When did the number of categorical grants increase dramatically?

The number of categorical grants in the United States increased dramatically during the 1960s, particularly with the introduction of Great Society programs under President Lyndon B. Johnson. This period saw a surge in federal funding aimed at addressing various social issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare, leading to a significant rise in categorical grants compared to previous decades. The trend continued in subsequent years, reflecting a growing federal role in state and local government funding.