In this engaging conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Dr. Annise Mabry, a seasoned grant writer and nonprofit executive. They discuss Dr. Mabry’s journey into grant writing, the importance of understanding funding streams, and the diverse revenue strategies for nonprofits. 

Dr. Mabry shares her experiences with freelancing, the significance of RFPs, and how joining the Academy has empowered her to value her services and set appropriate pricing. The conversation leans into that business-changing call with the Academy’s coaches and how it helped Dr. Mabry find her value and power. It also touches on the role of AI in grant writing and the importance of building relationships with funders.

About Dr. Anise Mabry

Dr. Annise Mabry, PhD, MBA is an award-winning grant writer, nonprofit strategist, and bestselling author who specializes in helping organizations secure the funding they need to transform communities. She is best known for writing the first $1.6 million multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional co-responder grant in Georgia, a groundbreaking project that redefined how rural counties address public safety and mental health.

Her portfolio includes some of the most transformational grants in Georgia’s rural communities:

• $12 million City of Tennille Wastewater Treatment Grant (infrastructure and economic stability)
• $1.6 million Georgia Co-Responder Program Grant (mental health + public safety)
• $1.3 million Burke County Youth Crime Reduction Grant (youth intervention)
• Multiple Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Grants for rural jails (corrections + recovery services)

As the Founder and Executive Director of The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation (drannisemabry.com), she has successfully written and managed grants from national funders, state agencies, and private philanthropies. Her work has been recognized with the Georgia City Solutions Award and the Literary Titan Gold Award, underscoring her ability to merge storytelling with data to win competitive grants.

Dr. Mabry’s expertise spans grant writing, grant readiness evaluations, and nonprofit capacity building. She is passionate about positioning organizations for long-term success by aligning mission, strategy, and funder priorities. Her unique background as an educator, certified peace officer, and nonprofit leader allows her to understand both the frontline challenges and the systemic solutions funders are eager to support.

Connect with Dr. Mabry

• Work with Dr. Mabry: Visit www.drannisemabry.com to schedule a Grant Readiness Evaluation or request support for your next funding proposal.
• www.drannisemabry.com
•  LinkedIn
• Books
• Courses 

Links Mentioned

Freelance Grant Writer Academy

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