CSCF Space Micro-Grant
By Center for Space Commerce and Finance
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
A no-strings US$1,000 grant (about ₹95,000) awarded every month to one space, space-adjacent or space-scalable startup, SME or non-profit anywhere in the world.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- International
About this grant
The Space Micro-Grant (also called the Space Micro Fund) is a monthly grant of US$1,000 (about ₹95,000) run by the Center for Space Commerce and Finance (CSCF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit that works to grow investment in the commercial space industry. One recipient is chosen each month. It is open all year with no single closing date: applications are reviewed from the 1st to the 20th of each month.
Space, space-adjacent and space-scalable startups, SMEs and non-profits anywhere in the world can apply, which includes Indian space startups. The money is meant for a specific, immediate need such as a cash-flow gap, not for general funding.
What the program offers
The award is US$1,000 (about ₹95,000), given to one organisation per month. CSCF describes it as no-strings-attached, so you are not asked to give up equity or repay the amount. The aim is to help young companies that face a cash-flow squeeze or need immediate working capital. CSCF says it does not provide general funding, so the strongest applications explain exactly what the US$1,000 will pay for.
Besides the cash, CSCF appreciates social media promotion and asks recipients to share what the funds helped them achieve. The source does not describe mentoring, investor introductions or other support attached to the grant.
Who can apply
The grant is open to space, space-adjacent or space-scalable startups, small and medium enterprises, and non-profits worldwide. The source does not define these three terms, so use common sense: a company that builds satellites, launch services or ground systems is clearly space, a company that serves the space industry with software, components or data is space-adjacent, and a technology that could be applied to space is space-scalable.
Applicants that are legally structured and have a specific need for US$1,000 get priority. For an Indian founder this means a registered company, LLP or non-profit is better placed than an informal group. It suits early companies with a small, concrete cost to cover. It does not suit anyone looking for a large sum, an ongoing funding relationship, or money for unspecified general expenses. The source does not state any country exclusion or minimum company age.
How to apply
Apply through the online form on the CSCF Space Micro Fund page. The page does not list the form's fields beyond an optional file attachment, so expect to describe who you are and what you do. The most useful thing you can do is state clearly how you will spend US$1,000. A practical tip: choose a single, specific cost, such as a test, a certification fee or a piece of equipment, and say why it cannot wait. The source does not say whether you must apply each month or whether unsuccessful applications roll over, so reapply or ask CSCF if you are unsure.
How applications are judged and what happens next
CSCF's philanthropy team handles selection. Applications are reviewed from the 1st to the 20th of each month. Winners are notified the following week, and the money is paid before the 1st of the next month. The page also says decisions are announced after the end of each month, so the exact notification day is slightly unclear. The source does not publish scoring criteria beyond the priority for legally structured applicants with a specific need.
About the Center for Space Commerce and Finance
CSCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Its initiatives include NewSpace BPC, the Space Investment Summit and the Space Micro Fund, along with podcasts, whitepapers and a news blog. It also accepts tax-deductible donations and says 100% of donations go to startups needing support.
Things to check before you apply
- Only one grant is given each month, so competition can be strong relative to the amount.
- The source does not say in which currency or by what method the money is paid. If you are in India, ask what bank details are needed and check any tax or foreign-receipt rules that apply to you with an adviser.
- The source does not state an application fee.
- Be ready to share how the money helped, since CSCF likes recipients to report back and promote the fund on social media.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
One applicant each month receives US$1,000 (about ₹95,000) to cover a specific need such as immediate working capital. The grant is no-strings-attached; CSCF asks winners to share how the funds helped.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
CSCF's philanthropy team reviews each month's applications from the 1st to the 20th and picks one recipient. Priority goes to legally structured entities with a specific need for US$1,000. Winners are notified the following week and paid before the 1st of the next month.
Application Process
- 1
Apply online
Submit the short form with your pitch and how you will use the money.
You - 2
- 3
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the CSCF Space Micro-Grant?
Space, space-adjacent and space-scalable startups, SMEs and non-profits worldwide can apply. Legally structured entities with a specific need for US$1,000 get priority. The source does not set a minimum company age.
Can Indian space startups apply for the CSCF Space Micro-Grant?
Yes. The grant is open to applicants anywhere in the world, and the source names no country exclusions. A registered Indian company or non-profit is better placed than an informal team, since legally structured applicants get priority.
How much is the Space Micro-Grant?
The grant is US$1,000 (about ₹95,000). One recipient is chosen each month. The source does not mention larger or repeat awards.
How is the Space Micro-Grant paid?
Winners are paid before the 1st of the month after the award. The source does not say in which currency or by what method the money is sent, so ask CSCF if you win. Indian recipients of foreign money should check tax and foreign-receipt rules with an adviser.
What is the deadline for the Space Micro-Grant, and what if I miss it?
There is no single deadline. Applications are reviewed from the 1st to the 20th of each month, so if you miss one month you can look at the next. The source does not say whether an earlier application carries over.
Is the Space Micro-Grant a grant or equity?
It is a grant, described as no-strings-attached, and the source mentions no equity being taken. CSCF does like winners to share how the money helped and to promote the fund on social media.
What can I use the Space Micro-Grant money for?
The grant is meant for a specific need, such as immediate working capital or a cash-flow gap. CSCF says it does not provide general funding. The more precisely you can name what the US$1,000 will pay for, the better.
What documents do I need for the Space Micro-Grant?
The page lists only an online form with an optional file attachment. It does not state any required documents such as registration proof, so check the form itself.
Do I have to travel for the Space Micro-Grant?
The source does not mention any travel. The application and the grant appear to be handled online, but the source does not say so explicitly.
Is it free to apply for the Space Micro-Grant?
The source does not state an application fee. Check the form before you submit.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
