Grant Writing & Funding

Latest Episodes:

How Gwen Built a $200K Grant Writing Business and Now Out-Earns Her Husband Mar 10, 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

Securing over $23 million in grant funding in just 24 months is no small feat, and today’s guest has done exactly that.

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Gwen Valentino, a New Mexico-based grant strategist who specializes in navigating complex federal and state funding streams. From DOT to LWCF to Healthy Food Financing Initiative awards, Gwen shares what it really takes to manage high-stakes proposals, stay compliant with federal regulations, and build strong municipal partnerships.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by federal grants, overwhelmed by compliance, or unsure how to position yourself for larger awards — this episode breaks it down with practical insight and real-world experience.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Gwen secured $23M+ in funding in just 24 months
• What it really means to manage the full grant lifecycle
• How to navigate federal compliance and Uniform Guidance with confidence
• The importance of cost estimation and advanced Excel skills in grant budgeting
• Strategies for winning competitive state and federal grants
• How to support municipalities and local governments effectively
• The mindset shift required to move from smaller grants to high-stakes funding

This episode is a must-listen for freelance grant writers ready to expand into federal funding, municipal contracts, and larger awards.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Since 2018, Gwen Valentino has helped New Mexico nonprofits and local governments turn “red tape into green lights.” She specializes in the full grant lifecycle — navigating the intricate world of state, federal, and foundation funding.

Gwen has won $23M in funding secured for clients in the last 24 months ($12M in 2024; $11M in 2025) including:

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
• Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)
• State of New Mexico Capital Outlay & Legislative Grants

She provides dedicated grant administration and strategy for the Cities of Socorro and Truth or Consequences (T or C), the Village of Magdalena, Polvadera, Socorro County, and the South Central Council of Governments (SCCOG). Gwen brings a high degree of professionalism and judgment to every project, whether working independently or as part of a municipal team.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-valentino-90a8b42b5/

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.

Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026 Mar 10, 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

Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026
What does it look like to move from fully booked grant writer… to true CEO?

In this powerful mentorship case study, Holly sits down with Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator, to unpack what changed when she decided to stop operating like a contractor and start thinking like a business owner.

After nearly a decade in business, and seven years before joining the Grant Professional Mentorship, Fielding had already navigated the messy middle. She was referral-based, fully booked, and successful on paper. But she knew something needed to shift.

From doubling her revenue in year one…
To losing $100,000 in contracts in a single week…
To launching a brand-new federal grants program and community…

Fielding shares how pricing strategy, systems, accountability, and a growth-minded community helped her not just survive disruption — but build something even stronger.

If you’re an experienced grant writer ready to step fully into your role as CEO, this episode is for you.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Fielding Jezreel is the CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator. A federal grant specialist, she has been in business since 2016 and built a thriving referral-based consulting firm before expanding into training and community-based education.

After years of operating without even a website, Fielding launched an in-person federal grants training that later evolved into the Federal Grants Accelerator — an online curriculum and community designed to help grant professionals confidently navigate federal funding.

She is known for her thought leadership in the federal grants space, her candid conversations about money and business ownership, and her active presence on LinkedIn where she engages in meaningful discussions about the nonprofit and funding landscape.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: Connect with Fielding Jezreel https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel/

Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.com

In This Episode, We Discuss:

What prompted Fielding to join the mentorship after 7 years in business
The mental shift from “contract grant writer” to “business owner”
Why being in a growth-minded peer space matters at higher revenue levels
The importance of unapologetically discussing money in the grant profession
How fixing pricing doubled her revenue in year one
Streamlining service delivery to eliminate overwhelm and increase capacity
Why systems matter — even if you don’t want to build a large firm
Losing $100,000 in revenue in one week — and how she navigated it
Building business savings and financial runway for stability
Pivoting from in-person training to launching the Federal Grants Accelerator
Launch strategy, sales confidence, and coaching support
The power of accountability and community over three years in mentorship
Why coaching is critical when you’re ready to level up as a CEO

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

[Funded Series] 37 Grants. $6 Million. One Month. Here’s What’s Working Mar 03, 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 breaks down the evolving landscape of grant writing in 2026, sharing powerful insights from January’s funding data and what it signals for the nonprofit sector and freelance grant writers.

With $6 million in grants secured in January alone — 84% from family foundations — Holly unpacks what this means for funding trends, strategic positioning, and revenue growth opportunities.

You’ll hear why relationship building with foundations is now the differentiator, how nonprofits are increasingly investing in freelance grant writers and consultants, and why strategic pricing beats hourly rates in today’s maturing grant writing ecosystem.

If you want to better understand where funding is moving, how to align your nonprofit for larger grant awards, and how to grow a sustainable consulting business in the nonprofit sector, this episode is for you.

TAKEAWAYS

$6 million in grants secured in January alone.
84% of those grants came from family foundations.
Private philanthropy is the most responsive funding channel.
Alignment is the differentiator for nonprofits.
Nonprofits are investing in freelancers and consultants.
The era of the freelancers is here.
Foundations give massive grant awards.
Strategic pricing beats hourly rates.
Grant writing is no longer transactional; it's strategic.
Understanding funding movement is strategy.

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!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

How Nonprofit Leaders Can Prevent Burnout and Build a Thriving Organizational Culture with Marcia Beckner Feb 24, 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

Nonprofits exist to do good in the world—but what happens when the people doing that work are burned out, overwhelmed, and working inside unhealthy cultures?

In today’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Marcia Beckner, nonprofit founder and culture transformation strategist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of impact: organizational culture.

After founding My Lifeline Cancer Foundation and serving as Executive Director for 10 years, Marcia saw firsthand how stress, staff turnover, and toxic workplace environments were quietly undermining nonprofit missions everywhere. That realization led her to create Culture CARES Global, where she now helps nonprofit leaders build thriving, inclusive, and empowering workplaces.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, grant writer, or consultant working with mission-driven organizations, this conversation will shift how you think about impact from the inside out.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marcia Beckner is the founder of My Lifeline Cancer Foundation, which she launched in 2007 to support cancer patients through a digital community platform. She served as Executive Director for 10 years before merging the organization into a larger cancer nonprofit in 2018 to expand its reach and sustainability.

After decades in the nonprofit sector, Marcia recognized widespread patterns of burnout, toxic work environments, and unsustainable leadership practices. She founded Culture CARES Global to help nonprofit organizations build healthy, inclusive cultures where staff feel valued, respected, appreciated, engaged, and safe.

Through her CARES framework—Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, Engagement, and Safety—Marcia works with nonprofit leaders to transform internal culture so their teams can thrive while advancing their missions.

Connect with Marcia Beckner:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciabeckner/
Website: https://culturecares.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

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When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving Campaigns Feb 17, 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

When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving Campaigns

In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Alex Cohen, CEO of ANC Consult, about her journey from law to nonprofit consulting, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector in 2026, and the importance of adapting services to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits.

Alex discusses her expansion from grant writing to include donor engagement, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in fundraising and the necessity for nonprofits to diversify their funding streams.

Alex also shares, as a grant consultant, when to add another service offering to your business so you aren’t overwhelmed.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

ADD BIO

Alexandra N. Cohen is the founder of ANC Consult, helping nonprofits strengthen their fundraising, diversify revenue, and build the operational infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. She works with Executive Directors, development teams, and boards to design and implement fundraising plans that advance mission and impact.

With a deep commitment to nonprofit effectiveness, Alex utilizes data and storytelling to distill complex challenges into clear, compelling messages that drive donor understanding and community engagement.

Before launching ANC Consult, Alex spent 15 years as a litigation attorney, developing skills in strategy, communication, and problem-solving that now inform her work with mission-driven organizations. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University (B.A.), Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.), and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MBA/MA in International Policy & Development).

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Any links here LinkedIn | Book a Call

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

Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest Answer Feb 10, 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

Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest Answer

Is grant writing actually worth it? In this episode, Holly Rustick is breaking down the honest truth about what grant writing really is, who it’s for, and whether it can realistically turn into a paid skill or career. If you’re new to grant writing, thinking about freelancing, or wondering if this path makes sense for you, this episode will help you understand the learning curve, the income potential, and what most people don’t realize before getting started. No hype — just clarity, context, and what to expect as a beginner.

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

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

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! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems

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[Funded Series] Is Grant Funding Drying Up? December 2025 Grant Market Report Feb 03, 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

December 2025 shows what happens when grant writers stop scrambling and start operating with systems.

December results:

$5.01M in grant funding secured
45 grants awarded
Median grant around $25K
$422,000+ earned in grant writing businesses
What got funded:
General operating support, state and local funding, and capital/development grants: awarded to prepared organizations with clear narratives and budgets.

What worked to win grants:

Master Grant Applications
unlimited grant reviews
reusing feedback

What worked to get clients:

pricing confidence
monthly retainers

Want results like this?
→ Academy for winning grants with systems and reviews
→ Mentorship for higher rates, retainers, and ongoing coaching

🔔 Subscribe for monthly Funded reports
🌐 Learn more: https://grantwritingandfunding.com
📧 Questions or feedback? team@grantwritingandfunding.com

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 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
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! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems
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What Grant Reviewers Won’t Tell You — But Score You On Jan 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

Join Holly Rustick as she shares insider secrets from her decade of experience as a federal grant reviewer. Discover why even well-thought-out grant proposals can get rejected and learn strategies to ensure your proposals rise to the top. Holly discusses the importance of clarity, credibility, and alignment between your narrative and budget. Plus, find out about the resources available through the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to help you secure more grants and build a flexible income. Don't miss these vital tips and start writing better grant proposals today!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

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!

Case Study: How Theresa Moved States Without Losing Clients (and Grew Her Grant Firefighter Business) Jan 24, 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 engaging interview, Holly Rustick talks with Theresa Fowler about her extensive experience in grant writing and consulting. Theresa shares her journey from working full-time in California to becoming a consultant in Texas, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and family commitments.

They discuss the benefits of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, including templates and coaching calls, and Theresa's passion for helping organizations improve their grant success and systems.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Theresa Fowler, MA, GPC, is an experienced grant professional who has worked in every part of the grant lifecycle and is the founder of GrantsTeam Coaching & Consulting. Theresa has a passion for guiding organizations through their grant journeys, helping them enhance their capacity and amplify their impact.

As a seasoned grant professional with over 24 years of experience in the field, Theresa has secured over $165 million in grant funding from various local, state, and federal sources. Theresa has worked both as a staff member and consultant, collaborating with a wide range of organizations including nonprofits, youth development organizations, K-12 school districts, county offices of education, police departments, volunteer fire departments, and government agencies. Theresa has comprehensive expertise across the entire grant cycle, from initial planning to successful implementation and reporting.

Since 2019, Theresa has been an active member of Grant Professional Association (GPA) serving on the program and mentoring committees and in the South East Texas and Inland Empire Chapters. She has an MA from CSU Long Beach and earned her Grant Professional Certified (GPC) in 2021. Theresa enjoys working with organizations to help them increase their capacity and impact in their communities through sustainable grant funding.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

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

Case Study: How Dr. Melvin has made more than $80K by going to the Doctor, Dentist, and Parties Jan 24, 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 conversation, Dr. Melvin Musick shares his journey from a traditional consultancy to a thriving grant writing business, emphasizing the importance of discipline, relationships, and creative thinking. He discusses how joining the Academy transformed his approach to grant writing and consultancy, leading to significant financial success and personal growth. Dr. Musick highlights the value of networking and finding clients in everyday situations, showcasing how personal interactions can lead to fruitful professional relationships. He concludes with advice for aspiring grant writers, encouraging them to embrace the learning process and leverage their existing networks.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Melvin L Musick functions as a grants strategist to nonprofit organizations and governments that fund programs for positive youth development throughout Greater Los Angeles.

Convenes and maintains funding relationships with the ARCO Foundation, the Los

Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the Los

Angeles Times Mirror Foundation, the Los Angeles City Mayor's Office, Los Angeles

County Departments of Mental Health, Probation, and Public Social Services, and the

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Responsible for financial compliance and

reporting.

Provides units of government, foundations, and non-profit organizations with

management training, strategic planning, technical assistance, program evaluation, and

organizational development services as an external consultant.

Prepares studies and reports for elected officials and the public audience to promote the

adoption of the concept of youth advocacy and participation as a pragmatic approach to

youth development and community building in Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Education

Ed.D. Organization Change – Pepperdine University

M. S. Community Development / Policy Analysis – CSULA

B. A. Political Science / Education – Hamline University

Special Training

Class II Leadership Southern California (CORO)

Arts Inc. Leadership Training Fellow

United Way of America – National Academy for Management Training

Honors

Elected by CSULA faculty to Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society

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