5 Proven Steps to Actually Find the Best-Fit Federal Grants

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with federal grant research expert Jason Adkins to answer one of the most common questions: how do you actually find federal grants for your nonprofit? Jason breaks down five clear, actionable steps to uncover federal funding opportunities and shares the exact websites and strategies you need to get started. What may seem overwhelming at first quickly becomes manageable as he demystifies the process and shows how to approach federal grant research with confidence. Along the way, they discuss why having an English degree doesn’t automatically make someone a grant writer, the importance of “failing forward,” and how celebrating wins—like keeping a running list of secured grants—can keep you motivated. Jason also shares how his approach to writing federal grants mirrors foundation grants, why being a federal grant reviewer can strengthen your proposals, and the importance of writing clearly at a 9th–12th grade level. They dive into formatting tips, productivity strategies like scheduling dedicated time to find grants, and how to stay consistent without burnout. If federal grants have ever felt intimidating, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to start finding—and winning—them.ABOUT OUR GUESTJason Adkins is a federal grant research expert and experienced grant professional who specializes in helping nonprofits identify and secure federal funding opportunities. With a strong background in grant writing, reviewing, and research, Jason has developed proven systems to simplify the process of finding and applying for federal grants. He is passionate about equipping organizations and grant writers with practical tools, strategies, and confidence to navigate the federal funding landscape successfully.OTHER 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.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.