Social and Economic Uncertainty Means Grant Certainty

Dear CEOs and Leaders,

Tariffs.

Artificial Intelligence.

Youth unemployment.

Fentanyl.

Homelessness.

When citizens are anxious, they put pressure on governments.

When governments get nervous, they need to act.

But what can they really do?

Taxes.

Fines.

Regulate.

Talk.

Listen.

They’re all “tools” that governments can use, but no tool is more powerful to government – in a social and economic anxious society – than the “funding- announcement photo op.”

Think about it.

1. It shows action – think shovels in the ground.
2. It proves “quantifiable results.” Number of beds, jobs, number of businesses, etc.

3. It demonstrates “government hears you.” The government funding announcement gives government politicians answers for the tough questions they will face in Question Period.

What does this mean for your business or not-for-profit organization?

It means if you understand what the government is doing, you can get to the front of the line for the government grant cash (i.e., your own money).

If I were advising your organization today on how to win grants in socially and economically uncertain times, here are some basic laws.

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE 

1. Be proactive. The number of grant announcements will drive you crazy. However, when you actually count the hours toward the grants vs what you get, grants are an unmatched return on investment.

You can be proactive by reading grant-agency emails, attending their webinars, reading their announcements, setting up meetings with bureaucrats (i.e., grant-agency staff).

2. Be trusted. When times are hectic, bureaucrats don’t want to make a mistake. It’s human nature for them to be drawn to trusted businesses.

You can be intentional about trust through winning awards, putting up testimonials, knowing your locally elected officials, or attending charity events.

3. Develop your team’s government-understanding skills. If you operate in a space where the government impacts your business, everyone needs to understand “what makes them tick.” Everyone on the team needs to know some basic Government 101 because (1) you can win grant money, (2) you can avoid unnecessary burdens, and (3) you can have more eyes watching for your business grants..

Sometimes “messy” can create “opportunity.”

Study.

Learn.

Act.

You might find yourself growing and thriving in these uncertain times.

Have a great day.

David Kincade

Grant Writing Instructor, Advanced Grant Writing Course

Publisher, Grant Gazette
Author, Golden Grant Rules

780-297-6177

davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca

P.S. The next Advanced Grant Writing Course starts November 4, 2025.