Grant Writing & Funding

Latest Episodes:

Today Is Yesterday: Your Freelance Grant Writing Business Is More Stable Than a J.O.B. May 26, 2026

Show notes

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

In this powerful solo episode, Holly Rustick shares an unplanned but deeply important message for aspiring and established grant writers alike: this is the era of the freelance grant writer.

Fresh off a coaching call and curriculum update inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship, Holly dives into what really happened for freelance grant writers in 2025 — and why so many who adapted during funding uncertainty didn’t just survive, they thrived.

Whether you’re grant-curious, currently working inside a nonprofit, or trying to grow your freelance grant writing business, this episode is your reminder that today is the “yesterday” you’ll wish you had acted on.

You’ll hear:

Why 2025 became a turning point for freelance grant writers
The “hot take” strategy Holly teaches inside her programs
How grant writers adapted during funding uncertainty and increased their income
Why freelance grant writing is more financially stable than a traditional job
The mindset shifts needed to grow a successful grant writing business
Encouragement for nonprofit grant writers ready to branch out on their own
Why flexibility and adaptability are the future of work
Details about Holly’s upcoming free training on growing a 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, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace Your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will
1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

What the NSF Board Firing Means for Grant Writers, Federal Funding & Freelancers May 19, 2026

Show notes

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down the shocking dismissal of all 22 members of the National Science Board and what it signals for the future of federal funding, philanthropy, and grant strategy. Holly shares why this moment matters far beyond NSF grants and how shifting agency priorities are creating both uncertainty and opportunity across the nonprofit and research sectors.

You’ll learn how organizations are responding to changing funding landscapes, where grant funding is moving in 2026, why foundation funding is surging, and how freelance grant writers can position themselves as strategic consultants instead of just proposal writers. Holly also discusses why diversification, retainer models, and strategic funding expertise are becoming essential for long-term stability and growth.

If you’re a grant writer, nonprofit leader, consultant, or freelancer navigating today’s evolving funding environment, this episode will help you understand the trends shaping the future — and how to turn disruption into opportunity.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

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.

Why Boutique Grant Writers Are Winning Right Now (And How to Land Higher-Paying Clients Without Burnout) May 12, 2026

Show notes

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

Discover how a boutique consulting firm can outperform large agencies by leaning into relationships, strategy, and high-touch service. In this episode, Dr. Eve McGee shares how she’s secured major wins, built long-term client partnerships, and why grant readiness (not just grant writing) is the real key to funding success.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Eve McGee is the Owner and CEO of McGee KC Consulting, where she transforms nonprofit vision into sustainable funding. Drawing on three decades of social work practice and executive leadership experience, she guides organizations through the entire funding lifecycle from grant readiness and targeted research to persuasive writing and grant management. Specializing in state and private foundation grants for mental and behavioral health, housing instability, domestic violence, food insecurity, youth development, reentry, and financial literacy, Dr. McGee bridges the gap between community mission and funder priorities, ensuring every project is built for long-term impact.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://mcgeekcconsulting.com (as referenced in episode)
LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram: McGee KC Consulting

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

What it really means to be a boutique consulting firm—and why clients are increasingly choosing this model
How Dr. McGee won contracts over large firms by leaning into relationship-based service
Why grant readiness—not grant writing—is the first step to funding success
The biggest gaps nonprofits face: program design, evaluation, and infrastructure
How to build long-term funding strategies instead of chasing one-off grants
Why relationships with funders are more important than ever in today’s funding landscape
The shift from federal funding to foundation, corporate, and donor funding strategies
How boutique firms can scale while maintaining high-touch client relationships
The importance of systems, infrastructure, and internal organization (including the “3-click rule”)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Boutique doesn’t mean small impact. Boutique firms can compete with—and outperform—large agencies by offering personalized, relationship-driven service.
Grant readiness is everything. Without strong systems, program design, and measurable outcomes, organizations are not prepared to successfully manage funding.
Winning funding isn’t the goal—sustainable implementation is. Organizations must be ready to responsibly manage and execute funded programs.
Relationships drive results. Building connections with funders can lead to opportunities coming directly to organizations.
Infrastructure enables growth. Strong internal systems allow nonprofits to scale and pursue larger funding opportunities with confidence.

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!

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:

WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

Funded Series: How Our Students Broke $10 Million in Grant Writing Businesses May 05, 2026

Show notes

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

This month marked a major milestone inside the grant writing community: over $10 million generated in student grant writing businesses and a collective $278 million in grant funding secured.

In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in March 2026 in the grant writing industry, what’s working right now in the grant funding landscape, and what these results signal for both freelance grant writers and nonprofit leaders.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

The different levels of grant funding being secured right now—from $10K wins to multi-million dollar awards
Where funding is actually coming from (and how to position yourself to access it)
The key patterns driving consistent grant wins
How grant writers are building sustainable, high-revenue businesses
The biggest shifts happening in the grant writing industry today

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH 2026

A total of $4.3 million in grants won by our Students (just in March)
A total of nearly $5 million in revenue in our students grant writing businesses (just in March)

WHERE FUNDING IS FLOWING

Funding is being secured across a diverse ecosystem, including:

Community, family, and private foundations
State funding programs like the Michigan Invasive Species Program and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Corporate and hospital system funding
Creative and micro-funding opportunities

WHAT’S DRIVING THESE WINS

Coaching that leads to action and submission
Grant reviews that strengthen applications and increase competitiveness
Proven systems like grant research frameworks, LOI strategies, and structured execution plans

BUSINESS GROWTH FOR GRANT WRITERS

Grant writers are not just winning funding—they are building scalable businesses.

Examples from this month include:

$32,400, $45,000, and $42,000 retainers
Multiple $15K–$25K contracts
Monthly retainers ranging from $2,500–$4,000
Expanded service packages and long-term client engagements

SALES & PRICING SHIFTS

Transitioning from hourly pricing to value-based packages
Stronger positioning as experts and consultants
Ethical sales strategies that build trust and close clients

REAL REVENUE NUMBERS

Monthly revenues reported include:

$17K
$21K
$27K
Up to $38K months

The biggest challenges are not skill-based, but around consistency in marketing, visibility, and sales activity.

INDUSTRY SHIFT

Grant writers are evolving from freelancers to consultants and agency-style business owners, with services including:

Retainers
Strategy engagements
Subcontracting
Executive-level advisory roles

FINAL THOUGHT

This $278 million milestone is more than just a number—it represents a shift in the industry. The demand for grant writers is real, the opportunity is growing, and the business model is proven.

The question is no longer whether opportunity exists, but whether you are building your work like a business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast for more weekly insights.

Warmly, Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement by 2030.

2026 Federal Funding Changes: What Academic Researchers Must Know Now Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

In this episode, Holly Rustick shares a real-time update from Guam following a recent super typhoon, and then dives into what every grant writer needs to understand about 2026 federal funding.

If you’ve been hearing that “there’s no more grant money” or that federal funding has been slashed, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening versus what made headlines. Holly unpacks key budget shifts, where research funding is still strong, and how to position your proposals to stay competitive.

Most importantly, she introduces a powerful framework for winning grants right now: diversification, reframing, and alignment. Whether you’re a researcher or a freelance grant writer, this episode will help you adapt your strategy, strengthen your applications, and confidently move forward in today’s funding landscape.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

We are on our way already.

Beyond Freelancing: The Power of Fractional Work in the Nonprofit Sector Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick interviews Cindy Wagman, founder of the Nonprofit Fractional Network, about the growing role of fractional consulting in the nonprofit sector.

Cindy explains how fractional work differs from traditional freelance work by combining strategy, planning, and implementation into one role. This model allows nonprofits to access experienced leadership without hiring full-time staff—making it especially valuable for organizations that have outgrown basic operations but don’t yet have the budget or need for a full-time director.

Cindy shares her journey from working in-house in nonprofit fundraising to launching her own consulting business and eventually creating the Nonprofit Fractional Network to train and support others building fractional consulting businesses.

Holly and Cindy also explore how fractional models provide more stability for consultants through long-term retainers, while helping nonprofits maximize limited resources. They discuss how the grant writing industry is evolving, how consultants can expand beyond project-based work, and how positioning yourself as a strategic funding partner can increase impact and income.

By the end of the episode, Cindy shares how professionals can learn more about fractional consulting and connect with her network supporting nonprofit fractional leaders.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• What fractional consulting is and how it differs from freelance work
• Why growing nonprofits benefit from fractional leadership roles
• How fractional consultants combine strategy, planning, and implementation
• The difference between freelance grant writers and fractional grant strategists
• Why retainer-based clients can provide greater stability and predictability
• How grant writers can evolve into broader strategic funding advisors
• Cindy’s journey from nonprofit employee to fractional consulting leader
• How the Nonprofit Fractional Network supports professionals building fractional businesses

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Cindy Wagman helps seasoned nonprofit pros build six-figure consulting businesses—without the burnout. A former in-house leader turned business coach, she’s the founder of the Nonprofit Fractionals Network, and has guided 100+ consultants (over 85 of whom are fractionals) to grow profitable, values-driven practices.

She’s the bestselling author of Raise It!, former co-host of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, and host of Fracture, a private podcast for nonprofit fractional execs ready to stop fixing broken systems and start building something better.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://www.nonprofitfractionals.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!

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.

Grant Writers Using AI Wrong? The Readiness Problem No One Talks About Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

Steve Vick returns to the podcast to unpack what nonprofit leaders and grant professionals need to understand about AI adoption right now. As the founder of Bright Nonprofit and longtime host of the Nonprofit Ally podcast, Steve brings both nonprofit and tech expertise to the conversation and explains why AI is not just a tool issue: it is a governance issue.

In this episode, Holly and Steve dig into AI readiness, source of truth, data integrity, human-in-the-loop review, and why AI often reveals organizational problems instead of fixing them. They also discuss what this means for grant writers, why strategic thinking matters more than ever, and how nonprofits can start using AI responsibly without creating bigger bottlenecks, mission drift, or reporting problems down the line.

If you’ve been wondering how to use AI in grant writing or nonprofit operations without sacrificing quality, accuracy, or oversight, this conversation is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Steve Vick is the founder of Nonprofit Ally and Bright Nonprofit, where he helps nonprofit leaders navigate governance and organizational change in the age of AI. His work focuses on helping organizations understand the structural challenges AI exposes before they accelerate their organizations with AI.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://brightnonprofit.com/
YouTube: Bright Nonprofit

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!

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.

[Funded Series] Inside a $1.9M Month Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

In this February 2026 Funded Series episode, we break down what actually changed in just 30 days inside a growing ecosystem of freelance grant writers and why it matters.

This month alone:

Over $1.5 million in grant funding was secured
Nearly $464,000 in client deals were closed

In this episode, Holly unpacks the exact patterns behind these wins, including:

The shift from learning → leveraging
Why clarity is outperforming hustle
How systems and feedback loops are driving real results
And what’s actually working right now to win grants and close clients

If you’ve been working hard but not seeing consistent results, this episode will show you what might be missing—and how to fix it.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

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

WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

What Separates a $50K Grant Writer From a $150K Grant Business Owner Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down a key shift that separates grant writers earning around $50K per year from those building six-figure grant businesses.

Interestingly, the difference isn’t talent, experience, or even how hard someone works. Many grant writers have similar technical skills:

strong proposal writing,
program design knowledge, and
a passion for supporting nonprofit missions.

The real difference lies in how their work is structured as a business.

Holly walks through four major shifts that occur when a grant writer moves from freelancer to grant business owner. From moving beyond hourly pricing to building systems, support teams, and diversified income streams, these changes allow grant professionals to scale their impact and income without burning out.

If you’ve ever wondered how some grant writers grow sustainable six-figure businesses while others stay stuck in reactive client work, this episode will show you exactly where that shift happens—and how you can start thinking like a grant business owner.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

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

WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

How Emma Went from Overwhelmed to Organized—and Finally Scaled Her Grant Writing Business Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

In this bonus episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Emma Krass, Owner and Lead Grant Writer of Grants & Growth, to talk about what it really takes to move from freelancer to CEO.

Emma shares her journey from working at a grant writing firm to building her own business—and the challenges she faced along the way. From underpricing services and taking on the wrong clients to feeling disorganized and overwhelmed, Emma opens up about what wasn’t working and how she turned it around.

Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, Emma found the structure, systems, and confidence she needed to grow sustainably. She discusses how implementing retainers, hiring her first virtual assistant, and preparing to onboard a grant writer have transformed her business operations and capacity.

If you're a grant writer feeling maxed out, disorganized, or unsure how to scale, this episode offers real talk and practical insight on what to focus on first—and why you don’t have to do everything at once.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Emma transitioned from working at a grant writing firm to running her own business
Why taking the wrong clients can stall your growth—and how to fix it
The shift from hourly work to retainers (and why it matters for scaling)
How hiring a virtual assistant helped Emma get organized and free up time
What to focus on first when you feel overwhelmed in your business
How to build systems and SOPs to support growth
Why you don’t need to do everything at once to scale successfully
The mindset shifts required to hire your first team member
How Emma is preparing to bring on a grant writer to expand capacity

ABOUT OUR GUEST

After graduating with her Master's in Social Work, Emma began working as a freelance grant writer to leverage her writing and research skills, and knowledge of human rights frameworks to support non-profits activated around social justice through the arts and community organizing.

In 2023, she founded grants & growth in order to dedicate more time to each individual client and focus intentionally on each non-profit's journey towards growth and stability. Emma has helped non-profits in the arts and culture and social change realm grow their budgets and find more time to focus on their communities' needs! Since 2021, Emma has raised over $5 million for non-profits with budgets under $750,000.

Outside of grants & growth, Emma enjoys playing with her three cats, watching the NBA and WNBA, making films, and organizing against the war machine and for tenants rights in her community.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

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