Search Through Business Entrepreneurship Grants in the U.S.

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Etsy Uplift Fund 

We know that entrepreneurship is an important and fulfilling pathway to economic independence for creators, who can use their unique talents to build successful small and micro businesses.

But many communities face significant barriers to entrepreneurship, including:

• lack of digital education and training
• access to capital
• insufficient access to benefits like health insurance and paid leave

That’s why Etsy launched the Uplift Fund at Brooklyn Org to support nonprofits that work to dismantle these barriers and foster equal opportunities to creative entrepreneurship. Program beneficiaries need not sell goods on Etsy today, though, of course, we hope that over time they will choose to build their businesses online and on our marketplace.

Etsy customers in the US can round up their USD purchases at check out from shops using Etsy Payments to donate to the Uplift Fund. These buyer-donated funds, in addition to separate direct grants from Etsy, are distributed to nonprofit organizations that are directly working with creators who need support building businesses.

Community Grants

State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger and better-educated communities.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are committed to auto and home safety programs and activities that help people manage the risks of everyday life.
• We invest in education, economic empowerment and community development projects, programs and services that help people realize their dreams.
• We help maintain the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization.

Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants focus on safety, community development and education.

Focus Areas

Safety Grants

We strive to keep our customers and communities safe. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Auto safety — improving driver, passenger, vehicle or roadway safety
• Home safety — shielding homes from fires, crime or natural disasters
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Disaster recovery

Community Development

We support nonprofits that invest and develop stronger neighborhoods. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Affordable housing — home construction and repair
• Commercial/small business development
• Job training
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Financial literacy
• Sustainable housing and transportation
• Food insecurity

Education

Our education funding is directed toward initiatives that support the following programs:

• Higher education
• K-12 academic performance
• K-12 STEM
• Pathways for college and career success

Indigenous Peoples

The idea that underpins Foundation programs in this area is that we strive to catalyze economic development by investing in entrepreneurship and business education and investing in capacity building for business and entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities. The Foundation has 30 years of experience with programs that work to give life to this idea.

Since 1992 our Entrepreneurship Scholarship program has provided scholarships to Indigenous students who study business or entrepreneurship. We invest about $500,000 annually on scholarships and another $100,000 to $500,000 on endowment building. The program began with students at tribal colleges, but the Foundation now funds Indigenous students at other institutions as well. Those institutions have a high number of Indigenous students and graduates.

In 2001 the Foundation requested that Gonzaga University develop an MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship, and the Foundation provided full-ride scholarships for Indigenous students to attend. Since its inception, the program has produced more than 80 graduates. We know of no comparable program in the country.

The Foundation also has made capacity-building grants to aid the establishment of business and entrepreneurship training in Indigenous communities. Grant recipients include American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL), Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity through Entrepreneurship (CAPE) Fund, Lakota Funds, and the Native CDFI network. The expectation is that these will complement our investments in education by enhancing the conditions and opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners.

JSF Grant Making Strategy

JSF makes grants to organizations that help people overcome barriers to education and employment. Addressing these barriers enables them to graduate and find good jobs, thereby contributing to and enriching their communities.

JSF assists people indirectly by making grants to schools, universities, and non-profits, and funds initiatives such as scholarships, mentoring, tutoring and internships. Grants are focused on three areas: individuals with disabilities, individuals with financial need, and Indigenous peoples.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

About Us

The Lemelson Foundation was established by Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson in 1992 with the vision of cultivating future generations of inventors to create a better world. After twenty-five years of giving, the Foundation continues to be led by the Lemelson family. To date we have provided more than $300 million in support of our mission.

Lemelson Foundation Grant

The Lemelson Foundation invests in helping young people become inventors and in helping inventors change the world. To spur invention in the 21st century, we fund programs and projects in invention education and entrepreneurship as the solutions to a better future.

Our Initiatives:

• Education - Developing STEM-based, invention education
• Entrepreneurship - Supporting ecosystems for invention-based businesses from incubation to market
• Ecosystems - Fostering regional invention ecosystems for stronger economies
• Climate - Leveraging the tools of invention and innovation to improve our climate

Background

Qurate Retail Group’s Global Impact team seeks to embed inclusion, sustainability, and social responsibility into all aspects of our business. Our strategy is to inspire a more sustainable way to retail by sparking actions that accelerate business growth and positively impact team members, customers, communities, business partners, and the planet. This strategy prioritizes actions in three key areas that the company’s stakeholders have deemed to be important, and where the company believes it can deliver the largest impact:

• Protecting Our Environment to reduce our impact on the climate and ecosystems
• Championing Empowerment and Belonging to include everyone in the future of retail
• Curating Product Responsibly to ensure that what we sell respects people and planet

As we work to advance our strategy, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of business ethics, customer service and privacy, and product safety and quality. We hold ourselves accountable by setting public goals and striving for continuous improvement by empowering team members to find innovative solutions.

Community & Social Impact

We invest in the causes that promote the health and wealth of women around the world, enabling and unlocking the full potential of women to thrive in all aspects of life.

Our Strategy & Commitments

We believe that an empowered woman is a powerful woman.

At Qurate Retail Group, we are committed to the well-being of women and opportunities that empower them to be their best selves.

We invest in the causes that promote the health and wealth of women around the world, enabling and unlocking the full potential of women to thrive in all aspects of life. By promoting the well-being and economic empowerment of women, we can help to foster greater gender equality and advance more inclusive and prosperous societies. Women’s empowerment is not only a human rights issue, but it is also a smart investment in our collective future.

Through our corporate philanthropy, cause marketing and team member giving and volunteering, we aim to deliver measurable and differentiated social and community impact. 

Our Strategic Focus Areas

Despite a near-even worldwide gender distribution, disparities between men and women in wealth, representation, and health care access persist. Qurate Retail Group’s Together for Good initiative seeks to bridge these gaps by empowering women globally. In any given year, we seek to focus 60% of our direct and in-kind contributions to causes that support key health issues facing women today, as well as remove barriers to improving their financial security.

Health ( Physical, Mental and Social Well-being)

Improve health outcomes by providing women with the knowledge, resources and support they need to make informed decisions concerning their health & well-being.

Focus Areas

• Promoting equitable access to quality healthcare and preventative services for early cancer detection and heart disease
• Increasing menopause awareness and support to improve perceptions and highlight the importance of self-care
• Addressing social and economic determinants of health that disproportionately affect women (e.g. gender-based violence)

Wealth ( Economic opportunities, Independence and Prosperity)

Break the cycle of economic inequality by removing barriers to help unlock the earning potential of women.

• Supporting women's entrepreneurship and small business, particularly from underserved communities
• Investing in career/leadership development & training programs that prepare and support women for meaningful jobs and careers (including in emerging industries

Rise for Education Grant Program

Hydroponic Classroom Gardens for STEM Education & Nutrition

Bring real-world learning into your classroom with a hydroponic garden that sparks curiosity, strengthens STEM and nutrition education, and makes hands-on science simple, engaging, and accessible—all year long.

• Integration STEM/STEAM: Use garden-based lessons to enhance STEM, arts, and creativity.
• NGSS Alignment: Incorporate NGSS lessons for practical science and engineering.
• Learn Hard Skills: Develop practical skills with hands-on gardening.
• Entrepreneurship: Build business skills with projects like Farmer's Markets and product sales.
• Community Building: Foster community and collaboration through shared gardening responsibilities and projects.
• Enhaced Student Engagement: Boost student involvement and performance with engaging learning.

Philanthropy is our commitment to communities in which we operate and broader society. We focus our resources on a limited number of key projects that can deliver valuable benefits from our contributions and those of our partners. We give priority to innovative, high-quality projects that meet the following criteria:

• promote sustainable development
• offer an opportunity for Roche to use its expertise and logistics capabilities
• involve Roche actively at an early stage with local authorities and established partners
• engage Roche employees in cultural (focus on contemporary arts), educational and social activities
• managed by an accredited charity

Our four focus areas

Humanitarian and Social

We direct the majority of our philanthropic donations to humanitarian and social development projects.

Science and education

We are dedicated to programmes that promote scientific interest and provide educational opportunities for young people around the world.

Community and Environment

We are committed to building stronger communities and responding to natural disasters sustainably.

Arts and Culture

We support groundbreaking contemporary art, cultural projects and activities that explore the parallels between innovation in art and in science. 

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

Purpose

Our Mission and vision

To cultivate dignity, justice, and sustainability in the food system, Stray Dog Institute provides nonprofit allies with funding, strategic research, and opportunities for collaboration. Together, we hope to build a more compassionate world for people, animals, and the environment.

A dignified food system recognizes the inherent value of all people, animals, and natural systems. We envision a food system that protects animals and people from suffering and exploitation while ensuring self-determination and dependable employment for farming communities.  

A just food system upholds equal access and fair opportunities for all people. We strive for solutions to race and class disparities in economic power, food access, farm ownership and labor, food entrepreneurship, and cultural expression through food.  

A sustainable food system provides a range of social, economic, and environmental goods in ways that are restorative rather than extractive. We foresee a food system that can supply abundant healthy food today while ensuring ecosystem wellbeing and agricultural productivity in years to come. 

In the future we seek, farmers will be highly respected and fairly compensated for their critical role as food providers and land stewards. Food will be produced sustainably without reliance on harsh chemicals, labor and human rights abuses, or animal cruelty. Meat, dairy, and eggs will be less common both on shelves and on our plates, and those animal products that remain will be produced with a high commitment to animal welfare and sustainability. Industrial meat and dairy will be a thing of the past, replaced by plant-based, cultivated, and fermented protein alternatives that are abundant, delicious, affordable, and easy to find.

Guiding Principles

Principle 1

Promote solutions that acknowledge the intersecting nature of food system challenges.

Principle 2

Support the wellbeing of all people, animals, and environments.

Principle 3

Approach collaboration with integrity and respect for differences.

Principle 4

Prioritize pragmatic interventions with meaningful systemic impacts.

Stray Dog Institute’s Philanthropy

Stray Dog Institute’s philanthropic priority is to support and strengthen the movement for food systems transformation, with a central focus on farmed animals and industrial animal agriculture. We recognize that other issues are inextricably linked to animal protection, including climate change, biodiversity, human health, social justice, and rural economies. This systems view is foundational to all our work.

What are stray dog institute's grant amounts?

Typically, $2,500 to $10,000. Stray Dog Institute has recently shifted our strategy to support more groups across the food systems transformation movement at grant amounts of $10,000 or less. First-year grants are usually $2,500 and are subject to change from year to year. Based on year-to-date grantmaking in 2022, roughly 80% of Stray Dog Institute’s grants are $10,000 or less. While less common, larger grants are possible for special projects and long-term partnerships.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborate with a wide range of nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities. We prioritize our funding to activities and programs that have a broad reach and support the needs of underserved communities. We aspire to have a positive impact on the communities we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal problems.

• Financial health
• Housing affordability
• Small business growth
• Sustainability

We may also support other local needs in eligible communities such as disaster relief, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, human and social services, and workforce development. However, opportunities are limited as our intent is to direct the majority of our giving within our major focus areas.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

Mission

At the Nasdaq Foundation, our mission is to:

• Reimagine investor engagement to equip under-represented communities with the financial knowledge and tools to share in the wealth that markets create; and
• Leverage the Foundation’s investment in the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, alongside new strategic partnerships with organizations that can help build a deeper, data-led understanding where the challenges are greatest, what existing efforts could be amplified, and how the Foundation can make new and distinctive contributions.

Quarterly Grant Program

As we strive to accelerate progress in diversifying entrepreneurship and empowering a more diverse group of investors, the Nasdaq Foundation will accept grant requests for programs that align with our mission.

Areas of Focus

We use our resources in two areas of focus:

• Programs designed to empower diverse investors with the financial knowledge and confidence they need to share in the wealth that markets can create.
• Programs designed to support women and under-represented minority communities with the resources needed to grow and sustain their businesses.

Program Criteria:

Empower-Financial Knowledge And Confidence

Empower diverse investors with the financial knowledge and confidence they need to share in the wealth that markets can create.

Grants will be given in this area to organizations and programs which deliver impact in one or more of the following ways:

• Enhance financial literacy among women and under-represented communities
• Improve access to knowledge and tools among women and underrepresented communities

Support diverse entrepreneurs with the resources to strengthen and scale their businesses and contribute to the prosperity of society.

Grants will be given in this area to organizations and programs which deliver impact in one or more of the following ways:

• Equip women and diverse founders with mentoring and resources
• Improve access to capital for women and diverse founders

Amounts and Terms

There is no set minimum or maximum grant amount, though the average size of a grant made by the Foundation is $75,000. The Nasdaq Foundation’s Leadership Team will consider whether the amount requested is commensurate with the project proposed and appropriate for the Nasdaq Foundation’s annual grant making target and charitable purposes.

Reasonable overhead costs may be included in the grant request but must be specified.

Unless otherwise specified and agreed upon, all grants have one-year terms. Under very limited circumstances, the Nasdaq Foundation will make a multiple-year commitment. It is incumbent upon the grant seeker to demonstrate the necessity or benefit of multiple-year funding in the grant proposal.

There is no limit as to the number of proposals a single entity may submit at one time.

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

Our Impact

Boundless Futures Foundation empowers, embraces, and elevates female entrepreneurs through grants to new businesses and to likeminded nonprofits.

Boundless Futures Foundation’s grants to businesses are awarded directly to female entrepreneurs who put social impact front and center in their business products or practices. We look at a society’s biggest issues and believe in the power of entrepreneurs to provide solutions by going above and beyond “business as usual” to create impact through profit and purpose — to solve a problem, improve on the status quo, or give back in an intentional way.

Grant-eligible entrepreneurs demonstrate clear and consistent commitment to creating positive change through businesses with ambitious and effective social reach. These businesses address issues related to:

• Poverty & Hunger
• Sustainability & the Environment
• Strong Communities

Past grantees illustrate the kinds of powerful businesses and visionary entrepreneurs Boundless Futures Foundation supports.

Grants are also awarded to mission-aligned nonprofits that provide women with skills and resources to start and sustain businesses through entrepreneurship-focused programs or services.

We’ve seen the statistics, and we are proud to join the effort to reduce barriers for women to thrive as entrepreneurs. We have also been a part of those statistics: we know, firsthand, that female entrepreneurs benefit from capital, expertise, and education. Our grants reflect our commitment to meeting those needs. We amplify our impact by supporting female-founded business that do good by doing well.

Her Village Grants

Her Village grants awarded to qualifying nonprofit organizations support work that advances and strengthens entrepreneurial skills, resources, ecosystems, and educational opportunities for girls and women. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $30,000. Our grantmaking to nonprofits is founded in the belief that, equipped with support, skills, and capital, female entrepreneurs can have a boundless impact in society.

Funding

Applicant organizations may request up to $30,000 in support.

How and Why Giving Back to Communities is Important to O’Reilly

From O’Reilly Auto Parts’ inception, O’Reilly co-founder C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly instilled the culture of maintaining high standards for every endeavor, including the area of building civic pride. With Chub’s good example to guide them, all four of his children adopted a business and family philosophy of “giving back” to the community as the Company grew and prospered. Supporting a large number of charitable organizations in all communities in which we operate has long been a focal point for O’Reilly Auto Parts. In order to make an even greater impact, the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation was established in 2020.

O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.

Impact

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation complements O’Reilly Auto Parts’ role as the Friendliest Parts Store in Town. The Foundation serves as an additional conduit to connect with, support, and strengthen the communities in which O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work. The Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as dependable community partners, seeking to support critical services in times of need to build stronger communities.

Mission

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation strives to have a lasting, positive impact in the communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work by supporting organizations and programs which address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. In particular, the Foundation will concentrate its giving in support of organizations and programs addressing economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief.

Economic Stability and Mobility

Advocating for and endowing programs which provide assistance with issues including hunger, homelessness, and poverty for the economic betterment of the communities in which we operate.

Workforce Development

Promoting programs which aid in workforce readiness, technical training, and literacy, including children’s literacy, to ensure the continuance of an educated society and a capable, innovative workforce.

Health and Social Services

Championing and prioritizing matters of health, including mental and behavioral health, access to basic needs such as medical and dental care for underprivileged communities, and providing funding for organizations focused on childhood development and children’s advocacy as well as care and support for victims of domestic violence.

Disaster Relief

Providing funding and visibility to organizations specializing in providing relief from natural disasters and state of emergency, including providing temporary shelter, food, water, and hygiene or sanitation products to those affected and aiding in cleanup efforts.

Application Requirements

We will consider three principal types of grants:

Project Support Grants support specific projects or programs aligned with our mission. These requests may include some funds earmarked for the overhead costs associated with running a project.

General Operating Support Grants provide limited general operating support for the core operations or organizations whose missions and activities are aligned with our mission. These grants will often help the grantee build organizational, programmatic, and fundraising capacity. Operating support is not intended to help organizations in fiscal crisis. Applicants must have a current strategic or business plan that clearly outlines the organization’s goals and presents a plan for achieving results. Operating support grants must not exceed 15% of an organization’s total agency budget.

Capital Support Grants provide limited support for capital campaigns to fund the acquisition and construction of facilities, existing property renovation, or the purchase of major equipment. The program has a comprehensive approach to funding capital initiatives, which also includes funding for increased program capacity. A feasibility study may be required for capital initiatives to be considered.

About

How do we achieve universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030?

Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene are basic human rights and essential for public health and economic prosperity. Yet, progress towards SDG 6 is off-track. 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water, and half of the world’s population face severe water scarcity for at least part of the year

• Additionally, 3.5 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation while 419 million still practice open defecation. According to UNICEF, almost half of schools worldwide lack handwashing facilities with water and soap, affecting 802 million children
• Such limitations lead to wider spread of serious diseases such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, the leading causes of death for young children under 5 around the world. Meeting SDG 6 targets by 2030 requires a 4x increase in pace of progress.

Reckitt has time and again reinstated its commitment towards SDG 6 by working tirelessly with local communities, social enterprises, government, NGOs and various charitable organizations around the world to improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene. Through Reckitt’s partnership with Water.org, over 2.4 million people now have access to clean water or sanitation in their homes. In 2024, school programmes, like the Dettol Hygiene Quest have brought high-quality hygiene education to 24.5 million children in more than 15 countries, reducing water-borne diseases and absenteeism.

Reckitt believes social entrepreneurship has a powerful role to play in solving the world’s greatest challenges. With a portfolio of over 60 entrepreneurs, Reckitt acts as a catalyst working with expert partners like Yunus Social Business and Health Innovation Exchange to scale pioneering solutions and build sustainable business models.

Reckitt is proud to have supported the Lead2030 SDG6 challenge since 2019, working with 11 WASH entrepreneurs to date. We want to build on this success in 2025, by supporting innovations that create measurable impact by enabling access to clean water, sanitation or hygiene, and are particularly interested in innovations with a focus on children or women/girls.

The focus of this challenge is not limited to providing equitable access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene facilities but to also creating a sustainable ecosystem that ensures, year after year, continuous development and increasing awareness.

Whilst Reckitt are interested to receive applications that target at a wide range of areas within WASH, there is a particular interest in hearing about innovations that do either of the following:

• Make innovative use of digital technology and AI to reach more people and enable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene on a wide scale
• Promote good hand hygiene practices and reduce water-borne diseases
• Help us tackle WASH related challenges in our value chain supporting Reckitt's Water positive agenda e.g. water recycling and reuse at factories

Challenge crtieria

Aligned: Evidently aligned with the SDG6 indicators.

Youth-led: Founded by a person aged 18 – 30.

Focused: Clear implementation and scale-up plan, identified key stakeholders and beneficiaries, and proposed outcomes that are reasonable and well thought out.

Proven: Solution is readily available, being piloted, implemented, or scaled.

Impactful: Solutions must have a positive social impact, for example, promoting health, generating educational outcomes, or employment opportunities.

Measurable: Solution’s impact in society must be adequately measured.

Financially viable: Must be able to achieve efficiency and to survive independently through the resources they generate and/or the investments and donations they attract.

Scalable: Potential to grow impact after expanding in scope or size and/or into other regions.

Prize

 The winning solution will receive:

• Sponsorship to participate in the One Young World Summit 2025.
• A US$50,000 grant from Reckitt.
• 12 months of mentorship from a team of Reckitt professionals. The mentorship team will work to accelerate your solution based on the needs of your initiative or organisation.

Centene Charitable Foundation

Successful corporate citizenship happens when companies invest in the local organizations that know their communities best. The Centene Foundation works with our local partners on initiatives that focus on inclusion, the whole person and community development.

Vision

Centene’s purpose is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. The Centene Foundation is an essential part of how we pursue this purpose. We achieve measurable impact for the communities we serve through partnerships and philanthropy efforts that invest in initiatives with holistic approaches to dismantling barriers to health.

Areas of Focus

Reflecting Centene’s commitment to the needs of those who rely on government-sponsored health care and to addressing social determinants of health and health equity, preference will be given to initiatives in three distinct areas of focus.

• Healthcare Access
• Social Services
• Education

About First Nations Development Institute

Since 1980, First Nations Development Institute, a Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has worked to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities. First Nations invests in and creates innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities. Founded in 1980, First Nations began its national grantmaking program in 1993. Through mid-year 2024, First Nations has successfully managed 3,473 grants totaling $85 million to Native American projects and organizations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territory American Samoa.

The Native Farmer Professional Cohort is facilitated in partnership with two First Nations programs, Stewarding Native Lands and Native Agriculture and Food Systems Investments.

Native Farmer Professional Cohort 

The First Nations’ Native Farmer Professional Cohort aims to strengthen the farming and land stewardship skills of 12 Native farmers and support them in accessing resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS). The focus of the Native Farmer Professional Cohort is to improve soil health, water quality, local food systems, and land stewardship in alignment with Native values. Participants will learn about conservation planning, business planning, Native agricultural traditions, and natural resource management.

The cohort is a 12-month enrichment opportunity designed to support knowledge-sharing and networking among Native farmers. The cohort includes virtual webinars, fieldwork, and three in-person training sessions. Participants must also complete a project evaluation and submit a one-page reflection at the program’s conclusion. By the end of the 12-month program, participants will:

• Deepen their understanding of traditional land stewardship practices to improve Tribal lands.
• Receive three specialized trainings on conservation and business planning.
• Establish a peer network with Native beginning farmers.

First Nations seeks applicants who are:

• Committed to participating in the cohort for the 12-month cohort period.
• Committed to implementing stewardship initiatives aligned with cultural values.
• Interested in developing their management and leadership skills and learning more about traditional land stewardship practices.

Award stipends are intended to support the participation of selected Native farmers in the cohort activities. In addition, participants will receive individualized technical assistance to deepen their work and boost farming, ranching, and conservation operations. Travel and other costs for participation in the cohort are covered by First Nations.

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.

Our Mission

The Hansen Family Foundation provides opportunities to domestic, international, secular, and non-secular organizations that support the American way of life, which is defined by the principles of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Causes

Children

The Hansen Family Foundation supports causes dedicated to helping children both home as well as abroad. Learn More

Education

The Hansen Family Foundation believes that a decent education should be made available to everyone, young or old, the world over. Learn More

Animals

The Hansen Family Foundation believes in helping those who cannot speak on their own behalf. Learn More

Environmental

The Hansen Family Foundation is dedicated to preserving the world we all share. Learn More

Humanitarian

The Hansen Family Foundation views the plight of our fellow man as an opportunity to actively engage and effect change. Learn More

Arts & Culture

The Hansen Family Foundation supports all forms of artistic and cultural endeavors. Learn More

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

Helping Build Better Futures

Our mission is to deliver great value to our customers every day. For over four decades, our deep commitment to the principles of providing value and caring for others has helped define our culture. It extends beyond the walls of our stores, distribution centers, and offices, and into our local communities around the world. The intersection of these principles defines our global community mission:

Deliver great value to our communities by helping vulnerable families and children access the resources and opportunities they need to build a better future.

Our Social Impact Areas

We bring our community relations mission to life around the world by focusing our giving on four social impact areas where we believe we can have the most impact and are critical to helping families and children succeed and thrive.

Basic Needs

We are passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations that help fill critical basic needs such as a warm meal, clean clothing, and a safe place to sleep for vulnerable families.

Education & Training

Our efforts have focused on quality enrichment and extracurricular programs that provide skills, resources, and opportunities to support school and career success for children, teens, and young adults.

Patient Care & Research

We support organizations that deliver services to families and children facing health challenges and life-threatening illnesses.

Empowering Women

We support programs that provide services ranging from help for those fleeing domestic violence, to others that offer education, training, and job placement resources.

What is 100x...?

100x Impact Accelerator is a world-leading impact accelerator, based at the London School of Economics. Our goal is to create cohorts of social unicorns driving positive social change around the world - at scale.

We have built 100x on a set of values that embrace ambition, humility, rigour, and trust. We believe in entrepreneurs that take risk, stay curious, and prioritise their mission. We like evidence based solutions where end customers and constituents find real value in the products or services they are accessing. And most of all, we know your work is some of the hardest work in the world. That’s why we believe in empathy – making sure you have people by your side who can support you on your journey and have been in your shoes before.

What we are looking for

100x is looking for the next generation of social unicorns - organisations affecting positive change on the scale of billions. We are looking for radical thinkers, the visionaries and the entrepreneurs who crave a new, better world.

Impact Areas

• Climate and Environment
  • We recognise that the world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges.
  • We aim to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that address these challenges and promote environmental sustainability.
  • We believe that entrepreneurship and innovation are key drivers of environmental progress.
  • This is why we work with passionate and visionary entrepreneurs who are developing solutions that reduce environmental impact, promote resource efficiency, and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.
  • Our goal is to shape a planet where humans thrive, economies develop, and the environment prospers.
• Democracy
  • We believe that social movements and interventions are fundamental to shaping healthy democratic systems and that strong and inclusive democracies are essential for promoting human rights, social justice, and sustainable development.
  • Our goal is to support and accelerate the growth of innovative solutions that strengthen democracy and promote citizen participation.
  • We believe that access to information, civic education, and inclusive political processes are critical for promoting democracy and ensuring that all voices are heard.
  • At 100x, we aim to help ventures build scalable, impactful businesses that can transform how citizens engage with politics and hold their leaders accountable
• Happiness and Wellbeing
  • We believe that a thriving society must prioritise the well-being of its people.
  • We recognise that happiness and well-being are not just individual concerns but also significantly impact social and economic outcomes.
  • Our goal is to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that promote happiness, mental health, and well-being.
  • We believe that access to quality mental health resources, community support, and healthy lifestyle choices are essential for promoting overall well-being.
  • There are social enterprises redefining how wellness works - for all, not just a few, and we're determined to accelerate the impact of those making huge strides towards a happier society.
• Education
  • Education is a powerful tool for creating positive change in the world.
  • Our goal is to support and accelerate the development of innovative education solutions that have the potential to transform the way people learn and acquire skills.
  • We believe there are social enterprises creating bold solutions that level the education playing field.
  • At 100x, we want to partner with these ventures and skyrocket their impact; fundamentally transforming education systems for students, families, and teachers around the world.
• Equitable Economies
  • We recognise that the current economic system is not working for everyone.
  • We believe that a more equitable economy is not only possible but essential for creating a sustainable and just future.
  • Our goal is to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that promote economic equity and empowerment, particularly for marginalised communities.
  • We believe that radical thinkers are the key to replacing broken economic models.
  • At 100x, we're searching for social ventures who are proving that fair and inclusive economic systems are not only possible but scalable.
• Health and Social Care
  • Healthcare systems around the world are facing significant challenges, including rising costs, inadequate access, and poor-quality care.
  • Our goal is to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that improve health outcomes, promote wellness, and increase access to healthcare and social services.
  • We believe there are social enterprises creating scalable solutions to improve population health, and we want to partner with these ventures that share our vision of driving radical social change in this area.
• New Frontiers
  • We believe that disruptive innovation and emerging technologies can potentially transform the world in unprecedented ways.
  • New frontiers in science, technology, and entrepreneurship are opening up new opportunities for addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.
  • Our goal is to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that leverage cutting-edge technologies and disruptive business models to create positive impact at scale.
  • 100x aims to work with passionate and visionary entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible and disrupting the status quo by helping them to build scalable impactful businesses that can transform industries and create new markets.
• Refugees and Cohesion
  • We recognise that the displacement of people due to conflict, persecution, and natural disasters is a major global challenge that requires urgent attention.
  • We believe that promoting social cohesion, inclusion, and integration is critical for creating a more just and peaceful world.
  • We aim to support and accelerate the development of innovative solutions that promote the integration and wellbeing of refugees and host communities.
  • We know there are passionate and visionary entrepreneurs who are committed to creating sustainable solutions that address the needs of refugees and host communities.
  • We want to help them build scalable, impactful businesses that can transform how refugees are supported and integrated into their new communities.

Selection Criteria

100x is looking for the next generation of social unicorns - organisations affecting positive change on the scale of billions. Our selection process is rooted in a holistic evaluation of both the people and the model. Here are the key criteria we consider:

• Outstanding Leadership
  • We want to back social entrepreneurs who demonstrate grit, potential for growth and ambition for the future
• Addressable Impact
  • Identified and evidenced impact opportunity that is sizeable and can create system level change
• Established Proof-of-Concept
  • Developed and delivered a model with evidence to suggest it is the ‘right solution'
• High Velocity of Change
  • Growing traction and there is a sense of solution being on the precipice for explosive growth
• Distinctiveness of Solution
  • A quality or feature that is impressive, rare and novel
• Cohort Fit
  • Alignment with our programme offerings, cohesiveness across the portfolio, and willingness to be an ambassador for 100x

Through these criteria, we aim to select ventures that not only have innovative solutions but also leaders deeply committed to driving positive social and environmental change. We value proximity to communities, inclusive approaches, and the capacity to affect systematic transformation.

We aim to have 70% of our portfolio to come from emerging markets and value applications where founders and/or senior team members be based in the region the organisation operates in.

We want to back organisations that are female-led, have considered gender in their product or service designs, and reflect a global market of leaders.

What We Offer

Our funding is flexible, impact-first, unrestricted, and based on trust. We offer catalytic grants and repayable grants to charities and social enterprises. Upon completion of the 100x accelerator programme, if your organisation has achieved extraordinary and outsized impact, you may be eligible for our follow-on funding.

Our programme is hybrid and spans 12 weeks. Two leaders (including at least one Founder and/or C-Suite member) from your organisation must be able to attend two sponsored trips to London at the start and end of the programme. Each trip will last no more than 3-5 days. 100x will cover reasonable transit and visa costs. You will also be expected to participate virtually for the rest of the programme. Please note, that the 100x Impact Accelerator programme is delivered in English, and you must have a reliable internet connection. If this is an issue, we offer a small stipend to support internet access so that you can fully engage in the programme.

• £150,000 in catalytic capital
• 12 Weeks Impact Accelerator programme
• World-Class support and bespoke mentors
• Cohorts of like-minded social entrepreneurs
• Summit Day celebrating and connecting ventures
• Alumni Membership long-term access to our community