Grant CEO: Where Experienced Grant Writers Become CEOs
Let me guess, when you dreamed about starting your own grant-writing business, you did not dream about working long hours, answering emails late at night, or saying yes to every little thing that client asks you. Am I right?
Grant CEO is the podcast for experienced grant-writers and grant consultants who have mastered their craft (and even reached the big 10K months) but are now struggling to run a grant-writing business that feels true to their values, goals, and dreams.
I’m DeaRonda Harrison, founder of June First Firm and creator of the You Are the Prize™ Framework. I’m here to help you ditch the grind and step fully into your role as the CEO of your grant writing business.
Each week, we're diving deep into one of the five pillars of my proven framework — Power, Pricing, Packaging, Positioning, and People. At the end of each episode, you’ll know how to:
⏰ Set boundaries that protect your time, peace, and profit
🥇Position yourself as the go-to grant professional in your niche
💰 Price your services with confidence and clarity
📦 Package and sell your grant writing offers for consistent revenue
🎯 Build a capable team so you can lead, not do it all
Through honest conversations–solo coaching episodes and guest interviews with successful 6-figure grant writers–you’ll learn how to turn your expertise into a scalable, sustainable grant writing company. One that supports your life, not drains it.
Whether you’re exploring grant-writer retainers, raising your pricing, or looking to hire a team member, this podcast gives you the tools, mindset, strategies, and motivation to grow from grant-writer freelancer to Grant CEO.
It’s time to stop overdelivering, undercharging, and working nights and weekends.
It’s time to run your grant writing business like a CEO.
Grant CEO: Where Experienced Grant Writers Become CEOs
E4. $25 an Hour? How Pull and Pricing Help Build a Scalable Grant Writing Business with Victoria Lamar
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Just two years ago, Victoria Lamar didn’t even consider herself a grant writer.
Today, she leads a team of seven, supports 12 charter schools, and has recently secured a nearly $1 million federal grant for one of her clients.
In this episode of Grant CEO, we dive deep into two of the most misunderstood pillars of scaling a grant writing business: Pull and Pricing.
Victoria shares how she moved away from being advised to charge $25–$30 an hour, clarified her niche, and positioned herself so clients now come to her—ready to pay retainers, respect her process, and trust her expertise.
This conversation is a must-listen for experienced grant writers who are tired of explaining their value, customizing pricing for every client, or wondering how much to charge for grant writing services.
In this episode:
00:00:00 Entering Grant Writing
00:02:53 Rejecting Low Hourly Rates
00:11:02 Retainer Cadence Systems
00:17:49 Pricing Through Niching
This podcast is produced by Ideablossoms.
Connect with Victoria Lamar:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorialamar/
Website: http://www.securingdegrees.org/
Take The Grant CEO Assessment!
Tired of operating like an overworked freelancer and ready to step into the CEO seat of your business?
Head to grantceo.com, answer the questions, get your report, and start building a profitable and sustainable grant writing business.
About DeaRonda Harrison:
DeaRonda Harrison is the founder of June First Firm and host of the Grant CEO podcast, a show for experienced grant writers ready to step into the role of strategic, confident CEO of their own scalable business. With over a decade of experience, she’s helped nonprofits secure more than $45 million in funding.
Today, DeaRonda coaches grant writing consultants on pricing their services, setting boundaries, and moving from freelance grant writer to CEO. Through her You Are the Prize™ Framework, she helps grant professionals build sustainable, profitable grant writing businesses.
Grant CEO Assessment: https://grantceo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dearondaharrison/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearondaharrison/
Website: https://junefirstfirm.com/