The Global State of Grant Management in 2025

How practices compare across regions and what UK funders can learn.

By Plinth Team

The Global State of Grant Management in 2025

Across regions, funders are converging on proportionate checks, AI assistance and outcome‑focused reporting.

  • End‑to‑end platforms are replacing spreadsheets everywhere.
  • Standards for data and outcomes are emerging.
  • Local context still shapes verification and reporting.

Regional contrasts

Different landscapes require tailored approaches.

  • UK/EU: GDPR focus, strong register checks.
  • North America: CRM heritage, growing AI adoption.
  • Global South: flexible verification and partner support.

Key takeaway: adapt principles to context, not the other way round.

Shared challenges

Despite differences, themes repeat.

  • High application volumes and limited staff.
  • Demonstrating impact credibly without burden.
  • Building trust through transparency.

Key takeaway: Plinth addresses these challenges consistently.

Looking ahead

Expect broader collaboration and lighter reporting.

  • Shared outcome libraries and templates.
  • Joint funds with portable data.
  • Real‑time dashboards for public accountability.

Key takeaway: the future is connected and proportionate.

FAQs

Are tools interoperable yet?

Partly; open exports are the practical bridge today.

Is AI adoption uniform?

No—pilot locally and scale what works.

What can UK funders share?

Good practice on proportionate checks and transparency.