How Freelance Grant Writers Get Paid with Holly Rustick

This episode, Holly explains the problems with paying grant writers commission, the reasons why nonprofits miss out on funding, and how nonprofits should pay freelance grant writers.

Nonprofits often think that paying freelance grant writers on a commission basis is a win-win, but this could not be further from the truth.

Not only is paying grant writers a commission unethical and against industry best practices, but there are also some pretty serious legality issues.

This episode, Holly explains the problems with paying grant writers a commission, the legality of paying grant writers on a commission only basis, and how most nonprofits pay freelance grant writers.

Holly also talks about why nonprofits miss out on grants they’ve applied to, how to repurpose a grant for other uses, and the different reasons nonprofits have a website.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How freelance grant writers make money.
  • How nonprofits pay grant writers.
  • Why you shouldn’t pay grant writers commission.
  • The reasons nonprofits don’t get grants they’ve applied to.
  • Why paying commission for grant writers is against best practice.
  • How to repurpose a grant and other things a grant application can be used for.
  • The legality of paying grant writer’s commission.
  • Why nonprofits need to have a website.
  • How to learn the skills you need to become a grant writer.

About Holly

Holly Rustick is the Founder of Grant Writing & Funding, where she creates effective systems to help grant writers ensure that nonprofits grow capacity, increase funding, and advance their mission.

Holly has been writing grants for nearly two decades, has secured millions of dollars for nonprofits around the world, and has been a federal grant reviewer for over 10 years.

Holly is also an Amazon bestselling author, the podcast host of Grant Writing & Funding, and a world-renowned grant writing expert. 

Quotables:

  • “Even if you don’t get awarded a grant when you submit it, you may get feedback and be able to change a few things, tweak a few things, submit to the next funding cycle, and get it awarded.”
  • “You have to start a relationship so even that first no can be a very positive thing because at least you’re starting a relationship and getting your foot in the door now so in the next couple of cycles you might get funded but if you don’t even start or are too scared to get a no then that might not happen.”
  • “Grant writers can never guarantee funding so how they get paid is the same as any other service provider. For a certain scope of work for a certain amount of time, you pay them a certain amount.”

Connect with Holly Rustick:

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

FREE RESOURCES

Download one of Grant Writing & Funding’s free resources to achieve, advance, & accelerate your funding skills.

Learn
Grant Writing

Free Grant Writing class

Free Grant Writing Class

Get the GRANTS Formula in 45 minutes and start winning grants!

Launch a Grant
Writing Business

Freelance Grant Writer

Free 5-Step Checklist

5 Simple Steps to Launch a Freelance Grant Writing Business.

Ready to quit your toxic nonprofit job?

JOIN THE FREELANCE GRANT WRITER ACADEMY

Freelance as a grant writer

Set Up a Freelance Grant Writing Business with No Stress!