I found the Hey Helen Grant while hunting for women-founder funding that doesn't demand a pitch deck or equity. It's $10K unrestricted cash for US-based, 100% women-owned or nonbinary AFAB-aligned for-profits under $1M revenue. The eligibility checker below walks you through the core gates: ownership structure, US registration, bank account readiness, and revenue status. Pre-revenue businesses can apply if they show activity. Revenue verification only happens if you win. Which matters because you don't have to share financials upfront. Use the tool to see where you stand before paying the $15 fee.
Eligibility nuances that trip up applicants
Most people assume "women-owned" means a simple checkbox. It doesn't. The grant explicitly welcomes nonbinary applicants assigned female at birth or aligned with its mission-driven intent. Self-identification is sufficient at application - no gender documentation requested. But misrepresentation can disqualify you later. Which is why honesty matters more than perfection. The US bank account requirement isn't bureaucratic padding either. It's practical: funds disburse via ACH only, so you need a ready account before you win.
Revenue verification timing is the other hidden friction point. You don't prove under $1M when you apply. You prove it within 10 days if selected. That reduces upfront risk for pre-revenue or low-revenue founders. But it also means you must have documentation ready to produce quickly if you win. Keep your financial records organized now, not later.
When Grantaura's eligibility review adds value
If the checker shows you're eligible but you're unsure about how to frame your nonbinary alignment or pre-revenue activity, our expert consultation can help. A live 1-on-1 video or phone call with a grant expert walks through your specific situation before you invest time in the narrative application. Because eligibility is binary - you qualify or you don't - but the narrative is where most applications succeed or fail. Book a live 1-on-1 consultation to review your eligibility edge cases before applying.
