Grants Strategy & Trends for 2025: Stay Ahead of the Funding Curve

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” - Bobby Unser

As we approach 2025, the grant landscape continues to evolve, with shifting priorities from federal agencies, foundations, and corporations. For nonprofits, higher education institutions, and other grant-seeking organizations, staying ahead of these trends is essential to not only securing funding but also aligning efforts with broader social, economic, and technological movements.

This blog post explores the key grant trends for 2025, with insights into federal, foundation, and corporate funding priorities, along with specific strategies you can implement to navigate these shifts effectively. Whether you’re new to grant writing or a seasoned professional, staying up to date with these trends will give you a significant edge in planning your grant strategy.

Federal Grants: Rising Priorities in Education, Healthcare, and Technology 🏫🚑💻

Federal grantmaking agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Department of Education are expected to maintain their focus on large-scale societal challenges, with an increasing emphasis on education access and equity, healthcare innovation, and technology.

• Education Access and Equity: The Department of Education and other federal agencies are prioritizing grants that promote education access, equity, and innovation in teaching. This includes support for programs that increase access to high-quality education for underserved and marginalized communities, bridge the digital divide, and enhance STEM education. Programs like the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) offer funding for research and development projects aimed at improving education outcomes across K-12 and postsecondary institutions.
• Healthcare Innovation: The NIH continues to prioritize funding for research on healthcare disparities, mental health, and pandemic preparedness. Keep an eye out for new programs aimed at improving telehealth services, mental health interventions, and community health initiatives, all of which are expected to remain top priorities into 2025. The NIH’s Strategic Plan offers a detailed look at their upcoming initiatives.
• Technology & Digital Access: With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, the NSF is likely to increase funding for projects in AI ethics, digital equity, and cybersecurity. If your organization can develop projects related to tech-enabled services or bridging the digital divide, the NSF’s strategic plan through 2026 outlines numerous funding avenues.

Actionable Takeaway: To succeed with federal grants, align your proposals with broad national priorities. Look for multi-disciplinary partnerships that can strengthen your application, particularly in emerging areas like education equity, healthcare technology, and digital access.

Foundation Grants: Equity, Social Justice, and Localized Impact ⚖️

Private foundations are increasingly focused on equity, racial justice, and economic empowerment, especially as these themes have come to the forefront following the social justice movements of the past few years. Organizations like the Ford Foundation and MacArthur Foundation are known for their commitment to social justice initiatives, and this trend is only expected to grow in 2025.

• Equity & Inclusion: Many foundations are seeking projects that tackle racial disparities, support historically marginalized communities, and promote inclusive practices. For example, the Ford Foundation continues to support initiatives that advance racial, gender, and economic justice; the W.K. Kellogg Foundation focuses on racial equity and helping vulnerable children and families achieve success by addressing systemic inequities; the Annie E. Casey Foundation works to improve the lives of children and families by advancing racial and economic equity in communities across the U.S.; Open Society Foundations is known for promoting democratic governance, human rights, and economic, racial, and social justice; and the Kresge Foundation focuses on expanding opportunities in American cities, with a strong emphasis on racial equity and inclusion, particularly in education and healthcare. If your program aligns with these objectives, targeting foundations with social justice goals will be key to success.
• Localized Impact: Another trend is the focus on localized impact, where foundations prioritize funding smaller, community-based organizations over larger national entities. This creates more opportunities for grassroots nonprofits to secure funding for community-specific initiatives. For instance, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has been focusing on community health efforts and grassroots movements that foster health equity.

Actionable Takeaway: When applying for foundation grants, emphasize the equitable impact of your program. Funders increasingly expect nonprofits to demonstrate how their work promotes equity and justice, so be specific about your outcomes, particularly if your project serves marginalized or underrepresented groups.

Corporate Grants: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability 🌎

In the corporate world, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and education are the driving forces behind most grant-making programs. Companies are investing in programs that align with their brand values and long-term vision, focusing particularly on workforce development, STEM education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

• Education & Workforce Development: Corporations are increasingly supporting education and workforce development initiatives, particularly those focused on STEM skills and digital readiness. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer grants for programs that promote digital literacy, coding skills, and career readiness for underrepresented communities, particularly in tech.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Many corporate funders prioritize DEI-focused projects. Corporations are aligning their giving with internal goals related to diversity and inclusion, meaning nonprofits and educational institutions that focus on these areas will see increased opportunities. Companies like Target and Coca-Cola are leaders in supporting programs that foster inclusion and provide opportunities for minority communities.

Actionable Takeaway: When pursuing corporate grants, align your project with the company’s CSR strategy. Do your research to understand their priorities—whether it’s education, workforce development, or DEI—and tailor your proposal to highlight how your project advances those goals.

Trends to Watch: The Shift Toward Collaboration and Capacity Building ⌚

One of the biggest trends across all grantmaking sectors—federal, foundation, and corporate—is a shift toward collaboration and capacity building. Funders are looking for grantees who can work in partnership with other organizations and who have the infrastructure to deliver long-term results.

• Collaborative Projects: Many funders are actively encouraging collaborative grant proposals that bring together multiple partners, such as universities, nonprofits, and government entities. Collaboration adds credibility to your proposal and demonstrates a broader impact. For example, the NSF - including its newest directorate Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) - has several programs designed specifically to encourage cross-sector collaboration in research and innovation.
• Capacity Building: Foundations are also increasingly interested in funding projects that build organizational capacity, rather than just program-specific initiatives. This is especially true for smaller organizations looking to grow their internal infrastructure. Foundations like the Annenberg Foundation have long supported capacity-building initiatives that help nonprofits develop the tools and systems they need to scale their operations.

Actionable Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to seek out partnerships when applying for grants in 2025. Collaborative proposals and those that focus on capacity building demonstrate that your organization is committed to long-term impact and is capable of leveraging resources efficiently.

Actionable Steps for Grant Seekers in 2025 👣

With so many emerging trends and opportunities, here are some actionable steps to help you refine your grant strategy for 2025:

1. Research and Target Grants Early: Use resources like Grants.gov for federal funding and Candid’s Foundation Directory to identify relevant foundation and corporate opportunities.
2. Align with Broad Societal Goals: Ensure your proposals align with national and global priorities such as education equity, healthcare, and digital inclusion.
3. Build Partnerships: Consider forming partnerships with other organizations to enhance your proposal’s credibility and broaden its impact.
4. Capacity Building: If your organization is in a growth phase, look for grants that support internal infrastructure and capacity development, not just program funding.
5. Tailor to Funder Priorities: Whether you’re applying for federal, foundation, or corporate grants, take the time to tailor each proposal to the funder’s unique priorities and CSR strategies.

Leveraging Opportunity Through Collaborative Preparation

2025 is shaping up to be a year full of exciting opportunities for grant seekers, but success will require a thoughtful, strategic approach. By aligning your projects with emerging trends, focusing on collaboration, and investing in capacity building, your organization can stay ahead of the funding curve.

Carinci Consulting Can Help We’re here to help you navigate these shifts, develop a Comprehensive Funding Strategy, and position your organization for success in 2025 and beyond.

🗓️ Schedule a complimentary strategy session.

Have questions? 📨 Email us at jennifer@carinciconsulting.com.