Founders Pledge Requests for Funding
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Quick Answer
Open expression of interest for proven education and job, entrepreneurship or agriculture training programs in low- and middle-income countries. No deadline.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Founders Pledge
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- International
About this grant
Founders Pledge Requests for Funding is an open invitation from Founders Pledge, a research-led non-profit grantmaker, to organisations running programs in low- and middle-income countries. It is currently asking for expressions of interest in two areas: education, and job, entrepreneurship or agriculture training. There is no published deadline and no stated grant size. This is for established programs with evidence of impact, not for early ideas or startups looking for seed money.
What the program offers
The page offers a route to possible grant funding from Founders Pledge, but it does not say how much money is available, how long a grant lasts or how it is paid. Submitting a form is only an expression of interest. The source does not describe what happens afterwards, so you should not expect a guaranteed review or reply. Founders Pledge works on a research-first model: it usually finds promising approaches through its own research and then backs organisations that can deliver them at scale. This open form is a way for programs that already fit that research to get on its radar.
Who can apply
The invitation is for organisations that run programs in low- and middle-income countries. India is generally counted among them, and the source sets no further geographic limits, but it does not name India specifically, so check the page if this matters to you. The program must be in education, or in job, entrepreneurship or agriculture training.
Founders Pledge says it is most likely to consider programs that have an annual budget above US$1 million, can show measurable impact and already reach a substantial number of people. The evidence it looks for depends on the area. Education programs should show gains in reading or maths compared with a relevant comparison group. Training programs should show that participants' incomes went up. The submission form offers a budget band choice of above or below US$1 million, and the stated criteria favour the larger group, so smaller programs are less likely to be considered.
This suits a mature Indian NGO or social enterprise with a track record, independent evaluations and a large reach. It does not suit a new organisation with no outcome data, or a program outside these two areas.
How to apply
First check that your program fits one of the two areas and meets the criteria. Then click "Submit expression of interest" on the Requests for Funding page. The short form asks for a primary contact, the program name, a budget band and a website address. By submitting, you agree that Founders Pledge may process your data under its privacy notice. A practical tip: before you submit, have your evidence ready, such as an evaluation showing learning gains or income gains against a comparison group, so you can share it if asked.
How applications are judged and what happens next
The source does not give a review timeline, a scoring method or any notification process. It only lists the characteristics that make a program more likely to be considered: a budget above US$1 million, measurable impact, a substantial existing reach, and the right kind of evidence for the area. Because the page is silent on next steps, treat the form as a first introduction, and do not plan your finances around receiving a grant.
About Founders Pledge
Founders Pledge is a non-profit that advises entrepreneurs who commit part of their exit proceeds to charity. It is registered as a 501(c)(3) in the US, as a charity in the UK and as a non-profit company in Germany. It also offers membership and collaboration opportunities. Its grantmaking is based on its own research into which interventions work best.
Things to check before you apply
- No grant size, grant length or payment method is stated.
- No deadline is published, and the source does not say how long the form stays open.
- Evidence is central. Without comparison-group results on learning, or evidence of higher incomes, your program is less likely to be considered.
- Indian NGOs receiving foreign funds should check FCRA, FEMA and tax treatment with an adviser before applying.
- The page gives no information about what happens after submission, so there is no guarantee of a reply.
Eligibility
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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
What You Get
Founders Pledge funds organisations it judges able to deliver high-impact programs at scale. This page does not publish a grant size or payment terms; those are agreed with organisations it invites forward.
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The source does not describe how expressions of interest are reviewed, how long it takes or how applicants are told. It only says programs are more likely to be considered if they have a budget above US$1 million, measurable impact, substantial reach and the right evidence for their area.
Application Process
- 1
Expression of interest
Submit the short form with your budget band.
You - 2
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 submit an expression of interest to Founders Pledge?
Organisations that run programs in low- and middle-income countries in education, or in job, entrepreneurship or agriculture training. Programs with an annual budget above US$1 million and measurable impact are most likely to be considered.
Can Indian NGOs and startups apply to Founders Pledge Requests for Funding?
The page invites programs in low- and middle-income countries and sets no other geographic limit, but it does not name India. An established Indian program in education or livelihood training with strong evidence could submit the form. Very early or small programs are less likely to be considered.
How much funding does Founders Pledge give?
The source does not publish a grant size. It only says programs with annual budgets above US$1 million are most likely to be considered.
How is the funding paid?
The source does not say. It describes only the expression-of-interest form, not what happens if a program is taken forward.
Is there a deadline for the Founders Pledge request for funding?
No deadline is published and the form is open now. The source does not say when it will close, so submit sooner rather than later if your program fits.
Is it a grant or equity?
The page speaks of grantmaking, and a non-profit grantmaker does not take equity as a normal business investor would. The source gives no terms, so ask for details if you are contacted.
What evidence do I need to show?
Education programs should show gains in reading or maths compared with a relevant comparison group. Job, entrepreneurship or agriculture training programs should show that participants' incomes went up. A practical tip: keep evaluation reports ready to share.
What information does the form ask for?
A primary contact, the program name, a budget band (above or below US$1 million) and a website address. You also agree to the privacy notice.
Do I need to travel or attend anything?
The source mentions no travel, event or interview. It does not describe any steps after the form.
Is it free to submit, and when will I hear back?
The source mentions no fee. It does not give a response time or say how organisations are notified, so there is no stated result date.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
