5 Common Workplace Misconceptions About Organizational Culture

Creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture is good for both new and established organizations. Workplaces with strong, cohesive organizational culture thrive because the atmosphere is open and inclusive. Read on to learn what we have found to be the five most common misconceptions about organizational culture. In addition, see how GrantWatch provides the tools you need to locate funding to strengthen your organizational culture in 2025!

Five Organizational Culture Myths

Myth #1: Organizational Culture is an abstract concept. It does not change profit margins or a nonprofit’s mission impact.

Reality: Research shows teams with an authentic understanding of the organizational culture are more determined. A workplace where colleagues share values, clear communication, and build a mutual respect guides behavior and helps everyone stay motivated and aligned toward common goals. What’s more, things like inclusion, training, and fair wages attract talented and like-minded applicants. Build a workplace culture that authentically empowers your team.

Myth #2: Start up organizations do not need to establish an Organizational Culture.

Reality: Even in the beginning stages of a concept it is vital to encourage behavior that supports a company mission. Provide awareness to the team on what the mission or project specifically is to ensure efficiency and dedication as you grow. Cultivating healthy workplace habits and an encouraging individual strengths results in a strong team from day one.

Myth #3: Organizational Culture can’t be managed; it is something that happens organically in the workplace.

Reality: Leaders and decision-makers can take control of their organizational culture at any time. There are always growing pains or uncomfortable calls and meetings with any change. However, discomfort in pursuit of equality within the workplace is a mission worth investing in. However, every member of the team must be on board, from CEO to full-timers to contractors. This ensures people feel safe at work without the additional task of dodging inappropriate behavior from colleagues.

Myth #4: Organizational Culture is the same as perks. Free snacks, team-building retreats, or a swanky office is all it takes for a healthy organizational culture.

Reality: While it’s true that office perks are great, they are not culture. Organizational culture is the concept of shared values, policy, and purpose. Office perks are attractive because they can sometimes help repair short-term disgruntlement, enhance the workplace, and are often appreciated. However, they are not a substitute for team dynamics and a healthy office atmosphere.

Myth #5: Once a strong Organizational Culture is established, no further action is required by management.

Reality: Positive office dynamics begin at the top. Indeed, what is practiced by management is always reflected by staff. Touching base with regular evaluations is paramount to open communication and moral building. A company that flows and changes with the times is a company that understands the value of their mission, their customers, and their employees. A team is only as good as the tools and support with which they are provided. This brings to mind things like access to training, recognition for a job well done, and team building meetings or retreats.

Your organizational culture impacts every aspect of your business, from employee productivity and engagement to donor retention and growth. Establishing a healthy environment for employee and organizational growth is crucial, and it can be costly if not taken seriously. Culture can help leaders achieve goals and objectives, but it can also create obstacles that prevent employees from doing their best work. Nonprofit organizations that minimize or fail to recognize culture’s important role will limit their ability to move their mission and organization forward.

Margarita Sarmiento

Apply For Grants

The team at GrantWatch expects organizational culture management to be an emerging trends in 2025 and we have the tools needed to help make it happen, at least with regard to finding and applying for grant funding. We suggest using our SMART Grant Search to locate verified grants. Then, if you click “View Full Grant” on the grant detail page, you will see “Full Grant Text RFP” to apply. We also feature articles in GrantNews that inform and list curated grants. New and seasoned grant-seekers can learn valuable grant-seeking tips. In addition, there is GrantTalk, a podcast hosted by GrantWatch CEO, Libby Hikind. She and her guests share an inside view of the grant world that encompasses the perspectives of grant seekers and grant maker alike! These, along with the other numerous features and live help that GrantWatch has to offer are designed to create an inviting, inclusive environment.

Below are verified and open grants to help you kickstart your grant-seeking journey.

Promote Organizational Change & Equality in STEM Fields for Women in Academia

Grants to USA nonprofit organizations and IHEs for projects that further the careers of women in STEM fields. Funding is intended to promote gender equity for STEM faculty in academic workplaces and the academic profession.

Awards and In-Kind Support to Organization to Recognize Founders Ages 50 and Over

Awards of $75,000 and in-kind support to USA individual nonprofit founders ages 50 and older to recognize efforts to create a positive impact. The award is intended to acknowledge organizational leaders who use their life experiences to make a difference. 

Researchers Partnered with BIPOC Arts Organizations

Grants to USA researchers partnered with BIPOC arts organizations for research that is important to both partners. Research topics may include equity in the arts and the organizational well-being of BIPOC arts organizations, as well as other related topics. Funding is intended to promote continuing collaboration between the participants.

Nonprofits, Agencies, and Tribal Entities to Increase Diversity and Inclusion

Grants up to $2,500 to Michigan nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and tribal entities for diversity and inclusion initiatives in eligible counties. Funding may be used for educational programs, general operating support, events, and projects and programs that support inclusion and equity. 

Nonprofits to Enhance the Health of the LGBTQ+ Community

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations for programs to enhance the health of the LGBTQ+ community. Eligible proposals address physical and behavioral health issues, including substance abuse, HIV and AIDS, basic needs, and health equity.

Legal Aid Organizations to Promote Equality in the Justice System

Grants to Washington legal aid organizations for programs and projects that promote equality and decrease racism in the justice system. Funding is intended to strengthen underserved communities, provide fair access to civil justice, and prevent the disparate outcomes that racism creates for people of color, particularly in the justice system.

Pain and SUD Research Workforce Development

Grants to institutions of higher education to promote a diverse workforce. Specifically, to enhance workforce diversity in the research workforce and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented independent investigators conducting research to increase the pool of diverse and independent investigator workforce.

Nonprofits to Build and Strengthen Capacity

Up to $25,000 to Missouri and Illinois nonprofits to help nonprofits make long-term improvements in their management, governance, or organizational capacity. Grants will increase the organization’s ability to promote the following focus areas: support for immigrants, refugees, veterans, and older adults living independently, human trafficking prevention, and coalition-building and advocacy.

IHEs to Promote STEM-Related Careers for Minority Groups

Grants to institutions of higher education to expand and diversify the research workforce. Specifically, funding is intended to increase the number of historically underrepresented minority faculty involved in STEM research projects. The use of the term “historically underrepresented minority” reflects language from Congress defined as STEM doctoral candidates, postdoctoral scholars and faculty, who are African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native Pacific Islanders. 

Expert Consultants to Address Court-Related Challenges

Up to $75,000 to state and local courts, IHEs, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, individuals, and government agencies. Funding is to retain expert consulting services to address court-related challenges. Grant funds may cover the cost of obtaining the services of expert consultants. In addition, travel by a team of officials from one court to examine a practice, program, or facility in another jurisdiction.

One Final Note, Hire a Grant Writer

Sometimes, the grant application process can feel overwhelming, which may impact workplace morale and focus. Bringing in a professional grant writer can ease this burden and allow a team to stay productive and motivated. Organizations seeking assistance with grant research and applications can post a detailed classified ad on GrantWriterTeam. A well-defined project description helps attract skilled candidates eager to contribute to your success. After interviewing candidates, you can select a grant writer who demonstrates expertise, strong writing abilities, reliable references, and a proven history of success. Additionally, choose an individual who complements your team and shares the values of the company.

About GrantWatch

With nearly 9000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. Click here to see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features. Watch the latest episode of GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch, with host Libby Hikind. You don’t want to miss this. Visit us on YouTube weekly. Get your copy of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, by Libby Hikind.