Grantide

Grantide is a loosely defined term that appears in policy discussions and speculative literature to describe a potential funding approach that blends grantmaking with ideation-oriented support. Because there is no single, universally accepted definition, the term is used in varying ways by different authors and practitioners. Its etymology suggests a portmanteau of grant and idea, signaling an emphasis on early-stage concept exploration alongside financial support.

In its proponents’ framing, grantide envisions grants that fund idea generation, exploratory research, or initial experimentation with flexible milestones and adaptable plans. Such a model may incorporate shorter funding cycles, iterative reviews, and mechanisms that allow ideas to evolve or pivot in response to new information. The aim is to reduce risk aversion, accelerate discovery, and foster collaborative input from researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders without locking funding into rigid deliverables.

Contexts in which grantide is discussed include reforms of research funding, innovation ecosystems, and philanthropic grantmaking. It is sometimes invoked in think-tank reports and academic articles examining alternative funding designs and the balance between accountability and creativity. Critics point out that the lack of a standardized definition can lead to inconsistent implementation and evaluation, potentially confusing applicants and allocating funds to uncertain outcomes. Empirical evidence for the effectiveness of any grantide-like approach remains limited, and the term often serves as a conceptual prompt rather than a proven model.

See also: grant funding; research funding models; innovation funding; open funding; risk-taking funding.