Summer 2025 Trends in Grantmaking

What Funders Are Looking for Right Now (Summer 2025 Trends in Grantmaking)
As we enter the summer of 2025, many nonprofit leaders are shifting gears—balancing program delivery, vacation schedules, and fiscal year planning. But one thing that shouldn’t slow down is your grant strategy. Why? Because funders aren’t taking a break, and many are actively reviewing applications, refining their priorities, and preparing for fall funding cycles.
So, what are funders prioritizing right now? Based on industry trends, recently released RFPs, and insights from grantmaking organizations, here are five key trends shaping the summer 2025 grant landscape—and what your nonprofit can do to stay ahead.
1. Data-Driven Impact Is More Important Than Ever
Funders in 2025 are increasingly looking for quantifiable impact. They want to see that your program outcomes are measurable, not just meaningful.
Tip: Start tracking program data consistently—how many people you serve, demographics, success rates, and before/after impact. Use a spreadsheet, database, or simple dashboard and tie this data back to your mission.
PROTIP: Share your impact numbers with your audience on social media, on your website and in your annual report. Make it clear to all of your stakeholders exactly what impact you are having on your community.
“Nonprofits that are equipped with clear, organized data tend to receive more funding—it gives funders confidence in your ability to deliver on your promises.” – The Grants Professionals Association
2. Trust-Based Philanthropy is on the Rise
Funders are increasingly adopting a trust-based approach, which means they’re looking for nonprofits they can trust—offering multi-year, unrestricted funding, asking fewer burdensome questions, and focusing on relationship over red tape.
Tip: Showcase how your organization embodies trust-based values: highlight long-term partner relationships, flexible programming, and your readiness to receive general operating support. Include examples in your proposals to show you’re not just meeting funder criteria—you’re aligned in philosophy.
Other ways to demonstrate trustworthiness to funders:
- Consistent transparent reporting
- Clean, Audited Financial Statements
- Proven Track Record: Share stories, testimonials, past success in managing grants, hitting targets
- Leadership Stability: highlight the strength, experience, and consistency of your executive and leadership teams and board.
- Community Voice & Participation: show how your programs are shaped by the people you serve. “Lived Experience” is a great keyword in 2025
- Program Evaluation Systems: demonstrate that you are regularly evaluating outcomes and using data to improve programs
- Clear Communication: Maintain open, respectful communication with funders – responding promptly to questions.
3. Collaboration Is a Competitive Advantage
Grants that involve collaborative partnerships—whether with other nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, or local businesses—are increasingly prioritized.
Tip: Highlight any partnerships in your grant proposals. If you don’t have formal partners, now is a great time to build a few strategic ones.
4. Flexible, General Operating Support Is on the Rise
More funders are offering unrestricted support—especially to organizations with strong leadership and clear outcomes.
Tip: Keep your annual report and financials current and clean. Demonstrating strong governance and stability makes funders more willing to trust you with flexible dollars.
5. Environmental and Mental Health Focus
Two themes that continue to gain traction are climate resilience and community mental health. Funders are prioritizing projects that address wellness, prevention, and sustainability in a meaningful way.
Tip: If your work touches on mental health or the environment—even indirectly—don’t hesitate to draw those connections for funders.
Summer 2025 Strategy: Don’t Wait
The next 6–8 weeks are a golden window to:
- Research and apply for summer/fall deadlines
- Tighten your storytelling and data tracking
- Plan out Q4 submissions
At Impact Funding Solutions, we help nonprofit organizations stay aligned with evolving funder trends and submit 5–6 strategic grant applications per month. If your grant pipeline needs a tune-up, now is the perfect time to get organized—so your fall isn’t spent playing catch-up.
Ready to build a grant strategy that reflects what funders care about right now?
Book a free discovery call to see how we can help!