Immigrants Rising Entrepreneurship Fund Kickstarter Grants for Undocumented Entrepreneurs

Grant Overview

Empowering Undocumented Entrepreneurs to Create Social Change with Seed Funding

Donor: Immigrants Rising

About: The Immigrants Rising Entrepreneurship Fund Kickstarter Grants provide essential seed funding of up to $2,000 for undocumented entrepreneurs and freelancers dedicated to creating positive social change. This unique grant opportunity specifically targets foreign-born individuals who cannot access traditional business funding due to their immigration status, offering them the financial boost needed to launch or expand their entrepreneurial ventures.

Designed as short-term, non-renewable grants, these Kickstarter Grants serve as a critical stepping stone for undocumented innovators with promising business ideas. The program embraces projects across diverse sectors, supporting both non-profit and for-profit initiatives, as well as hybrid models that combine elements of both. What sets this funding apart is its inclusive approach—applicants need not have DACA status to qualify, making it accessible to the broader undocumented community in the United States.

Beyond financial support, grant recipients gain access to invaluable professional guidance from experienced advisors who understand the unique challenges faced by undocumented entrepreneurs. Grantees also become part of a nationwide network of undocumented freelancers and entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and community building. Additionally, the program provides social media exposure for funded projects, increasing visibility and potential market reach.

The Immigrants Rising Entrepreneurship Fund has already empowered twelve undocumented entrepreneurs through its previous iteration, the Fund for Undocumented Social Entrepreneurs (FUSE). These success stories highlight the program’s impact in nurturing businesses that not only generate income for their founders but also address pressing social issues affecting various communities.

For entrepreneurs seeking more substantial funding, the program also offers Fellowship Grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, though these applications are currently closed. The Kickstarter Grants, however, remain open with applications accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed monthly, providing continuous opportunities for undocumented entrepreneurs to secure funding.

As previous grantee Maria Mendez noted, “This grant gave me the confidence to take my business to the next level, to create a space to help others and, most importantly, to help me grow as a social entrepreneur.” This testimonial underscores the program’s value beyond monetary support—it builds confidence, expands vision, and nurtures growth in undocumented entrepreneurs who might otherwise have limited options.

For those struggling with the complex grant application process or uncertain about their eligibility, Grantaura offers specialized grant research and application support services. Our team of experts, led by Imran Ahmad with over 300 successful grant projects, can help identify the most suitable grants for your situation, develop compelling business plans, and prepare professional grant applications to maximize your chances of success.

Focus: Undocumented entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurship, freelancing, immigrant businesses, social change, business development, immigrant rights, community development

Region: United States

Eligibility:
-Must be born outside of the United States
-Cannot be U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
-No requirement to be eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
-Project must create positive social change
-Project must be designed and led by undocumented young people
-Open to both non-profit and for-profit initiatives
-Open to hybrid projects combining non-profit and for-profit components
-Projects can serve undocumented communities specifically or have broader impact

Benefits:
-Short-term, non-renewable grants of up to $2,000
-Support and guidance from professional advisors
-Membership in a national network of undocumented freelancers and entrepreneurs
-Social media exposure for funded projects
-Opportunity to create social change while building sustainable income

Deadline: Ongoing (Applications accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed monthly)

Terms:
-Undocumented – People residing in the United States without legal immigration status, including those who entered without inspection or whose legal status has expired
-DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) – A U.S. immigration policy that allows certain individuals who were brought to the country as children to receive a renewable deferred action from deportation and become eligible for a work permit
-Social Entrepreneurship – Business activities that focus on developing, funding, and implementing solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues
-LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident) – A non-citizen who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States permanently, also known as a Green Card holder
-TPS (Temporary Protected Status) – A temporary immigration status provided to nationals of specific countries experiencing problems that make it difficult or unsafe for their nationals to return
-Fellowship Grant – A larger, longer-term grant provided by Immigrants Rising ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for more established projects