Funded Series: How Our Students Broke $10 Million in Grant Writing Businesses

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 This month marked a major milestone inside the grant writing community: over $10 million generated in student grant writing businesses and a collective $278 million in grant funding secured. In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in March 2026 in the grant writing industry, what’s working right now in the grant funding landscape, and what these results signal for both freelance grant writers and nonprofit leaders. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The different levels of grant funding being secured right now—from $10K wins to multi-million dollar awards Where funding is actually coming from (and how to position yourself to access it) The key patterns driving consistent grant wins How grant writers are building sustainable, high-revenue businesses The biggest shifts happening in the grant writing industry today KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH 2026 A total of $4.3 million in grants won by our Students (just in March) A total of nearly $5 million in revenue in our students grant writing businesses (just in March) WHERE FUNDING IS FLOWING Funding is being secured across a diverse ecosystem, including: Community, family, and private foundations State funding programs like the Michigan Invasive Species Program and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Corporate and hospital system funding Creative and micro-funding opportunities WHAT’S DRIVING THESE WINS Coaching that leads to action and submission Grant reviews that strengthen applications and increase competitiveness Proven systems like grant research frameworks, LOI strategies, and structured execution plans BUSINESS GROWTH FOR GRANT WRITERS Grant writers are not just winning funding—they are building scalable businesses. Examples from this month include: $32,400, $45,000, and $42,000 retainers Multiple $15K–$25K contracts Monthly retainers ranging from $2,500–$4,000 Expanded service packages and long-term client engagements SALES & PRICING SHIFTS Transitioning from hourly pricing to value-based packages Stronger positioning as experts and consultants Ethical sales strategies that build trust and close clients REAL REVENUE NUMBERS Monthly revenues reported include: $17K $21K $27K Up to $38K months The biggest challenges are not skill-based, but around consistency in marketing, visibility, and sales activity. INDUSTRY SHIFT Grant writers are evolving from freelancers to consultants and agency-style business owners, with services including: Retainers Strategy engagements Subcontracting Executive-level advisory roles FINAL THOUGHT This $278 million milestone is more than just a number—it represents a shift in the industry. The demand for grant writers is real, the opportunity is growing, and the business model is proven. The question is no longer whether opportunity exists, but whether you are building your work like a business. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ RESOURCES: Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast for more weekly insights. Warmly, Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement by 2030.