Episode Details

If you're ready to stop running your grant writing business like a freelancer and start leading it like a CEO, now is the time to join the Grant Professional Mentorship. Over the next 12 months, you'll build the systems, team, pricing, scalable offers, and AI-powered operations needed to double your revenue while working fewer hours and creating a business that doesn't depend on you doing everything yourself.

Enrollment is now open, but doors close Friday, August 14, at 11:59 PM ET. Don't miss your opportunity to join this year's cohort and get the coaching, accountability, and proven frameworks to scale your grant writing business with more peace, profit, and freedom. Secure your spot before enrollment closes.

Join now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship 

“So, when I get a grant I can just spend money on anything?” Er… no. No, you cannot.

In this episode, we break down why—and it’s one of the most important concepts to understand in grant writing.

At its core, a grant is money given by an organization—most often a government agency—for a specific purpose. And that phrase matters more than anything else.

When you apply for a grant, you are aligning your vision with the funder’s vision. You are agreeing to use that funding exactly as outlined in your proposal. If you don’t, you’re not acting in good faith—and you may be required to return the funds. To make this concept stick, we use a simple (and memorable) metaphor: the teenager and parent relationship.

Think of the funder as the parent—they want to trust you, but that trust is built by following through on what you said you would do. Your job is to show responsibility, alignment, and transparency. We also dive into what happens if you do need to make changes to your budget. Because yes—sometimes adjustments are allowed.

Many grants permit a small percentage of funds to be shifted between already approved budget categories. However, anything beyond that often requires formal approval through a budget modification request. And even when it’s allowed, communication is key. Keeping your grants officer informed helps maintain trust and ensures you stay compliant.

If you’ve ever been unsure about how strict grant spending really is—or how to handle changes—this episode will give you the clarity you need. Remember: a grant is money given for a particular purpose. Stay aligned, stay transparent, and you’ll build strong relationships with funders.

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/

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