Application Criteria

Typically we consider applications for grants twice a year. Sign up for our emailing list to receive notification of upcoming application deadlines. Please be sure to read and carefully consider the application criteria below before applying. Applications that do not meet these criteria will be disqualified. After considering our criteria, you can download the application and get started. At this time we are unable to offer guidance to individual applicants.

Project is in start-up or in the earliest phases of development.
Project is in the fields of community care, environmental stewardship and/or integrated health and wellness.
Project represents an inspiring, creative, potentially effective approach to a local challenge.
There is a detailed plan in place to realize project.
Total project budget does not exceed $125,000. StartFund grants cover only a percentage of total project budget, according to the sliding scale below, and awards are contingent on projects raising remaining funds from other sources.
app-criteria-table2
Administrative costs are low, and project and local resources are used efficiently. StartFund prefers projects with administrative costs under 15% of total budget. Administrative costs include utilities, facilities expenses, expert salaries, fees and any other costs not directly related to the delivery of project goods or services. Also, StartFund prefers projects that minimize fees for non-local services, advisors and/or goods.
Project Leader is committed to and responsible for project execution in the field.
Project Leader has attracted a skilled impassioned Project Friend, committed to project success.
Project Leader and/or Project Friend is willing and able to travel to New York City to appear before a Selection Committee.
Project does not have as its sole aim the construction or rehabilitation of buildings, the production of films, plays, websites, marketing materials or media programs or the organization of conferences or other one-time events, though these activities may be included as means toward a larger end.
Project is not in explicit support of a political cause, religion, ideology or capital campaign.

  • Application Deadline

    Due to our upcoming expansion, we are not accepting applications at this time. We hope to announce our next application deadline this summer. Please join our mailing list so we can keep you informed.
  • In the May ‘09 application round there were:
    • 78 applications
    • 30 finalists
    • 11 projects funded
    In the August ‘09 application round there were:
    • 63 applications
    • 29 finalists
    • 6 projects funded

  • StartFund Netherlands

    We invite you to check out the website of StartFund Netherlands for their application deadlines and criteria.