Roddenberry Catalyst Fund
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Quick Answer
Small grants of US$2,500–15,000 (about ₹2.4–14.3 lakh) for bold, early-stage ideas from anyone in the world. Not taking applications right now.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Roddenberry Foundation
- Application deadline
- —
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round are closed. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Roddenberry Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Catalyst Fund is the Roddenberry Foundation's small-grants program for early-stage ideas. It gives grants of US$2,500 to US$15,000 (about ₹2.4 lakh to ₹14.3 lakh) to anyone, anywhere in the world, with an idea or early-stage project that challenges conventional thinking or looks at a problem in a new light. There is no fixed theme: past interest has covered products, experimental programs, new services and inventions across areas like climate, health and inequality. It suits a project that needs a small amount of money to launch, run a pilot or prove the idea works. The fund normally takes applications all year round, but it is not accepting applications at the moment.
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
The Roddenberry Foundation is a US philanthropic institution inspired by the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek. It describes its purpose as investing in creative minds and bold ideas for a more humane and abundant future. Its best-known funding line for…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Grants range from US$2,500 to US$15,000 (about ₹2.4 lakh to ₹14.3 lakh). The money is non-repayable and the foundation takes no equity.
The grant is meant as a first push for a small or early-stage idea: running a pilot, launching a new program or product, testing whether an idea works, or trying a new direction.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
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
Can founders from India apply?
Yes. The fund says it gives grants to anyone, anywhere in the world.
How much can I get?
Grants range from US$2,500 to US$15,000 (about ₹2.4 lakh to ₹14.3 lakh). It is a grant, so there is no equity and nothing to repay.
Who can apply?
Individuals, teams, nonprofits and social enterprises. You must be at least 18, and the application must be in English.
What kind of ideas does it fund?
Early-stage, unconventional ideas that look at a problem in a new way — for example a new product, service, experimental program or invention. There is no fixed theme.
Is the fund open now?
No. As of September 2026 the fund is not accepting applications. It normally takes applications all year round, so check the application portal for when it reopens.
Is there a deadline?
When it is open, there is no deadline — applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
