Up to $1,000 Solo Builder Microgrant

Solo Grants, run by the San Francisco team behind the Solo Founders Program, gives microgrants of $100 to $1,000 to one person building something real on their own: hardware, software, research or a creative project. The money pays for the parts, compute and materials between an idea and the first version that works, and the project never has to become a business. Applications are rolling, and the team says it takes about ten days on average from applying to being funded.

What you get:

• A grant of $100 to $1,000, sized to the itemised budget you send
• No equity, no repayment, no reporting and no board seat
• Membership of the Solo Grants community of builders, with perks such as hosting credits

What you'll do:

• Fill in a short written application of up to 1,000 words, with no pitch deck
• Send an itemised budget listing the parts, compute or materials the money would buy
• Answer questions about your financial situation, because need is part of the decision
• Have a relaxed 15 minute interview if shortlisted

Key dates:

• Rolling applications, no closing date
• About ten days on average from application to funding

More information:

• The grant pays for parts, not payroll: salaries, runway, pitch decks, conference travel and market research are not funded
• You can apply again with a different project or a later stage of the same one; new applicants get priority
• Previously run for two years under the name Merge, with more than 50 builders funded

• You must be building the project solo
• Open to anyone, any age, anywhere in the world
• Priority to people who cannot easily cover the cost of the build themselves; employment status, dependents and household income are asked
• An itemised budget between $100 and $1,000 is required
• The site's services are not directed at children under 13