How Gwen Built a $200K Grant Writing Business and Now Out-Earns Her Husband

Securing over $23 million in grant funding in just 24 months is no small feat, and today’s guest has done exactly that.In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Gwen Valentino, a New Mexico-based grant strategist who specializes in navigating complex federal and state funding streams. From DOT to LWCF to Healthy Food Financing Initiative awards, Gwen shares what it really takes to manage high-stakes proposals, stay compliant with federal regulations, and build strong municipal partnerships.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by federal grants, overwhelmed by compliance, or unsure how to position yourself for larger awards — this episode breaks it down with practical insight and real-world experience.In this episode, you’ll discover:• How Gwen secured $23M+ in funding in just 24 months• What it really means to manage the full grant lifecycle• How to navigate federal compliance and Uniform Guidance with confidence• The importance of cost estimation and advanced Excel skills in grant budgeting• Strategies for winning competitive state and federal grants• How to support municipalities and local governments effectively• The mindset shift required to move from smaller grants to high-stakes fundingThis episode is a must-listen for freelance grant writers ready to expand into federal funding, municipal contracts, and larger awards.ABOUT OUR GUESTSince 2018, Gwen Valentino has helped New Mexico nonprofits and local governments turn “red tape into green lights.” She specializes in the full grant lifecycle — navigating the intricate world of state, federal, and foundation funding.Gwen has won $23M in funding secured for clients in the last 24 months ($12M in 2024; $11M in 2025) including:• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)• Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)• State of New Mexico Capital Outlay & Legislative GrantsShe provides dedicated grant administration and strategy for the Cities of Socorro and Truth or Consequences (T or C), the Village of Magdalena, Polvadera, Socorro County, and the South Central Council of Governments (SCCOG). Gwen brings a high degree of professionalism and judgment to every project, whether working independently or as part of a municipal team.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-valentino-90a8b42b5/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.