The Grant World Isn’t Dead—You Just Need a Better Strategy

may 2025 / Amanda Stonerock

We’ve heard the whispers, and maybe you’ve even said it yourself:

“Grants are impossible to get right now.”

“No one’s funding anything.”

“The money just isn’t out there anymore.”

Let’s clear something up—the grant world isn’t dead.

In fact, funding is not only available, it’s growing in key areas like workforce development, housing, early childhood education, environmental resilience, and health equity.

But here’s the truth:

Getting funded in today’s climate isn’t just about writing a decent proposal. It’s about having a real strategy. And with a new wave of federal funding opportunities rolling out soon, this is the time to prepare—not panic.


What’s Actually Happening Right Now in the Grant World

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a lot of changes:

  • Shifts in government priorities
  • Greater emphasis on equity, collaboration, and data
  • Rising expectations around outcomes and sustainability
  • More competition, yes—but also more transparency in the process

It’s not that funding disappeared—it just evolved.

What’s being funded, who gets funded, and why has changed. And many organizations are still trying to play by old rules in a new game.


Federal Dollars Are Coming—Will You Be Ready?

Federal agencies are about to start releasing new rounds of grants tied to fiscal year budgets. That means millions (sometimes billions) in funding will be made available across sectors. But applying last-minute without preparation is a huge risk.

Here’s what you should be doing now:

  • Clarify your programs and goals—especially your outcomes and community impact
  • Get your documents in order (logic models, budgets, evaluations, registrations, etc.)
  • Know your competition—yes, even in the grant world
  • Make sure your marketing, development, and leadership teams are aligned

And most importantly: build a grant calendar and strategy that makes sense for your capacity.


We’re Still Winning Grants—Here’s Why

At SBS, we continue to see our clients awarded across the board—federal, state, and private. Why? Because they’ve done the work to:

  • Match their programs to funder priorities
  • Communicate clearly and confidently
  • Show data, not just good intentions
  • Collaborate when it makes sense
  • Ask for help when needed

It’s not about being the biggest or the flashiest. It’s about being ready, responsive, and real about what you do and why it matters.


It’s Not Too Late—But It Is Time to Move

If you’ve been holding back because you think the grants have dried up, it’s time to rethink. This is the perfect moment to regroup, retool, and re-enter the arena with a better approach.

Grant funding still exists—and it’s still changing lives.

Let’s make sure your work is positioned to receive it.