How This Federal Grant Writer Advanced Her Freelance Grant Writing Business

Knowing how to write federal grants is a powerful skill—one that opens the door to significant funding opportunities but also requires a higher level of strategy, time, and precision compared to foundation grants. In this episode, Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, owner of Spirit Excel, joins us to share her decades of experience in federal grant writing and working with nonprofit organizations.We discuss key lessons she’s learned in the field, why having a strong nonprofit strategic plan is essential for long-term fiscal health, and how her experience as a business owner since 2012 has shaped her approach to grant writing. Dr. Cheri also shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship in 2022 helped her gain clarity, confidence, and stronger positioning in her business.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Cheri Westmoreland is the owner of Spirit Excel and brings decades of experience in federal grant writing and nonprofit consulting. Since launching her grant writing business in 2012, she has supported numerous organizations in securing funding and strengthening their strategic direction.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.