FUNDED SERIES: The Future of Grant Writing: What We're Seeing in 2026

Are you ready to work from home and earn 6 figures on part-time hours? Are you ready to quit your toxic job and work on your schedule? Just like our students? Then be sure to register for the FREE, Live Training, "“How to Start or Grow a Grant Writing Business in 2026 and Get Consistent Paying Clients” on Wednesday, June 10th 5:00 - 6:30pm EST. Register here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar What does the future of grant writing look like in an increasingly uncertain funding landscape?In this episode of FUNDED, Holly Rustick analyzes the latest funding trends from April 2026 and reveals what they mean for grant writers, nonprofits, and funding professionals moving forward. From federal funding disruptions and increased competition for foundation grants to major state funding opportunities and growing demand for strategic grant writing support, Holly breaks down what is happening across the sector—and how successful grant professionals are adapting.Drawing from real data inside the Grant Writing & Funding community, Holly shares how members secured more than $3.4 million in grants and business revenue in a single month, even while many organizations faced funding uncertainty. You'll hear examples of seven-figure grant awards, high-value retainers, emerging business models, and the skills that are helping grant writers stand out in 2026.Whether you're exploring grant writing as a career, working within a nonprofit, or building your own grant writing business, this episode offers practical insights into where funding is headed and how to position yourself for success.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant 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 to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 will1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.We are on our way already.