Are you a grant writer making money, but still stuck doing everything yourself? Join my free live training on March 24th, where I’ll show growth-stage grant professionals how to double their revenue without doubling their hours by installing systems, building predictable demand, and stepping into a CEO role. Register now at grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship-webinar.
Sara Cohen shares what it looks like to level up a grant writing business after 10 years of experience. In this conversation, she opens up about leaving nonprofit dysfunction behind, building a business through word of mouth, and reaching a point where she knew it was time to refine her systems, pricing, and boundaries.
Sara talks candidly about a major mindset shift she experienced inside the Grant Professional Mentorship: moving away from hourly-based retainers and toward a more sustainable consultant model built on deliverables and clear boundaries. She also shares how tools like SOPs and the Master Grant Application are helping her create more structure, streamline her workflow, and prepare for future growth.
If you’re an experienced grant professional who knows how to do the work but wants to run a stronger, more scalable business, this episode is full of insight and encouragement.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Sara Cohen began her consulting business in September 2014 after 15 years in various fundraising positions at several nonprofits. Over her 25-year nonprofit career, she has raised over $70,000,000 for the organizations she represented. She has successfully written foundation, corporate, county, state, and federal grants in the areas of secondary education, early childhood education and early intervention, youth behavioral health, disabilities, the arts (primarily music, dance, and theater), workforce development, museums, and human services. Sara is committed to constant self-improvement and has acquired the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and the Grant Professionals Certified (GPC) certifications.
She is very open and collaborative with her clients and their staff. Additionally, her past experience in the corporate sector strengthened her analytical and problem-solving skills, which she has been able to draw on when working with clients.
When Sara is not working with her inspiring clients, she can be found with her nose in a book, out running or walking, enjoying Chicago's cultural and culinary splendor, or spending time with friends, family, and her adorable mutt.
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST
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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/mentorship
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Thanks for listening!
Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading 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.