics vs. Sales Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Links Mentioned in the Podcast: Freelance Grant Writer Academy Align & Attract by Kerry Rowet Smart Passive Income Podcast Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please con

With all the news this week about the federal grant freeze, many of you may be wondering: “Is grant writing even going to be needed during this Administration? Can I even get grant writing clients during this Administration?” I get it. There is a lot of commotion this week surrounding federal grants (we've been keeping track of it - follow me on LinkedIn or Instagram for more updates). But…what I also know about Administrations AND grant writing, is…yes, you can secure grants and clients during this Administration and for the many more Administrations to come. Why am I so sure? Because I have written grants for the last 21 years and have been through: -MANY Administrations, -A worldwide Pandemic, -AI, -Inflation, -And more… all while supporting myself with my grant writing skills and business. Grant writing is a skill that’s been around for a long time. And if the week has shown us anything, it is that grants are a large part of the U.S. economy that supersede any Administration. And nonprofits are the

Join Holly Rustick and Christina Royster, CEO of Cape Fear Grant Solutions, as she discusses how she managed to learn how to write grants, open her business and earn $30,840 in her freelance grant writing business, and work on her novel in her MFA program - all in less than a year. Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close this Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy to Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home - just like Christina. To learn more about Christina, visit: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Christina "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts 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! Thanks for listening! Warmly, Holl

You may already be a freelance grant writer (or a grant writer at a nonprofit), and this week was chaotic for you. Your clients may be asking you a lot of questions about what’s going on in the world of grants. Here are some things we have been talking to with our Academy Changemaker Students this week, that may apply to your Clients: 1. Advocate for Funding 2. Evaluate Your Nonprofit’s Budget 3. Put all Cash Ideas on the Table 4. Broaden or Double Down in Funding 5. Do a Strategic Planning Session 6. Practice Self-Care When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Sunday, Feb. 2nd we will help you immediately come up with a plan for your clients based on the types of organizations you work with, cause areas, and more. We will help create a personalized plan for you. Plus, we already include a Course (including workbooks) on how to lead a Strategic Planning Session so you can implement that next week. Join now so you have a go-to resource for all of 2025. You don’t want to spend all your time Googl

Join the Open House Call on January 30th at 11:59 pm EST. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com You might be wondering if 2025 is the best time to start writing grants after everything going on with federal grants in January 2025. Yes, it is. Nonprofits, gov't agencies, schools, hospitals, businesses, and more will still need you to write grants and they aren't going away. Also now these leaders need a grant consultant to focus on all the changes and come up with strategy so they can focus on leading their programs. The doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close on Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Join now so you can have access to the 12-month Group Coaching program for aspiring and seasoned grant writers to replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts 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

Find out what I'm doing in 2025 to grow my business as it will surprise you! I am saying yes to something big! The doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close on Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy to find out more!