What Foundations Actually Mean When They Say “Innovation” – And How to Deliver It
Make your proposal a compelling case
Foundations frequently use the term “innovation” when they describe the projects they wish to support. However, there is often a significant gap between the abstract definition of innovation on paper and the tangible, measurable innovation that funders expect.
For nonprofit leaders, executive directors, grant writers, and social entrepreneurs, understanding the true meaning behind “innovation” and delivering it effectively can be the critical difference between a proposal that stands out and one that is overlooked.
The True Meaning of “Innovation” in Foundation Funding
While the word “innovation” is used liberally in foundation funding guidelines, it is important to break it down into concrete, evaluable elements that reviewers expect to see.
In a grant application, innovation means more than just having a new idea—it means: