Our Approach

StartFund provides start-up grants to early-stage grassroots projects around the world in the areas of community care, environmental stewardship and integrated health and wellness. Throughout our thirteen years of operations, we’ve developed a unique approach to grant-giving that sets us apart. Our approach rests on three key elements:

StartFund invests in start-up or early-stage grassroots projects.

Throughout our thirteen years of effective operation, we’ve continuously improved our process of due diligence and project selection, as well as our network of partner organizations in the field. We don’t shy away from making the kind of early investments that yield high-value results. We’re committed to funding grassroots projects with budgets under $125,000.

Anyone anywhere in the world can apply.

Many grant givers identify and select projects through a closed process with partner organizations. But many worthy projects lack the savvy to succeed on the grant-giving circuit, or they operate in areas of the world with scant institutional support. StartFund believes that the additional costs of an open application process are offset by the benefits of reaching the people and projects in greatest need. Please see our Application Criteria for more information.

StartFund requires projects to build a wide circle of support.

StartFund asks Project Leaders to have attracted an impassioned Project Friend before applying for a grant. Project Friends help Project Leaders realize their vision by giving their time, skills or other resources. Project Friends may help with marketing or fundraising. They may live in the same community or half a world away. In addition, StartFund grants only a percentage of total project budget, and the award is contingent on projects raising remaining funds. That means a wider circle of financial support. And more support means more success.