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Where is the funding? Weekly List of Funding Opportunities for Startups

Sign up for TANTV to receive weekly funding opportunities directly in your email. Finding funding opportunities for startup founders, entrepreneurs, and businesses for products, services, AI, SaaS, Non-Profits, Web3, and others

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Funding opportunities for startups - Black founders

Sign up for TANTV to receive weekly funding opportunities directly in your email. Finding funding opportunities for startup founders, entrepreneurs, and businesses involves a lot of research and networking. Here are some funding resources and opportunities, specifically for Black founders, within the sectors you mentioned – Retail, AI, SaaS, Non-Profits, Web3, and others:

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Updated Oct 20th

Grant and funding opportunities:

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  • For Digital Development Social Ventures: Apply now for £150,000 to support evidence-based research and access to policymakers for social enterprises.
  • Minority Business Grants: Shopify lists 11 minority business grants, including federal, private, and nonprofit opportunities for funding, mentorship, and networking.
    • Find eligibility and tips for applying at Shopify.
  • Undergraduate Creative Work and Research Expense Grant: Valpo Torch announced that this semester’s application for the Guild Undergraduate Creative Work and Research Expense Grant is open for students.
  • Research Core Revitalization Program (4): The University of Wisconsin–Madison Research offers funding through this program.
  • Emergency Funding Amid Government Shutdown: The Chronicle of Philanthropy highlights emergency grants, including Cambridge Community Foundation’s Urgent Needs Fund, with a deadline to apply by November 3.
  • NCDEQ Recycling and Waste Reduction Grants: NC.gov announced $25 million available to local governments for recycling and waste reduction projects, with up to $5 million per project.
  • We Care Fund – City of Clearwater: This fund provides assistance, and you can find the online submission form or a printable PDF form.
  • Pinellas People First Hurricane Recovery Programs: These programs are funded by a federal storm recovery grant.
  • Student Startups Funding: The Brown Daily Herald discusses how student startups fund their ideas, including grants and prizes up to $25,000 from the Nelson Center.
  • Washington County Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant: $100,000 in funding is available, with individual awards from $1,000 to $25,000.
  • Fort Bragg Utility Assistance Funding: Aid is available for low-income families through 2028 or until funds are depleted.
  • Abbott Funds for Community Impacts: Nebraska Today reports on Abbott funds helping Huskers turn passion into community impacts.
  • MN Retailers Urged to Apply for Infrastructure Grants: Energy.AgWired.com highlights the AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure Grant program for retailers with no more than 20 stations in Minnesota.
  • CSFP Scholarship Lottery Application: Northeast Times mentions that the 2026-27 scholarship lottery application is open for this privately funded program.
  • National Study on Lung Cancer Screening Program: UKNow reports that successful applicants can apply for an additional four years of funding.
  • bp Foundation, Legacy Foundation Community Fund: Building Indiana Business announced the application window opens Oct. 13, 2025, and closes Nov. 21, 2025, for storm recovery aid.
  • TWC Employer Child Care Initiative: Texas Workforce Commission launched the Employer Child Care Solutions (ECCS) initiative.
  • Maryland Expands Road to Careers Program: Occupational Health & Safety reports $4 million in new funding will be awarded through a competitive grant process.
  • Maui Recovery Funders Collaborative: Maui Now announced a new Request for Proposals for eligible organizations to apply for grant funds up to $100,000.
    • Apply on their website as mentioned in Maui Now.
  • UW Graduate Students Studying Biodiversity Grants: The University of Wyoming awarded $47,500 in grants to graduate students.
  • Lincoln County Grants for Local Nonprofits: Lincoln Chronicle reports $185,000 in 2025-26 grants are available for local governments and IRS-recognized nonprofits.
  • Michigan Rural Development Grants: Sault Michigan News announced that Michigan is opening applications for rural development grants to support land-based industries.
  • Optimum, Business Council Announce Grant Winners: Only In Bridgeport highlights grant recipients, including All Things Eyes LLC, which will use the grant for a targeted marketing campaign.
  • Small Grains Institute Committee Grants: KROX reports that the 2026 grant application deadline for the SGI Committee is Monday, December 1, 2025.
  • Bloomberg Philanthropies PhD Studentship in Cities: Global South Opportunities announced applications are open for the 2026 fully funded PhD studentship.
  • Daimler and Benz Foundation Funding Project with African Research Partners: Global South Opportunities also features this funding opportunity, which benefits African partners in terms of funding and capacity development.
  • Kaua’i County Recycling and Waste Diversion Grant Funding: Kauai Now reports that nonprofits can apply for a total of $40,000 through this competitive grant program, with applications due by 3 p.m. Nov. 14.
  • Fund for Teachers Fellowship Applications: The Pryor Information Publication announced that applications are open for Oklahoma educators, with individuals able to apply for up to $5,000.
  • Kaua’i County Recycling and Waste Diversion Grant Funding: Nonprofits can now apply for Kaua’i County recycling and waste diversion grant funding. A total of $40,000 is available through this competitive grant program; completed applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. Nov. 14.
  • Newport Community Grant Programs: What’s Up Newp announced that applications for fiscal year 2027 grants will be accepted through an online portal opening Nov. 13, with a deadline of Dec. 5.
  • Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub Spark and Innovation Collaboration Awards: MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources announced two grant opportunities are available for up to $200,000 per year, with a deadline to apply by January 23, 2026.
  • Altoona Curve Charities Grant Applications: Altoona Mirror reports that applications are available now to area nonprofits that promote healthy living for the betterment of youth and community.
  • Tillamook County Housing Production Solutions Fund: Tillamook County Pioneer announced that the fund is accepting applications for “Middle Housing Projects.”
  • Kern Community Foundation Women’s and Girls’ Fund: Philanthropy News Digest reports that the Kern Community Foundation invites applications for grants designed to increase support for women and girls.
  • State Grant Funding for SW Minn. Cities: Marshall Independent reports on state grant funding that is “huge” for SW Minn. cities.
  • Shapiro-Davis Admin Shares Help & Hope During Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania highlights funding and grants processes.
  • Sustainable Agri-Food System (SAS) Director – CGIAR: CGIAR is seeking a director to lead fundraising efforts and secure sustainable financial support through grants.
    • More information at CGIAR.
  • City receives grant for BPD body cams: Breckenridge American reports that the Breckenridge City Commission authorized applying for the Criminal Justice Division grant through Gov. Greg Abbott’s office.
  • Helpline Offers Immediate Crisis Counseling to People Affected by Alaska Typhoon: SAMHSA provides information on applying for funding and CCP Outreach Materials.
  • NC Attorney General sues EPA to restore solar energy money: WHQR reports that states and local governments are required to apply to receive funds from the Solar for All program.
  • City to seek funding for proposed turf field house addition: Cleveland.com reports that Parks and Recreation Director Jansen Wehrley gave presentations to consider applying for a capital grant from the state.
  • Greenwood will apply for state grant to help pay for developing stormwater master plan: River Valley Democrat-Gazette reports that council members unanimously approved the application for the $111,393 grant.
  • New UW Foundation Board Member Brings a Wealth of Financial Experience: The University of Wyoming mentions a new board member who has established the Fund in the Honors College.
  • Rochelle Elementary School will apply for new before- and after-school program funding: Shaw Local reports on a grant that could fund the HUB Program, with a deadline to apply by Nov. 24.
  • Don’t Wait for Insurance Settlement to Apply for Low Interest SBA Loans: Small Business Administration advises applying to the federal disaster loan program for funding.
  • Rural Transformation Program State Legislative Resources: National Conference of State Legislatures outlines what states can use RHTP funds for, including promoting evidence-based interventions.
  • MN Bio-Fuels urges retailers to apply for biofuel infrastructure grants: Ethanol Producer Magazine reports on available biofuel infrastructure grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, with an application deadline of Oct 23.
  • Less funding available for invasive species projects in Michigan: State of Michigan reports that local, state, federal, and tribal units of government, nonprofit organizations, and universities may apply for funding.
  • Press Releases | Atlanta, GA: Atlanta, GA highlights $250,000 in Small Business Improvement Grants.
  • Two different TEACH grants available to help UAH students fulfill their teaching dreams: UAH | News | The University of Alabama in Huntsville reports on financial assistance for early childhood professionals.
  • Akron-Canton changemakers invited to apply for EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator: American Heart Association reports that this program offers training and grant opportunities to local companies, thanks to funding from the Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation.
  • Justices seek grant opportunities to better help youth: Williamson County Sun reports that justices are seeking grants supporting juvenile programs focused on substance use, violence, and indigent defense.
  • Side Hustlers: These Grants May Turn Your Idea into a Business: GrantWatch highlights startup program grants that assist women and provide funding opportunities.
  • PBS Wisconsin offering $500 grants for community conversations on American democracy: Merrill Foto News reports that Wisconsin residents age 18 and older, as well as community groups, may apply between Oct. 16 and Dec. 17, 2025.
  • Central Oregon Community College gets $1.3M federal grant for inaugural TRIO program: OPB reports that COCC received a federal grant for its TRIO program.
    • Details at OPB.
  • Virginia Announces $110 Million in Flood Preparedness Funding: Alexandria Living Magazine reports that communities are invited to apply for $50 million in grants and $35 million in loans.
  • Williston City Commission approves funding for community projects: KX News reports that one applied for a Community Enhancement grant to support nonprofits.
  • Hancock Whitney Grants $200K to Support Nonprofits: New Orleans Magazine reports that the bank and foundation encourage organizations serving underserved and low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities to apply.
  • #WWBW Funding Opportunities List: An email from “#WinWithBlackWomen” provides a list of funding opportunities for individuals, nonprofits, and businesses.
  • WBENC Entrepreneur Incubator: This program provides education, mentorship, community, and networking opportunities for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs enrolled at participating universities, with a chance to compete for up to $9,000 in seed grant awards.
  • Let Spirit Lead Grant Opportunity: For entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofits, and startups in Southern California working to improve affordable housing access and community development. The deadline is July 31, 2025.
  • UBS Female Founder Award 2025: $10K for female founders, with a deadline of 10/24/2025.
  • InvestMS Scale-Up Pitch: $15K for startups in Mississippi, with a deadline of 10/24/2025.
  • The Future Collective by Fiverr: $3K in Fiverr credits for underrepresented entrepreneurs, with a deadline of 10/27/2025.
  • Breva Thrive Grant (Q4): $5K for companies impacting underrepresented communities, with a deadline of 10/31/2025.
  • Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) Grants Manager: BWHI is seeking a Grants Manager to serve as the lead grant writer for the organization, with a goal to secure over $1.9 million in revenue annually.

Others:

  • NIH Grants & Funding: This site provides information on various programs, the grants process, policy, and compliance related to biomedical research funding. You can find more details at NIH Grants & Funding.
  • HRSA Find Grant Funding: This page lists grant opportunities from the Health Resources and Services Administration, including details on application deadlines and eligibility. You can explore these opportunities at HRSA Find Grant Funding.
  • Maryland Governor’s Grants Office: This office provides information on foundation grants in Maryland, listing various organizations and their grant titles. More information is available at Foundation Grants – Maryland.gov.
  • Grants.gov: This is a central hub for federal grant opportunities. You can search for grants, find applicant resources, and learn about the application process. Visit Grants.gov to search for grants and Grants.gov: Home for more information.

Updated Sept 20th

 Funding Opportunities
Female Founder World Grant Presented by VistaPrint
For: female founders
$$$: $15K + marketing support from VistaPrint
Deadline: September 17

DigitalUndivided Breakthrough Houston
For: founders based in Houston, TX
$$$: $5K
Deadline: September 22

Pepsico Juntos Crecemos Grant Program
For: Hispanic-owned small food, beverage and restaurant businesses
$$$: $10K
Deadline: September 27

Hustler’s Microgrant
For: small business owners
$$$: $1K
Deadline: September 30

Galaxy of Stars Galaxy Grants
For: women and historically marginalized-owned small businesses
$$$: $4,250 grants
Deadline: September 30

High Five Grants for Moms
For: mom founders
$$$: $10K
Deadline: September 30

Gucci Changemakers Impact Fund
For: community-based organizations
$$$: $25K
Deadline: September 30

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
For: local organizations
$$$: $5K
Deadline: October 15

Her Culture Micro Grant
For: African and Caribbean women 
$$$: $500
Deadline: rolling deadline
️ Accelerators, Programs & Competitions
Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business
For: Black women sole proprietors
Deadline: September 16

StartOut Demo Day
For: LGBTQIA+ founders
Deadline: September 20

Paddle AI Launchpad
For: founders with AI-powered business ideas
$$$: $20K
Deadline: September 22

Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition
For: women founders in the food, beverage or CPG sectors
$$$: $10K-$15K
Deadline: September 23

Sephora Accelerate
For: beauty founders
Deadline: September 23

Camelback Fellowship
For: early-stage founders addressing socio-economic inequity
Deadline: September 23

A16z Games Speedrun
For: early-stage startups at the intersection of tech and games
$$$: $750K
Deadline: September 30

Veteran Shark Tank Pitch Competition
For: veteran founders
$$$: $50K
Deadline: October 6

NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant
For: Black businesses
$$$: $25K
Deadline: October 11

Halycon Fellowships
For: climate and health founders
Deadline: October 11

Build Wellth Founder Academy
For: Black women and non-binary founders
Deadline: October 13

Mentors & Angels Accelerator 
For: underrepresented founders
Deadline: November 1

Black Girl Ventures Pitch Competition
For: Black and Brown women founders
$$$: $15K
Deadline: November 6

Techstars AI Health Baltimore
For: healthcare startups in Baltimore
$$$: $120K
Deadline: November 20

The Workshop at Macy’s
For: underrepresented founders
Deadline: November 30

Updated: July 20th
Famous Amos’ Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative
For: Black startup founder
$$$: $50K
Deadline: August 4

Zappy Awards by Zappier
For: founders who currently use Zappier
$$$: $5K
Deadline: August 4

Vision Verde Grant by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation & Bacardi USA
For: Latine founders in the beverage/alcohol services/sales/hospitality industries
$$$: $10K
Deadline: August 25

Queer to Stay
For: LGBTQ+ small businesses
$$$: $10K
Deadline: August 31

LegalZoom small business grants
For: both established and budding business ventures
$$$: $10K grants and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services
Deadline: September 13

Galaxy of Stars Galaxy Grants
For: women and historically marginalized-owned small businesses
$$$: $4,250 grants
Deadline: September 30

️ Accelerators, Programs & Competitions
DigitalUndivided Do You Fellowship
For: women founders
Deadline: July 28

Fearless Moguls Pitch Competition by Fearless Fund
For: any founder
Deadline: July 31

EforAll Business Accelerator Program
For: any founder
Deadline: August 7

Nipsey Hussle Business Grant Competition
For: any founder
$$$: $100K
Deadline: August 10

The Engine Fall 2024 Blueprint
For: aspiring entrepreneurial scientists and engineers
Deadline: August 12

Startup: NYC
For: seed to Series A health or wellness-tech founders in NYC
Deadline: August 14

Shorty Impact Awards
For: any founder
Deadline: August 29

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FEB

ACCELERATOR PROGRAMS 2023:
NEW!The Workshop at Macy’sDeadline: November 30, 2023. APPLY HERE. 
Women Who Enterprise Presented by Walker’s LegacyDeadline: Rolling. APPLY HERE.

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FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS:
NEW! Ford Fund FellowshipDeadline: January 15, 2024. APPLY HERE.

NATIONAL GRANT PROGRAMS:
NEW! Aurora Tech Award $10k-$30k GrantDeadline: December 1, 2023. APPLY HERE.
NEW!Stacy’s Rise Project $25K GrantDeadline: December 1, 2023. APPLY HERE.
NEW! Passion Collective Atomic Grants Deadline: December 15, 2023. APPLY HERE.
NEW! Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (Fall Round – 2023)Deadline: December 29, 2023.APPLY HERE.
The American Dream AwardsDeadline: April 30, 2024  APPLY HERE.
Melanin Preneurs™ Black-Owned Business Program Deadline: Rolling. APPLY HERE.
Movemeant’s BIPOC Fitness Grant ProgramDeadline: Rolling.APPLY HERE.
SoGal Foundation Black Founder Startup GrantDeadline: Rolling. APPLY HERE.
2023 Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran GrantDeadline: Not Listed. APPLY HERE.
2023 Kitty Fund GrantDeadline: Not Listed. APPLY HERE.
Wish Local Empowerment Program Deadline: Rolling.APPLY HERE.
Z Fellows $10,000, Fellowship Deadline: Rolling. APPLY HERE

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Funding Opportunities: Updated Nov 17th, 2023

#BioScience- CancerX Startup Accelerator
#BrokerTech – BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator 
#AfricaHealthTech – HealthTech Innovation 
#AI – AI2030 Accelerator 2024

Oct 21st

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#Creative – Banijay Accelerator Program For Women 
#Tech – Growth Academy: AI for Cybersecurity
#NewYork – $10k Founder Fellowship – VisibleHandsNYC
#Women – $50k Commonfuture 

Oct 6

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#NewYork – $10k Founder Fellowship – VisibleHandsNYC
#Tech – $2M America’s Seed Fund National Science Foundation 
|#NonProfit – 20K Patagonia Corporate Grant Program
#Women – $10K Black Girl Venture
#US – $150k Lair East Labs accelerator
#Startup – Harlem Capital’s Founder Launchpad!
#Women – Women Entrepreneurs – Amex Ventures
#Tech Non-Profit –  25K Fast Forward 2024 Accelerators

Aug 30

#Startup – Harlem Capital’s Founder Launchpad!
#US –  Founders Investment Readiness Accelerator
#Tech – The gener8tor Accelerator
#B2B SAAS –  Live Pitch Competition: BIPOC Founders
#Pennsylvania – Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program
#Africa – MEST Africa Challenge 
#Startup – Aws Build Accelerator
#Texas –  Austin’s Heritage Preservation Grant
#Tech – The gener8tor Accelerator
#Beauty –  2023 Startup Collective by Aveeno
#Web3 – Black Girl Ventures NextGen program! 
#Communities – AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative 
#Texas – PEC Community Grants
#AI – Google for Startup AI First
#Game – A16z Games Speedrun accelerator 
#AI – 2024 Accounting Startup Accelerator
#Green/Energy – US-EPA Clean Energy Grant Programs
#Web3 – Energizing innovative Web3 products
#European Union – EIC Accelerator
#Impact Focused – Yale Ventures Accelerator Applications Open
#AI – Google for Startup AI First
#SaaS – Investing in Bold, Ambitious SaaS Founders
# Non-Profit – Oakland A’s Community Fund Grant
#Green/Energy – Biden-Harris Admin Launches $20 Billion Grant Competitions
#Web3 – Outlier Ventures – Base Camp consumer Accelerator
#Startup – Square One Startup School
#Impact Focused – Western Union Foundation Fellowship Application

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Some organizations funding startups:

  1. Backstage Capital: Backstage Capital specifically invests in companies led by underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
  2. Collab Capital: An investment fund that provides Black founders with both capital and connections, as well as access to an engaged and supportive network.
  3. Harlem Capital: A venture capital firm on a mission to change the face of entrepreneurship by investing in 1,000 diverse founders over the next 20 years.
  4. Black Angel Tech Fund: This fund was created by a group of successful Black entrepreneurs and angel investors who are working to address the low percentage of Black-led companies funded by the tech industry.
  5. New Voices Fund: Invests in businesses owned or managed by women of color.
  6. Black Founders Fund: Created by Google for Startups, this fund provides non-dilutive funding to Black-led startups and supports them with Google resources.
  7. Black Founders Exchange: A week-long immersion program hosted by Google for Startups that brings together Black startup founders from across the country.
  8. Kapor Capital: An impact investment fund that invests in diverse entrepreneurs whose tech startups aim to eliminate representation gaps and expand socio-economic opportunities for underserved communities.

For Web3 (Blockchain & Cryptocurrency) specific opportunities:

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  1. Ethereum Foundation Grants: The Ethereum Foundation offers grants for projects that contribute to the Ethereum ecosystem.
  2. Consensys Grants: Consensys, a blockchain tech company, provides funding to projects that meet their criteria, which usually involves contributing to the Ethereum ecosystem.
  3. Binance Labs: The venture arm of the major cryptocurrency exchange Binance. They offer an incubation program and direct funding for startups in the blockchain and cryptocurrency spaces.

For Non-Profit specific opportunities:

  1. Echoing Green: Echoing Green provides fellowships, seed-stage funding, and strategic support for emerging leaders working to bring about positive social change.
  2. Black Benefactors: This giving circle is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Black children, youth, and families by investing in community-based organizations and initiatives.
  3. Black Girl Ventures: Although not exclusively non-profit, BGV provides access to community and capital to Black/Brown woman-identifying founders.

Remember, each investor and organization has their own specific criteria and application process, so be sure to thoroughly read their guidelines before applying. Also, networking plays a key role in securing funding. Attend industry events, reach out to potential investors directly, and don’t be afraid to ask for introductions.

Finally, non-traditional routes like crowdfunding and bootstrapping should not be overlooked. Sites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe, as well as self-funding, can also provide valuable capital during the early stages of a startup.

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