About this episode

Holly Rustick discusses the common reasons aspiring grant writers hesitate to start their freelance business and reframes these objections to encourage action.

If you've been telling yourself that now isn't the right time to start a freelance grant writing business, this episode is for you. Holly Rustick tackles the five most common reasons aspiring grant writers stay stuck, and reveals why none of them are actually keeping you from success. From not having enough time, money, experience, or connections to fears about AI replacing grant writers, Holly breaks down each objection and reframes it through the lens of systems, support, and strategy. She shares practical insights from coaching hundreds of grant writers and explains how freelance grant writing can create flexible income without requiring a massive time commitment, advanced credentials, or a large online presence. If you've been waiting for the "perfect" moment to get started, this episode may be the mindset shift you need to finally move forward. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "I don't have time" is usually a systems problem—not a time problem How investing in yourself can create consistent income opportunities Why nonprofits care more about results than credentials The truth about landing clients without a website or social media following How AI is changing grant…

People in this episode

Host: Holly Rustick

Topics covered

• grant writing
• freelance business
• overcoming objections
• income opportunities
• AI in grant writing
• community support
• mindset shift

Keywords

• grant writing
• freelance
• income
• AI
• nonprofits
• time management
• support
• strategy

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• What Can Make or Break a Nonprofit's Success Before Grant Funding · June 30, 2026 · 40 min
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