What Gets Funded Depends on How Intent Is Translated: Translation Dynamics in Funding Systems (ERC, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Gates Foundation)

Funding decisions reflect how intent is translated—not how it is stated. Funding systems do not allocate resources based on mission statements. They allocate based on how those missions are translated into criteria, programme structures, and evaluation signals. This paper shows how that translation shapes what becomes fundable—and what disappears. Across ERC, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the Gates Foundation, it demonstrates that differences in outcomes reflect governance architecture, not just priorities. Translation determines allocation. About the Coherence ProgrammeThe Coherence Programme studies why institutions drift despite appearing aligned. It shows that decisions are made not on intent itself, but on how intent is translated into criteria, metrics, and allocation rules. Using the Operating Spine, the programme traces how purpose becomes action across governance layers, making drift and coherence directly observable within decision systems. The research applies to public institutions, capital allocation, and AI-mediated environments, where the durability of decision rules determines long-term institutional reliability.Programme citation: Mertens, R. E. U. (2026). The Coherence Programme: A Conceptual Overview and Entry Point to the Research Programme. Resources: Coherence Programme OSF repository and https://thecoherenceprogramme.org Version 1.00: First public release.Version 1.01: Minor conceptual clarifications, consistency improvements, reviewer-informed refinements, and editorial updates across the programme.