Discover how nonprofits can build impactful, long-term partnerships with corporations to increase funding, expand reach, and boost community impact. In this inspiring conversation, Holly Rustick from Grant Writing & Funding interviews Cynthia Currence author of Beyond Checks and Halos to share real-world strategies for creating win-win collaborations between nonprofits and for-profits.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

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

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

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

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/
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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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Do you want a FREE Master Grant Template? Grab our FREE 5-Part Private Podcast, where you get
1) a private podcast episode for 5 days explaining how to write our Academy Master Grant
2) an editable Master Grant Template
3) a Master Grant Workbook

Just visit https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast

In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Sophie Olivier, the CEO and founder of Flourish Fundraising, who shares her journey in grant writing and fundraising from South Africa. Sophie discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in the South African nonprofit sector, the importance of understanding different grant types, and the value of templates and adaptability in grant writing.

She emphasizes the significance of grant readiness, building client relationships, and the impact of global changes on local funding. Sophie also reflects on her growth as a business owner, the importance of community support, and the rewarding nature of a career in fundraising.

Sophie also discusses how the Grant Professional Mentorship has helped her 1) hire the right team, 2) take her first laptop-free vacation in 8 years, 3) grow her revenue, and 4) have support from an amazing group of peers.

To find out more about Sophie, visit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/sophie

To find out more about the Grant Professional Mentorship, visit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Do you want a FREE Master Grant Template? Grab our FREE 5-Part Private Podcast, where you get
1) a private podcast episode for 5 days explaining how to write our Academy Master Grant
2) an editable Master Grant Template
3) a Master Grant Workbook

Just visit https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast

Learn about my super power - turning a no into a yes: from winning grants, to securing nonprofit clients, to having changemakers join the Grant Professional Mentorship. See this in action, as not knowing how to do this is hurting your grant wins and holding you back from getting clients.

Do you want a FREE Master Grant Template? Grab our FREE 5-Part Private Podcast, where you get
1) a private podcast episode for 5 days explaining how to write our Academy Master Grant
2) an editable Master Grant Template
3) a Master Grant Workbook

Just visit https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast

The word for grant writers to embrace in 2025 is current. This can be used in many ways, but one is that of following a current in a river. There might be rocks in the way, and sometimes it feels like a strong current, but remembering there is flow and change is vital. And currents aren't a bad thing, either! We need them so the waters aren't stagnant. Tune in today to be inspired by everything grant consulting in today's new world of grant writing.

Do you want a FREE Master Grant Template? Grab our FREE 5-Part Private Podcast, where you get
1) a private podcast episode for 5 days explaining how to write our Academy Master Grant
2) an editable Master Grant Template
3) a Master Grant Workbook

Just visit https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast

In this inspiring conversation, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Ginny Blankenship, founder of Lightmaker Grants and Strategy, to explore her unexpected path into grant writing and how she built a thriving business from the ground up. Ginny opens up about the challenges and opportunities in today’s grant landscape, the power of community and mentorship, and the lessons she’s learned about growing strategically while staying true to her mission.

Whether you’re just starting your grant writing journey or looking to scale your consulting business, this episode is packed with actionable advice, real-world strategies, and uplifting reminders that you don’t have to do it all alone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why so many successful grant writers “fall into” the field — and how to embrace it.
• How claiming a clear niche can help you attract your ideal clients.
• Key differences between federal and private foundation grant strategies.
• The critical role of relationship-building in finding opportunities.
• Why time tracking is essential for running a sustainable business.
• How community and mentorship can break the isolation of remote work.
• The importance of setting boundaries and hiring help for growth.

Find out more about Dr. Ginny here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ginny

Join the Grant Professional Mentorship here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Do you want a FREE Master Grant Template? Grab our FREE 5-Part Private Podcast, where you get
1) a private podcast episode for 5 days explaining how to write our Academy Master Grant
2) an editable Master Grant Template
3) a Master Grant Workbook

Just visit https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast

In this inspiring episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kia Chatmon, founder of Heart for the Community Consulting, to explore her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to building a thriving grant writing and consulting business.

Kia opens up about the diverse cause areas she serves—ranging from health and education to youth development—and shares the exact systems she’s put in place to streamline operations, improve client onboarding, and free up her time.

From the power of networking and word-of-mouth referrals to the game-changing decision to hire a virtual assistant, Kia reveals how intentional delegation and clear processes have transformed her business. She also dives into her new blog strategy for generating leads and providing value, plus gives a sneak peek into her upcoming LinkedIn Live series supporting Black-led organizations.

Whether you’re a new freelance grant writer or a seasoned pro looking to scale, this conversation is packed with practical tips and motivation to help you work smarter—not harder.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Kia transitioned from nonprofit staffer to successful grant writing consultant
✅ The importance of grant readiness for nonprofit clients
✅ Why networking and referrals are still the most powerful growth tools
✅ How mentorship programs can accelerate your business journey
✅ The systems Kia uses for onboarding, follow-up, and client retention
✅ The benefits of hiring and delegating tasks effectively
✅ How blogging can position you as a trusted expert in your field
✅ Insights into Kia’s LinkedIn Live series for Black-led organizations

Chapters:
01:01 – Kia's Journey into Grant Writing
04:39 – Niche Services and Grant Readiness
08:48 – Starting the Business and Networking
11:58 – Joining the Grant Professional Mentorship Program
14:22 – Comparing Business Training Programs
16:30 – Elevating Business Communication
21:00 – Leveraging Digital Platforms for Growth
25:58 – Streamlining Operations and Hiring
28:57 – Enhancing Client Relationships and Retention
32:05 – Empowering Communities Through Nonprofit Leadership

Resources & Links Mentioned:
🔔 Subscribe for more grant writing and nonprofit strategy tips!
📚 The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing – Get the Book
🎓 Freelance Grant Writer Academy – Join Here
🤝 Grant Professional Mentorship – Learn More
🌐 Visit Holly’s Website – Grant Writing & Funding

Do you want a FREE Master Grant Template? Grab our FREE 5-Part Private Podcast, where you get
1) a private podcast episode for 5 days explaining how to write our Academy Master Grant
2) an editable Master Grant Template
3) a Master Grant Workbook

Just visit https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast

Is grant writing still a viable business in 2025? YES—and here’s the proof.
In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down what’s happening in the U.S. federal grant landscape in 2025 and how freelance grant writers are still building thriving, high-income businesses even during times of funding uncertainty.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

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

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

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

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid” 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/
———————————————————————————

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
———————————————————————————

Do you want a FREE Master Grant Template? Grab our FREE 5-Part Private Podcast, where you get
1) a private podcast episode for 5 days explaining how to write our Academy Master Grant
2) an editable Master Grant Template
3) a Master Grant Workbook

Just visit https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast

In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick interviews Lydia Vollmann, founder of Grant Our Community, discussing her transition from federal grants to for-profit opportunities, the integration of AI into her work, and the decision to move to Germany.

Lydia shares insights on environmental justice, the importance of mentorship, and her recent move to Germany, highlighting the flexibility and independence her career has afforded her. The conversation emphasizes the value of networking and collaboration within the grant writing community.

Takeaways

• Lydia has over 18 years of experience in federal grant writing.
• She transitioned to for-profit clients, integrating AI into her work.
• Environmental justice remains a key focus in her grant writing.
• AI helps simplify complex grant regulations and processes.
• How the Grant Professional Mentorship has played a crucial role in her professional growth.
• Lydia moved to Germany, allowing her to work independently.
• Networking within the grant writing community is essential.
• She emphasizes the importance of adapting language in grant applications.
• Lydia has won over $2.5 million in grants in the past six months.
• She encourages others to keep an open mind and embrace new ideas.

Find out more about the Grant Professional Mentorship here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Find out more about Lydia here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/lydia

Do you want a FREE Master Grant Template? Grab our FREE 5-Part Private Podcast, where you get
1) a private podcast episode for 5 days explaining how to write our Academy Master Grant
2) an editable Master Grant Template
3) a Master Grant Workbook

Just visit https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast