Grant Writing & Funding

The 2026 tax change quietly handed nonprofits a fundraising gift, and most of them have no idea. In this episode, Holly breaks it down in plain English: what changed, who it actually helps, who it does not, and exactly how you can turn it into real value for your clients and new business for you. No tax degree required.In this episode:The new rule that lets everyday donors get a tax break for giving again (and why it's permanent this time)Who this really helps: small nonprofits and the everyday donors they run onWho barely notices (spoiler: the super rich) and who actually feels the pinch (the middle)What the big nonprofit groups say: the National Council of Nonprofits, Independent Sector, and others fought for the everyday-donor break, but warn the full package could be a net negative for givingThe Council Corner: the real question isn't "good or bad," it's "who's going to use it"The simple steps to bring this to your clients without sounding like a tax advisorQuick reminder: this episode is for learning, not tax advice. Always send clients to a qualified tax preparer for the specifics.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:IRS, One, Big, Beautiful Bill: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions The Giving Block, 2026 Universal Charitable Deduction Now in Effect: https://thegivingblock.com/resources/2026-universal-charitable-deduction-now-in-effect/Kiplinger, 3 Major Changes to the 2026 Charitable Deduction: https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/major-changes-to-the-charitable-deductionThomson Reuters, OBBB Charitable Deduction Rules Reshape Giving Strategies: https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/obbb-charitable-deduction-rules-reshape-giving-strategies/Independent Sector, Support Grows for Universal Charitable Deduction: https://independentsector.org/blog/support-grows-for-universal-charitable-deduction/For Purpose Law Group, citing National Council of Nonprofits, New Charitable-Deduction Provisions in OBBBA Will Hurt More Than Help: https://www.fplglaw.com/insights/report-new-charitable-deduction-provisions-in-obbba-will-hurt-more-than-help/National Council of Nonprofits, President Trump Proposes to Slash Funding for Domestic Programs in FY2026: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/articles/president-trump-proposes-slash-funding-domestic-programs-fy2026Weekly 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, and2) MAKE $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

If you've been considering joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, this episode provides a clear breakdown of what happens when enrollment closes and why this round is different. Holly Rustick explains the Academy's pricing, payment options, and exactly what students lock in by joining before the deadline. From the Summer Curriculum Sprint and AI-READY Framework to unlimited grant reviews, business coaching, and client opportunities, Holly shares why this is the most comprehensive Academy enrollment ever offered—and why waiting could cost significantly more.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/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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.

If you've ever wondered whether you're qualified to become a grant writer, this episode is for you. Holly Rustick answers some of the most common questions from aspiring grant writers, including whether English as a second language is a barrier, if beginners can really succeed, and whether certifications or degrees are required. Through practical insights and real student success stories, Holly shares why grant writing is more accessible than many people realize—and how support, systems, and community can accelerate your 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/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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.

Freelancing sounds appealing from the outside: flexible hours, meaningful work, and the freedom to build a business on your terms. But what about the challenges no one talks about? In this episode, Holly Rustick shares an honest look at the realities of freelance grant writing—from inconsistent income and difficult clients to loneliness, rejection, and the patience required to build a sustainable business. If you've ever wondered whether freelance grant writing is really worth it, this candid conversation will help you set realistic expectations and understand why the journey can still be incredibly rewarding.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/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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.

Have you ever wondered whether nonprofits really need grant writing support every month, or if clients will eventually stop paying once they have a few grant templates in hand?In this episode, Holly answers two of the most common questions aspiring freelance grant writers ask: Do clients actually have ongoing work every month? And why wouldn’t they simply reuse your previous grant applications instead of continuing to hire you?The answer comes down to understanding the difference between being a grant writer and being a grant strategist.Holly breaks down how successful freelance grant writers build recurring revenue through monthly retainers, why nonprofits need ongoing strategic support long after a grant is submitted, and how retainers create predictable income for both you and your clients. She also shares why strong grant writing is never a one-and-done service—and why organizations continue investing in expert guidance month after month.If you've ever worried that grant writing income is inconsistent or dependent on constant proposal deadlines, this episode will show you a more sustainable path forward.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why the best freelance grant writers don't charge per grant• What a grant writing retainer actually includes• The ongoing work nonprofits need every month beyond writing proposals• Why grant templates are only the beginning—not the finished product• How retainers create predictable income and business stability• The difference between being a grant writer and a grant strategist• How recurring revenue allows you to stop chasing clients and start building a 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/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFundingRESOURCES: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.