The Grant Program
What does Fund the Future actually fund? +
We fund builders, student builders, and deep technologists working on hardware,
bio-agricultural systems, ecological infrastructure, and open software protocols. We are deliberately not a
software-only incubator. If you work with physical atoms, soil, light, mycelium, wood, energy grids, or
open protocol layers, you are exactly who we are looking for.
Do you take equity? +
No. Never. We are a non-equity grant foundation. We take no equity, no governance
rights, no board seats, no advisory positions. The grant is a gift, not an investment. You retain full
ownership of your work.
How much do grants typically range? +
Grant sizes vary based on project stage, scope, and demonstrated need. We do not
publish a fixed range publicly, as each application is evaluated individually. Amounts are calibrated to
meaningfully move your work forward without creating dependency.
Are grants taxable? +
Grant tax treatment depends on your jurisdiction and how the funds are used. We
strongly recommend consulting with a tax advisor in your country. We are a registered US 501(c)(3);
donations to us are tax-deductible for US donors, but grant receipt may have different implications for
recipients.
The Application Process
What does the application require? +
We ask for a description of your project, the problem you are solving, what you have
built so far, what you need the grant for, and basic contact information. We prefer working prototypes or
demonstrations to decks, but we accept both. The application is intentionally concise.
How long does the process take? +
Our target is 21 days from application submission to decision. This includes one
interview. If we move forward, the wire transfer follows the decision promptly. We have no interest in
bureaucratic delays.
Do I need to be based in the US? +
No. We fund builders globally. We have country leads in Australia, the UK, Algeria,
and the US, and we are actively expanding. International wire transfers are standard for us.
Can solo founders apply? +
Yes. We fund individuals, small teams, and collectives. The quality of the work and
clarity of vision matter more than the size of the team.
Can students apply? +
Yes. Student builders are among the most promising applicants we receive. We have no
requirement for prior professional experience. We evaluate the work, not the resume.
After the Grant
What reporting is required after receiving a grant? +
We ask for a brief check-in update at 6 months. We are not here to audit you, we
trust the builders we fund. The update is a conversation, not a compliance exercise.
Can I apply again if I've previously received a grant? +
Yes. We actively welcome re-applications from past grant recipients who have
demonstrated meaningful progress. A track record with us is an advantage, not a disqualifier.
Still have questions?
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