Unveiling Trends: Insights from the Innovation Fund Applications
Introduction: The Innovation Fund received a diverse array of applications, each reflecting unique approaches to mission work. This post explores the statistics and trends observed in the 2023 applications.
Categories and Trends: Technology and media were the most popular categories, accounting for 29% of the total applications. Many projects, even those not initially categorized under technology, incorporated significant technological elements. This trend highlights the growing association of innovation with digital tools and networks.
Application Insights: Despite detailed instructions, about one-third of the applicants struggled to adequately describe their innovation processes. Many projects were capacity-building initiatives or existing plans relabeled as innovative. However, the most innovative projects were people-driven and focused, blending modern knowledge with ancient priorities.
Some organizations claimed innovation for projects that were simply concepts working in one location being applied in another context. Additionally, AI translation work for text and video has become a common mainstream tool and is no longer considered a novel concept.
The final group of applications that were processed and sent to the donor for review of those applications they were categorized as:
- Technology
- Artificial Intelligence/Missionary Resources
- Mobilization
- National Church Resources
- Leadership Development – App Development
- National Church Resources – Artificial Intelligence/Media/Training
- Member Care
- Diaspora – Training
- Leadership Development
- National Church Resources/Training
- Business as Missions
- Global Sending
- Mobilization
- National/Indigenous Focused, Word/Deed Holistic Ministry
Conclusion: The trends observed in the applications provide valuable insights into how the mission community views and approaches innovation. Stay tuned for the next post, where we will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the applications. Learn more at Ministry Innovation Fund | Missio Nexus
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