On September 10–11, 2025, Altum welcomed leaders from across the research funding community to the Hyatt Regency Reston for the 2025 Funder Forum. The conversations were candid, collaborative, and forward-looking, weaving together themes of adaptability, integrity, technology, and community.
What emerged over two days wasn’t just a snapshot of where we are today, but a vision of what’s possible when funders work together to shape the future.
Uncertainty as a Catalyst for Innovation
The Forum opened with an acknowledgment of the pressures facing funding organizations: economic fluctuations, shifting regulatory demands, and surging application volumes. Venable’s Scott Sheffler set the stage by underscoring that these challenges, while real, can be catalysts for change.
Instead of waiting for stability, funders are already experimenting with new compliance frameworks, more agile review processes, and data-driven decision-making. Conversations throughout the Forum reinforced the idea that innovation often arises not in spite of uncertainty, but because of it.
From Reporting to Storytelling
A highlight of the first day was Laura Douglas of the Arthritis National Research Foundation, who walked attendees through practical ways to elevate impact reporting. Rather than focusing solely on metrics, she showed how ProposalCentral’s tools can help turn outcomes into narratives that resonate with boards, donors, and the public.
This theme echoed across the Forum: reporting is no longer about compliance checkboxes, it’s about influence. Funders are expected to articulate not just what was funded, but why it matters. Storytelling, backed by data, is becoming a critical skill for every organization.
Managing the Surge in Applications
With submission volumes climbing, Joanne Westphal (PhRMA Foundation) and Sarah Barksdale (Rheumatology Research Foundation) shared strategies for balancing efficiency with rigor. Their discussion sparked ideas around triaging applications, empowering review committees with clearer frameworks, and using technology to reduce administrative burden.
The takeaway was practical: growth in demand doesn’t have to mean a compromise in quality. With thoughtful processes and smart tools, organizations can stay ahead of the curve.
Customer Stories in Action
Perhaps the most energizing moments came from Lindsey Whyte (Leukemia Research Foundation) and Samantha Carlson (National Bleeding Disorders Foundation), who shared how their teams are using ProposalCentral in innovative ways to streamline operations and better serve applicants.
These real-world stories gave attendees a glimpse into what’s possible when creativity meets technology, reinforcing that funders don’t have to solve challenges alone. The solutions are already being pioneered by peers across the community.
The Expanding Role of Content Strategy
Shifting gears, J. Annie Wang (American Cancer Society) and Ximena Marquez-Dagan (Prevent Cancer Foundation) explored how funders can use content to extend their reach and influence. From amplifying mission-driven stories to shaping public understanding of science, the session underscored the need for intentional strategies.
The discussion made it clear that funders who invest in storytelling and communication are better positioned to attract partners, secure support, and create lasting impact.
Innovation and AI Take Center Stage
AI was one of the most consistent threads across the Forum. Ben Schroeder, PhD (Stand Up To Cancer) shared how automation and machine learning are advancing translational cancer research, while Altum’s CEO, Steve Pinchotti introduced Altum Intelligence, the next chapter of AI-enabled tools within ProposalCentral.
A later panel featuring Kaitlin Davis, PhD (Additional Ventures) and Jason Roberts (Origin Editorial) explored the synergies between the publishing and funding communities. The excitement around efficiency and insight was balanced by a sober reminder: fairness, transparency, and trust must be baked into every new solution.
Integrity at the Core
One of the most thought-provoking sessions brought together Brian Nosek (Center for Open Science) and Valda Vinson (Science Journals). Their conversation highlighted that while speed and scale are important, none of it matters without credibility.
They challenged attendees to think about how funders can go beyond policing misconduct to actively encourage reproducibility, openness, and ethical rigor. The session underscored that integrity is not just a requirement, but a responsibility that defines the legitimacy of the research enterprise.
Co-Creating the Future of ProposalCentral
The Forum closed with an open dialogue between attendees and the Altum team. Rather than a one-way showcase, this session invited feedback on priorities, challenges, and opportunities.
Ideas ranged from integrations with financial systems to usability improvements and new reporting features. The discussion embodied what the Forum is all about: funders and partners working together to build tools that reflect the real needs of the community.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Funder Forum was not simply a gathering of sessions. It was a call to action. The themes were clear:
- Uncertainty can drive innovation.
- Impact needs storytelling.
- AI is moving from concept to practice.
- Integrity must remain the bedrock of science.
- Community is the true engine of progress.
At Altum, we are committed to turning these conversations into action through ongoing enhancements, the launch of Altum Intelligence, and continued collaboration with the funding community.
Thank you to every speaker and participant who made this year’s Forum a success. Together, we are shaping the future of funding.
