Grant-dependent

Grant-dependent describes something, typically an organization, project, or individual, whose continued existence, operation, or success relies significantly on the receipt of grants, subsidies, or other forms of financial assistance provided by external funding sources. This dependence can create vulnerabilities related to funding availability, shifts in donor priorities, and the administrative burden of securing and managing grants. Such entities are often required to meet specific reporting requirements and align their activities with the grant's objectives. This term frequently applies to non-profit organizations, research institutions, and small businesses engaged in projects with societal benefits. It's also pertinent to individuals seeking funding for projects such as art, science, and education.

Grant-dependent meaning with examples

• The local animal shelter is entirely grant-dependent, relying on annual donations from various foundations to cover its operating costs. Without these grants, they'd be unable to provide care and housing to the numerous abandoned animals under their charge. They have to spend an extraordinary amount of time writing proposals and managing the funds and programs. The shelter staff dedicates much of their time to searching and applying for grants, which limits the time they can spend caring for the animals.
• The university's research department had a significant number of grant-dependent programs, with a large portion of the faculty members salaries tied to the funds secured through grants. This financial structure makes the faculty extremely conscious of their grant success rate. The success rate has a direct bearing on the ability to stay employed. Each department's viability is also reliant on their ability to continually find and get grants.
• The artist's studio, initially a self-funded venture, became increasingly grant-dependent as the artist shifted towards creating large-scale public art installations. The costs of materials, fabrication, and installation were simply too great. With each piece the need became greater. The artist had to spend as much time seeking out and applying for grants, in the hopes they'd find success. The artists was constantly looking for funding.
• Many smaller environmental conservation projects, undertaken by grassroots organizations, are almost entirely grant-dependent. They cannot afford to operate without the constant influx of funding. Their survival depends on their ability to convince funders to provide funding for their important work. These organizations are often fragile, and even a brief lapse in funding can threaten their continuity, particularly when staff are also dependent on those funds.