This May, Divas of Colour have taken the time to curate these funding opportunities to help you take your ideas forward. Whether you’re a researcher or a non-profit organisation, these opportunities offer a comprehensive path to a diverse range of funding options.
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.
About Her Microgrants
Micro grants are open to Caribbean and African women + women of African and Caribbean descent, who are entrepreneurs, creatives and non-profit founders, based in their home countries or anywhere around the world. Applicants must demonstrate that their projects are positively impacting culture and community. Funding of $500. Applications due in June 2024.
American Express Leadership Academy
The Academy is for people in the non-profit sector who are intentionally striving to be better equipped to respond adaptively to challenges, and to keep going in the face of adversity. – Apply here
BeChangeMaker social entrepreneurship program
Thirty teams will be chosen to participate in the three-month programme and receive dedicated coaching and mentoring to transfer their technical skills into business ideas, as well as the opportunity to tap into a diverse global network of potential supporters and investors. The programme includes online pitch competitions, which will lead the top five teams to a live pitch finale in Lyon, France during WorldSkills Competition 2024 in front of global audience made up of policymakers from education and industry. Funding of 2000 Euro. Apply by 5/25/2024
GrowNY
The Grow-NY business competition provides funding, mentorship, business development support, and other key resources to leading food and ag startups from across the globe. Innovative startups are encouraged to apply for their chance to win up to $1 million. A total of $3 million in prizes will be awarded to seven startups. Apply by 5/15/2024
Roddenberry Catalyst Fund
The Catalyst Fund is offering grants to Nonprofits & Social Enterprises to fund ideas or early-stage projects that have a high potential for large-scale impact and sustainable change. You can be a seasoned social entrepreneur or a first-time changemaker. Eligible candidates for the Catalyst Fund may be individuals, teams of individuals, non-profit organizations, or social enterprises. Funding up to $15,000. Apply here.
We Make Change
Global initiative that matches small businesses (mainly not for profits) with volunteers who are professional individuals or are from companies (including blue chip) that have an interest in supporting not for profits. Helps impact startups build a remote volunteer team for free. Apply here
Women’s Health Accelerator with Flat6Labs
The Women’s Health Accelerator program is dedicated to growing 15-20 technology startups with MVP stage solutions positively contributing to solving problems facing their communities regarding women’s healthcare and wellness. The program is designed to support entrepreneurs through an intensive curriculum focused on growth and scaling stages. Apply by 5/16/2024
Tribe Innovate and Elevate Pitch Competition
Innovate & Elevate is an opportunity for Black founders in Atlantic Canada to practice their 3-minute business pitches and receive feedback from peers and industry professionals. Funding of $500. Apply by 5/5/2024
Bank of America Supplier Diversity Small & Diverse Business Scholarship Program
Scholarship recipients will be given the opportunity to continue their education and enhance the business operations functions within their companies by attending executive business management programs. Diverse Business Owner must have at least three years of experience developing a successfully running company, at least 3 employees, at least $300,000 in annual revenue. Scholarships for $10,000. Applications due 5/23/24
BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program
The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program will assess applicants based on their high-level business growth plans. Any type of business growth will be considered whether expanding into a new market or creating a new product/service. Must be at least 51% owned or controlled by women or by individuals who self-identify as women and be a for-profit business – Funding for $10,000. Apply by 5/14/2024
Creators’ Momentum Business Accelerator
The Creators’ Momentum Business Accelerator is a program designed by Accion Opportunity Fund, fueled by support from Etsy’s Uplift Fund, to provide entrepreneurs in the creative economy with meaningful learning and networking opportunities, along with grant capital to spark their business growth. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 5/13/2024
Equity Tech Fellowship
This fellowship empowers entrepreneurs across the United States and the globe leveraging technology to increase social and financial inclusion and close equity gaps in wealth, education, and accessibility. Funding of $10,000. Apply by 5/31/2024
Genius NY Accelerator
GENIUS NY is a startup accelerator sponsored by Empire State Development that invests $3M annually into seed-stage startups focused on uncrewed aerial systems, automation and AI. Must be willing to commit to living on a full-time basis in Central New York for the period of the program. Applications open for Cohort 8. Winners receive a large investment; one grand prize winner receives $1 million, followed by four $500,000 investments to the remaining teams. Winners also receive funding in the form of a monthly stipend in Phase I, free office space and amenities, workshops and events, business training, a dedicated group of executive advisors, industry mentors, and recruiting, marketing, and fundraising support. Funding up to $1,000,000. Apply by 5/15/2024
McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund in Wine Related Careers
SHE CAN Fund invests in the professional advancement and career growth of high-potential, professional women, with a particular focus on women of color. Our mission is to close the gender and race gap in leadership positions in wine & spirits, hospitality, and finance industries by providing professional development. Apply by 5/31/2024