Episode Details

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th

Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.

Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit

What if the thing standing between you and a thriving freelance grant writing business isn't lack of experience, but fear?

In this deeply personal bonus episode, Holly Rustick pulls back the curtain on her 21-year journey from teaching overseas and volunteering in post-tsunami Indonesia to building a successful freelance grant writing business that provides both financial freedom and meaningful impact.

Along the way, she shares the struggles most people never see: living paycheck-to-paycheck, being a single mom on WIC, battling burnout, undercharging clients, and questioning whether she was capable of building something of her own.

If you've ever thought:

•  "I don't have enough experience." 
•  "Who would hire me?" 
•  "I'm not good at sales." 
•  "What if I fail?" 
•  "Maybe I'm not cut out for entrepreneurship." 

This episode is for you.

Holly shares the pivotal moments that changed everything; including the realization that success didn't come from becoming a better grant writer. It came from learning business skills, pricing, sales, confidence, and how to stop playing small.

Whether you're brand new to grant writing or a seasoned grant professional considering freelancing, you'll walk away inspired, encouraged, and reminded that every successful business owner started exactly where you are now.

This is the real story behind the business, and proof that you don't need to have it all figured out before you begin. 

Episode Gems

💎 Fear doesn't disappear when you become successful. Even six-figure business owners and seasoned professionals still face imposter syndrome and self-doubt.

💎 You don't need experience in everything to get started. Being an expert in one field doesn't automatically make you an expert in business, sales, or grant writing—and that's okay.

💎 Grant writing is a learnable skill. No one is born knowing how to write grants or run a business.

💎 You don't have to choose between money and mission. It's possible to create meaningful impact while building financial security.

💎 Burnout is often information. Sometimes exhaustion and frustration are signs that something in your life or career needs to change.

💎 Perfecting your writing won't build your business. Learning sales, pricing, positioning, and client acquisition often creates bigger breakthroughs than improving technical skills alone.

💎 Freelancing can offer more stability than a traditional job. Multiple clients often create less risk than depending on a single employer or funding source.

💎 Undercharging doesn't serve anyone. Confidence in your value is a critical part of building a sustainable business.

💎 You don't need a perfect website, logo, or brand to get clients. Conversations and relationships matter more than endless preparation.

💎 Your current circumstances do not determine your future. Holly's journey from financial struggle to building a business she loves proves what's possible with the right skills and support.

💎 The business side is learnable. Sales, marketing, pricing, and client acquisition can all be taught and mastered.

💎 Betting on yourself can be the most secure investment you'll ever make.

In This Episode, You'll Learn<