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 

In this episode, Holly breaks down the top 11 trends freelance grant writers must lean into in 2026. From funder relationships and AI tools to flexibility, movement-centered grant writing, trigger words, diversified funding, and stepping into thought leadership — this is your roadmap for staying ahead in the rapidly shifting grant writing world.

You’ll learn:

• Why funder relationships matter more than ever
• How to position your freelance business for growth
• The role of AI in modern grant writing
• How to align your language with funders
• Why flexibility is essential in 2026
• The power of becoming movement-driven
• How trainings help you expand influence + revenue
• And so much more

If you want to elevate your grant writing in 2026, this is the episode to bookmark.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Guide: Banned & Trigger Words in Federal Grant Writing
   https://grantwritingandfunding.com/banned-and-trigger-words-in-federal-grant-writing-in-the-trump-administration-2-0/

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/ 

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.

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