Many people are drawn to nonprofit work because they want to make a difference—but what happens when that passion is used against you?

In this episode, Holly Rustick pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked realities of working inside nonprofit organizations. She discusses the toxic patterns that can emerge in nonprofit workplaces, how staff are frequently guilted into accepting low pay and unrealistic workloads, and why so many grant professionals experience burnout.

Holly shares why transitioning from an in-house grant writer to a freelance grant writer can provide greater financial stability, flexibility, and career fulfillment. She also explores the subtle microaggressions and unhealthy workplace expectations that many nonprofit professionals encounter—and why recognizing them is the first step toward creating a career on your own terms.

If you've ever questioned whether staying in a nonprofit role is the right path for you, this episode offers a fresh perspective on building a grant writing business that allows you to continue making an impact—without sacrificing your income, boundaries, or well-being.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why nonprofit work can become toxic despite its mission-driven purpose
How guilt and obligation are often used to keep nonprofit employees overworked
The hidden costs of staying in an in-house grant writing position
Why freelance grant writing offers more flexibility and financial opportunity
How to recognize workplace microaggressions and unhealthy organizational cultures
Practical reasons many grant writers successfully transition into freelancing
How building your own grant writing business can create greater freedom and sustainability

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/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding

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

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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.