This August, Divas of Colour have taken the time to curate a range of funding opportunities to help take your ideas to the next level. Whether you’re a researcher or a non-profit organisation, these opportunities offer a diverse range of funding options to support your goals.
Important Note: Divas of Colour is not affiliated with any of the funding organisations mentioned in this guide. However, we’re here to equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to reach out and make a compelling case for your cause.
CoCreate Pitch is the world’s leading product-driven startup competition — where bold entrepreneurs pitch their vision, connect with top global manufacturers and investors, and compete for a share of $1 million in prizes. Funding up to $40,000. Apply by 8/15/2025
The Small Business Accelerator Program allows developers that earn less than 1 million USD in total annual revenue in the previous calendar year to access additional benefits up to or equivalent to 20% of Appstore revenue. If eligible, you’ll receive a 10% increased royalty payment and AWS credits equivalent to 10% of your app revenue. Apply here
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub helps startups radically accelerate innovation by providing access to industry-leading AI services, expert guidance, and the essential technology needed to build a future-proofed startup. Up to $150K in Azure credits. Apply here.
Are you an entrepreneur, innovator, or changemaker with a bold vision for ending extreme poverty? This is your moment to shine on the world stage! The Global Citizen Waislitz Awards, presented by the Waislitz Foundation and Global Citizen, are seeking passionate individuals who are making a real impact in the fight against extreme poverty. Funding of $100,000. Apply by 6/8/2025
Are you an early-stage startup ready to pitch your innovation to top-tier investors and industry leaders? The Distilled Intelligence Pitch Competition 2025 (DI 3.0) is a premier national investor summit and pitch event designed for Seed to Series A startups across North America and beyond. Funding of $25,000. Apply by 8/15/2025
Are you a mission-driven business, non-profit, or NGO that is making a difference in the world through hospitality or tourism? The STREETS Global Awards offers you a platform to be recognized for your social impact, innovation, and dedication to sustainability. If your organization is in the first 1–5 years of operation and is focused on creating positive change, this award is for you. Funding of $10,000. Apply by 8/15/2025
BMO Community Giving Grant – BMO has a long history of supporting registered charities and non-profit organizations. Funding applications are accepted online and are considered if you have a program or project that aligns with their focus areas and meets their eligibility criteria. Apply 9/30/25.
Distilled Intelligence Pitch Competition – Are you an early-stage startup ready to pitch your innovation to top-tier investors and industry leaders? The Distilled Intelligence Pitch Competition 2025 (DI 3.0) is a premier national investor summit and pitch event designed for Seed to Series A startups across North America and beyond. Funding of $25,000. Apply by 8/15/2025
Ontario Community Changemakers Program – Ontario Community Changemakers Program is open to Canadians in Ontario who are 19 years of age or older and are passionate about community-building and improving public spaces. Ideal applicants will have a creative idea that addresses a local community challenge, promotes social inclusion, or enhances civic engagement. Whether your project focuses on urban design, public space transformation, or community development, this program encourages collaborative, innovative, and community-driven solutions. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 8/25/2025
FoundersBoost Toronto – Are you an early-traction tech startup ready to accelerate your growth? FoundersBoost Toronto offers a 6-week, part-time, highly personalized pre-accelerator program designed to prepare founders for the critical transition from pre-seed to seed stage, focusing on accelerator entry, fundraising, and revenue growth. Apply by 9/10/2025
SheaMoisture Canada Dream Fund – SheaMoisture, one of Canada’s largest natural hair and body product retailers, is now accepting applications for its SheaMoisture Dream Fund Grant program. The SheaMoisture Dream Fund offers $10,000 each to five Black Female-Owned business owners in Canada. Apply by 8/26/2025
Stand With Owners Telus Business Grant – The application is open to all small business owners (for profit and not for profit) who are residents of Canada. 30 winners will be chosen. Contest period runs through September but winners will be selected as early as June. Funding up to $75000. Apply by 9/3/2025
Alliance Crypto Accelerator – Alliance is a leading crypto accelerator and founder community offering $450,000 funding for 9% equity on a SAFE, combined with a 1:1.5 token side letter. Applications close on August 8/22/2025.
Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator – Dedicated to helping build sustainable equity and growth for Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers. Grow your business with access to financial support, strategic business guidance and mentorship, and marketing and promotional support. Apply here.
Amber Grants ($15 application fee) – Must be a woman-owned business or non-profit in the US or Canada. Three $10,000 Amber Grants are awarded each month. Three of the 36 monthly winners get an additional $25,000 Year-End Amber Grant. Apply here
Andreessen Horowitz TalentxOpportunity Accelerator – The Talent x Opportunity Initiative (TxO) by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is a hybrid accelerator program based in San Francisco, designed to support entrepreneurs building breakthrough companies rooted in cultural innovation. TxO specifically targets founders who have the talent, drive, and ideas to build great businesses but lack the networks and resources to do so. $175,000 for 7% ownership stake. Apply by 8/1/2025
Backing Small Business (with AmEx) – The program is accepting applications for grants of $10,000 to fund projects that promote sustainable growth, enhance long-term resilience, and increase local impact. Funding of $10,000. Apply by 7/31/2025
Bank of America’s Business Education Center for Entrepreneurs – Visit Bank of America’s Small Business Education site for access to free webinars on Accessing Capital, Building Business Credit and more. Apply here
Black and Brown Fund Empower Growth Microgrant – The Empower Growth Micro-Grant aims to provide a financial boost to two underrepresented entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated business success by generating annual revenue in the last 12 months. This grant is designed to help scale, stabilize, or systematize their business growth. Funding of $5,000. Apply here.
Distilled Intelligence Pitch Competition – Are you an early-stage startup ready to pitch your innovation to top-tier investors and industry leaders? The Distilled Intelligence Pitch Competition 2025 (DI 3.0) is a premier national investor summit and pitch event designed for Seed to Series A startups across North America and beyond. Funding of $25,000. Apply by 8/15/2025
Door Dash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (DoorDash and HelloAlice) – To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters, severe weather events, or major infrastructure failures, and provides relief through $5-15,000 grants. Apply by 9/29/2025