You could count the days left in 2024 on your fingers and toes. The new year is almost here! It’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress you’ve made – and set the stage for what’s ahead. Securing fresh funding could be the catalyst for big changes in 2025. This grant roundup features our best picks for that extra financial boost to wrap up December.
Looking for even more options? Our Premium Members get exclusive access to special bonus resources and grant opportunities every month. Check out the extra content here!
Y Combinator Winter 2025 Batch: $500,000
Y Combinator is accepting applications for its Winter 2025 Batch, running from January to March in San Francisco. Selected startups will receive $500,000 in seed funding and participate in a three-month acceleration program. The program offers weekly meetups, mentorship from experienced partners and access to a vast network of alumni and investors. It culminates with a Demo Day, where startups present to an audience of top investors.
While the on-time application deadline was November 12th, late applications are still being accepted. Startups are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to be considered for this opportunity.
La Creme de la STEM: Venture Capital Funding
La Crème de la STEM is building a global, private network to support early-stage female founders in tech and science. Starting in January 2025, they will select 50 founding members to join their community, giving them access to a curated group of over 120 vetted VCs, expert speakers and exclusive perks from leading corporate partners. Members receive expert guidance, mentorship and a supportive ecosystem committed to helping them thrive.
Apply by December 31st for consideration!
BIPOC Small Business Accelerator
PeopleFund is offering the BIPOC Small Business Accelerator program to underserved entrepreneurs in Texas, providing capital, education and resources. Open to both startups and existing businesses, the program includes virtual training sessions, access to business planning tools, mentorship and expedited loan packaging. Participants who meet all program requirements, close on a PeopleFund loan and graduate may receive a grant between $3,000 and $5,000. The Q1 2025 cohort will accept the first 70 eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications close on January 3rd, 2025.
LiftHER Female Founders Grant Challenge: Up to AU$10,000
This program seeks women entrepreneurs in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Nine impact-driven female founders will receive a support package valued at AU$5,000, which includes an eight-week Crowdfunding Accelerator Program, a one-year Lift Angel membership, personalized mentorship, marketing and PR support and a round-trip ticket to Melbourne. Finalists will then pitch live in Melbourne for one of four AU$10,000 non-dilutive grants, with a total prize pool of AU$40,000.
Applications close on January 3rd, 2025.
VOA Futures Fund Community Health Incubator: $15,000–$200,000
Volunteers of America’s Futures Fund, in partnership with SEED SPOT, is running a 14-week Community Health Incubator program designed for entrepreneurs addressing community health disparities. Selected ventures receive a $15,000 non-dilutive grant, with the opportunity to secure an additional $10,000 for pilots, and may be eligible for follow-on investments of up to $200,000. Throughout the program, founders benefit from expert-led business training, tailored mentorship and opportunities to partner with Volunteers of America’s vast network. This is a fully-funded opportunity, supporting both for-profit and nonprofit enterprises with a minimum viable product and demonstrated traction.
The priority deadline is January 21st, 2025, with a final deadline on March 3rd, 2025.
Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program: $1,000
The Watson Institute offers a 16-week Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program for businesses working directly in agriculture or transforming agricultural inputs into higher-value products. The program provides expert-led training, mentorship, access to a robust network and up to $1,000 in stipends for retail readiness certifications. Participants will engage in virtual workshops and culminate their experience by pitching their ventures to potential funders and partners. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based, impact-driven entrepreneurs with proven products, traction and revenue who are looking to scale.
Applications are now open, with a priority deadline of January 26th, 2025.
Because Accelerator: Up to $10,000
The Because Accelerator is a free 16-week, virtual program designed to help early- to mid-stage entrepreneurs with socially innovative, manufactured products reach the next level of development. Participants receive expert training in marketing, pricing, e-commerce and customer retention, along with personalized mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to a global community of subject-matter experts. At the end of the cohort, entrepreneurs can compete for multiple cash prizes, with up to $10,000 available to top finalists.
Applications are open for the 2025 cohort and close on March 2nd, 2025.
[…] Finish prepping for the end of the year with our December grant roundup. […]
[…] for more funding opps? Check out our December grant roundups before those deadlines […]
I don’t mind the The Yippity Doo Big Idea Grant application fee of $15. What made me not do it is that this is really a pitch for their coaching/mentoring program at $20/month. Seems a bit fishy to me.
Good call – we’ve removed that one. Thanks for pointing that out!