Episode
How Gwen Built a $200K Grant Writing Business and Now Out-Earns Her Husband
- Podcast
- Grant Writing & Funding
- Published
- Mar 10, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1211
- Processing state
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Summary
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 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 funding This episode is a must-listen for freelance grant writers ready to expand into federal funding, municipal contracts, and larger awards. ABOUT OUR GUEST Since 2018…