The Top Trends and Changes in Grant Funding in 2023, you need to know if you’re seeking for funding.
Grant funding is a critical component of many non-profit organizations, small businesses, and even government entities.
As we move into 2023, we are starting to see some significant changes in the grant funding landscape that are worth exploring.
In this article, we will dive into the top trends and shifts in grant funding and provide practical examples and stories to illustrate how these changes are impacting organizations and communities.
- Increased Focus on Climate Action and Sustainability
One of the most significant shifts in grant funding is the increased focus on climate action and sustainability. As the world continues to face the realities of climate change, grant makers are becoming more proactive in their efforts to support organizations that are working towards solutions. For example, The Climate Group, a non-profit organization, has launched the Climate Innovation Grant Program to support innovative clean energy solutions. The program provides grants of up to $100,000 to businesses and organizations that are developing new technologies or approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency.
One practical example of this trend is a small business in the Pacific Northwest that received a grant from the Climate Innovation Grant Program. The business, a maker of electric bicycles, received funding to help scale up its operations and bring its clean energy solutions to more communities. With the help of the grant, the company was able to expand its production capacity, hire new employees, and provide electric bicycles to communities that are struggling with air pollution and limited access to transportation.
- Greater Emphasis on Community-Led Solutions
Another trend in grant funding is the growing emphasis on community-led solutions. Grant makers are recognizing that local communities often have the best ideas and solutions for the challenges they face, and are starting to allocate more funding towards community-driven projects. For example, the Local Energy Alliance Program in Virginia provides grants to local governments and non-profit organizations to support energy efficiency projects. The program is designed to be community-led, with funding decisions being made by a local panel of experts. This approach has proven to be effective in supporting local communities in taking action to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.
One practical example of this trend is a non-profit organization in a rural community in the mid-Atlantic region. The organization received a grant from the Local Energy Alliance Program to install solar panels on the roof of a local community center. The project was led by a team of local volunteers, who worked together to design and install the solar panels. The project not only reduced energy costs for the community center, but also provided local residents with hands-on experience in clean energy technology.
- Increased Investment in Digital Infrastructure
As the world becomes more digital, grant makers are starting to allocate more funding towards digital infrastructure projects. This trend is driven by the recognition that digital infrastructure is critical for supporting economic growth, improving access to information, and promoting social and political engagement. For example, the National Science Foundation provides grants to support the development of advanced cyber-infrastructure, including high-performance computing, networking, and data storage and management. These grants are designed to support cutting-edge research and development in the digital realm, and help to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of digital innovation.
One practical example of this trend is a university in the Northeast that received a grant from the National Science Foundation to build a cutting-edge data center. The grant allowed the university to purchase state-of-the-art hardware and software, and to hire additional IT staff to support the new infrastructure. With the help of the grant, the university was able to launch a new research initiative in big data and machine learning, which is helping to drive economic growth and innovation in the region.
- Focus on Equity and Inclusion
Another trend in grant funding is a growing emphasis on equity and inclusion. Grant makers are recognizing that many communities and populations are disproportionately affected by poverty, lack of access to education and health care, and other challenges. As a result, grant makers are increasingly directing their funding towards organizations and programs that focus on equity and inclusion, with the goal of addressing systemic barriers and promoting greater equality and fairness for all.
One practical example of this trend is a grant provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to support a community-led initiative aimed at reducing disparities in health outcomes for African American women. The grant supported a program that provided health education and resources, as well as opportunities for community members to actively participate in the decision-making process and shape the direction of the program. With the help of the grant, the initiative was able to provide targeted support to African American women in the community, addressing long-standing disparities and promoting greater equity in health outcomes.
Another example is a grant from the Ford Foundation to support a program aimed at increasing access to affordable housing for low-income families. The program involved working with local governments, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to develop and implement policies and programs aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing. With the help of the grant, the program was able to address systemic barriers that have historically prevented low-income families from accessing affordable housing, promoting greater equity and inclusion in the housing market.
- Collaboration and Partnership-Building
Another trend in grant funding is an increased focus on collaboration and partnership-building. Grant makers are recognizing that some of the biggest challenges facing our communities and the world cannot be solved by one organization or entity alone, and are starting to allocate more funding towards projects that involve partnerships between multiple organizations, businesses, and government entities. For example, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation provides grants to support cross-sector partnerships aimed at improving health outcomes in communities. The foundation recognizes that solutions to health problems often require a collaborative approach that involves multiple organizations and stakeholders working together.
One practical example of this trend is a partnership between a non-profit organization and a local government in a low-income neighborhood. The partnership received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to support a program aimed at reducing rates of obesity and diabetes in the community. The program involved working with local schools to provide healthier food options, establishing community gardens and farmer’s markets, and providing health education and physical activity programs. With the help of the grant, the partnership was able to make a significant impact on the health of community members, and to promote greater collaboration and partnership-building between the non-profit, government, and private sectors.
In conclusion, these are some of the top trends and changes in grant funding that we are seeing in 2023. Whether you are a non-profit organization, small business, or government entity, it is important to stay informed about these trends and shifts so that you can effectively seek out funding opportunities and achieve your goals.
With a focus on climate action and sustainability, community-led solutions, digital infrastructure, equity and inclusion, and collaboration and partnership-building, grant funding is helping to drive innovation, support communities, and promote positive change in our world.
