
Hosted by Holly Rustick · EN

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Are you ready to work from home and earn 6 figures on part-time hours? Are you ready to quit your toxic job and work on your schedule? Just like our students? Then be sure to register for the FREE, Live Training, "“How to Start or Grow a Grant Writing Business in 2026 and Get Consistent Paying Clients” on Wednesday, June 10th 5:00 - 6:30pm EST. Register here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar What does the future of grant writing look like in an increasingly uncertain funding landscape?In this episode of FUNDED, Holly Rustick analyzes the latest funding trends from April 2026 and reveals what they mean for grant writers, nonprofits, and funding professionals moving forward. From federal funding disruptions and increased competition for foundation grants to major state funding opportunities and growing demand for strategic grant writing support, Holly breaks down what is happening across the sector—and how successful grant professionals are adapting.Drawing from real data inside the Grant Writing & Funding community, Holly shares how members secured more than $3.4 million in grants and business revenue in a single month, even while many organizations faced funding uncertainty. You'll hear examples of seven-figure grant awards, high-value retainers, emerging business models, and the skills that are helping grant writers stand out in 2026.Whether you're exploring grant writing as a career, working within a nonprofit, or building your own grant writing business, this episode offers practical insights into where funding is headed and how to position yourself for success.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.We are on our way already.

Are you ready to work from home and earn 6 figures on part-time hours? Are you ready to quit your toxic job and work on your schedule? Just like our students? Then be sure to register for the FREE, Live Training, "“How to Start or Grow a Grant Writing Business in 2026 and Get Consistent Paying Clients” on Wednesday, June 10th 5:00 - 6:30pm EST. Register here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar 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 writersThe “hot take” strategy Holly teaches inside her programsHow grant writers adapted during funding uncertainty and increased their incomeWhy freelance grant writing is more financially stable than a traditional jobThe mindset shifts needed to grow a successful grant writing businessEncouragement for nonprofit grant writers ready to branch out on their ownWhy flexibility and adaptability are the future of workDetails about Holly’s upcoming free training on growing a grant writing businessABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.We are on our way already.

Are you ready to work from home and earn 6 figures on part-time hours? Are you ready to quit your toxic job and work on your schedule? Just like our students? Then be sure to register for the FREE, Live Training, "“How to Start or Grow a Grant Writing Business in 2026 and Get Consistent Paying Clients” on Wednesday, June 10th 5:00 - 6:30pm EST. Register here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar 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 RUSTICKGrant 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 RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.

Are you ready to work from home and earn 6 figures on part-time hours? Are you ready to quit your toxic job and work on your schedule? Just like our students? Then be sure to register for the FREE, Live Training, "“How to Start or Grow a Grant Writing Business in 2026 and Get Consistent Paying Clients” on Wednesday, June 10th 5:00 - 6:30pm EST. Register here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar 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 GUESTBased 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 GUESTWebsite: https://mcgeekcconsulting.com (as referenced in episode)LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram: McGee KC ConsultingEPISODE HIGHLIGHTSWhat it really means to be a boutique consulting firm—and why clients are increasingly choosing this modelHow Dr. McGee won contracts over large firms by leaning into relationship-based serviceWhy grant readiness—not grant writing—is the first step to funding successThe biggest gaps nonprofits face: program design, evaluation, and infrastructureHow to build long-term funding strategies instead of chasing one-off grantsWhy relationships with funders are more important than ever in today’s funding landscapeThe shift from federal funding to foundation, corporate, and donor funding strategiesHow boutique firms can scale while maintaining high-touch client relationshipsThe importance of systems, infrastructure, and internal organization (including the “3-click rule”)KEY TAKEAWAYSBoutique 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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, andMAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.We are on our way already.

Are you ready to work from home and earn 6 figures on part-time hours? Are you ready to quit your toxic job and work on your schedule? Just like our students? Then be sure to register for the FREE, Live Training, "“How to Start or Grow a Grant Writing Business in 2026 and Get Consistent Paying Clients” on Wednesday, June 10th 5:00 - 6:30pm EST. Register here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar 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 LEARNThe different levels of grant funding being secured right now—from $10K wins to multi-million dollar awardsWhere funding is actually coming from (and how to position yourself to access it)The key patterns driving consistent grant winsHow grant writers are building sustainable, high-revenue businessesThe biggest shifts happening in the grant writing industry todayKEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH 2026A 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 FLOWINGFunding is being secured across a diverse ecosystem, including:Community, family, and private foundationsState funding programs like the Michigan Invasive Species Program and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and DelinquencyCorporate and hospital system fundingCreative and micro-funding opportunitiesWHAT’S DRIVING THESE WINSCoaching that leads to action and submissionGrant reviews that strengthen applications and increase competitivenessProven systems like grant research frameworks, LOI strategies, and structured execution plansBUSINESS GROWTH FOR GRANT WRITERSGrant writers are not just winning funding—they are building scalable businesses.Examples from this month include:$32,400, $45,000, and $42,000 retainersMultiple $15K–$25K contractsMonthly retainers ranging from $2,500–$4,000Expanded service packages and long-term client engagementsSALES & PRICING SHIFTSTransitioning from hourly pricing to value-based packagesStronger positioning as experts and consultantsEthical sales strategies that build trust and close clientsREAL REVENUE NUMBERSMonthly revenues reported include:$17K$21K$27KUp to $38K monthsThe biggest challenges are not skill-based, but around consistency in marketing, visibility, and sales activity.INDUSTRY SHIFTGrant writers are evolving from freelancers to consultants and agency-style business owners, with services including:RetainersStrategy engagementsSubcontractingExecutive-level advisory rolesFINAL THOUGHTThis $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 RUSTICKGrant 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.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast for more weekly insights.Warmly, Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement by 2030.

Are you ready to work from home and earn 6 figures on part-time hours? Are you ready to quit your toxic job and work on your schedule? Just like our students? Then be sure to register for the FREE, Live Training, "“How to Start or Grow a Grant Writing Business in 2026 and Get Consistent Paying Clients” on Wednesday, June 10th 5:00 - 6:30pm EST. Register here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar 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 RUSTICKGrant 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 daughter, Isabella.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/RESOURCESWeekly 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, 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 RustickLeading 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.