$1,000 grants for 25 LGBTQIA+ business owners nationwide. Pre-register now for April 2026 applications.
The National Pride Grant hands out $1,000 to 25 LGBTQIA+ business owners across America, and frankly, it’s one of the few funding programs that actually gets what diverse entrepreneurs need. Nearly half of LGBTQ-owned small businesses that applied for loans were denied financing, which makes programs like this absolutely critical for community economic growth.
What makes this grant different? No strings attached. Use the money for whatever your business needs – equipment upgrades, marketing campaigns, or even professional help with loan applications. And unlike those other programs that take months to decide, this one’s refreshingly straightforward.
Since 2015, Founders First CDC has helped accelerate the success of hundreds of small, service-based, B2B companies, but they noticed something troubling. LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs kept hitting the same funding walls over and over again. Traditional lenders would smile politely, then find reasons to say no. Bank applications would mysteriously get “lost” or delayed indefinitely.
So in 2023, they launched the National PRIDE Fund. Not as some corporate rainbow-washing exercise, but as a direct response to systematic funding gaps that hurt minority business owners. The response was immediate and overwhelming – way more applications than they expected.
Q: Is this really free money with no catch?
A: Yes, it’s a grant. No repayment required.
Q: Can I actually use it for anything?
A: Completely unrestricted use – whatever your business needs.
Founders First CDC is the largest national platform offering business accelerators and grant programs for diverse-led businesses across the U.S., operating as a 501C3 community development organization. They’re not some fly-by-night organization jumping on the diversity bandwagon – they’ve been doing this work since 2015.
Their mission statement sounds corporate, but their track record speaks differently. They solve racial and social-economic equity gaps by training, funding, and growing small businesses owned and operated by diverse founders. Translation: they put money where their mouth is, consistently and repeatedly.
What I respect about their approach is the focus on employer-based businesses. They’re not interested in funding side hustles or hobby projects. They want businesses that create jobs and contribute to local economies, which explains why they require at least 2-100 employees.
Let’s be honest – $1,000 isn’t going to transform your entire business overnight. But here’s what it can do: cover that software subscription you’ve been putting off, pay for professional photos of your products, or fund a small marketing campaign that actually moves the needle.
The real value isn’t just the cash. Winners get access to the Founders First ecosystem, which includes mentorship, networking events, and business development resources. Think of it like those larger tech company programs, but specifically designed for diverse business owners who often get overlooked.
Q: What exactly do winners get besides the $1,000?
A: Access to Founders First community, exclusive webinars, and networking opportunities.
Q: How many grants are available?
A: 25 total grants of $1,000 each.
Here’s where most people mess up: they try to sound like someone else’s version of a “professional entrepreneur.” Don’t do that. The judges want to see authenticity, not polished corporate speak.
Your pitch video should feel conversational. Imagine you’re explaining your business to a friend who might invest $1,000 in your success. What would you tell them? That’s your pitch.
Second mistake: being vague about fund usage. Instead of “grow my business,” say “purchase a new point-of-sale system” or “hire a part-time social media manager for three months.” Specificity wins.
Third, and this trips up a lot of applicants – ignoring the community impact angle. Even if you run a purely commercial business, think about how your success benefits your community. Maybe you’re creating jobs for other LGBTQIA+ individuals, or your business serves an underserved market. Make that connection explicit.
The actual application isn’t complicated, which is refreshing. Complete the online form with your business details, then submit a 1-3 minute pitch video. No 40-page business plans, no financial projections going back five years – just you explaining what you do and what you’d do with the money.
All applications get reviewed by a panel (they don’t specify exactly who, but based on their other programs, it’s likely business experts and community leaders). Semi-finalists get selected, then the final 25 winners are announced at a live press event.
Q: What should I wear in my pitch video?
A: Dress like you would for an important client meeting.
Q: Can I submit multiple applications if I have multiple businesses?
A: No, one application per person.
Q: What happens if my application gets rejected?
A: You can apply again in future cycles.
The eligibility requirements are pretty straightforward, but they’re also non-negotiable. You must identify as LGBTQIA+ (obviously), hold a CEO/President/Owner title, and run an active U.S.-based business that’s been operating for at least one year.
Your business needs to employ between 2-100 people and generate less than $5M annually. That last point eliminates most established companies while still allowing room for significant growth.
The employee requirement is where some applicants get tripped up. Independent contractors and sole proprietorships won’t qualify, which is different from many other grant programs. They want businesses that are already creating jobs for others.
Applications open in April 2026, but exact dates haven’t been announced yet. Winners typically get notified within a few months of the application deadline, with the announcement ceremony happening sometime in the summer or fall.
The smart move is pre-registering now, which puts you on their notification list. When applications go live, you’ll get immediate notification instead of finding out weeks later when half the application period has already passed.
Q: How long do I have to spend the grant money?
A: No time restrictions mentioned.
Q: Do I need to report how I spent the money?
A: Not specified, but it’s good practice to keep records.
While specific winner details aren’t public, the diversity of applications they receive suggests they’re not favoring particular industries. Service businesses, retail, consulting, creative services – they’ve all been represented.
What seems to matter more is demonstrating business growth potential and community impact. Similar programs show that judges prefer applicants who can articulate clear growth plans rather than just wanting to “keep the lights on.”
The pitch videos that work tend to be conversational rather than overly polished. Think smartphone recording in your office, not professional videographer with multiple camera angles.
Biggest mistake: applying at the last minute. These applications benefit from some thought and preparation. Write your pitch, film your video, then let it sit for a day or two. Come back with fresh eyes and see what you’d change.
Second mistake: generic explanations of fund usage. “Marketing” tells them nothing. “Instagram advertising campaign targeting local customers within 25 miles” tells them you’ve thought this through.
Third mistake: not addressing the community angle. Your business serves the community somehow – figure out how and articulate it clearly.
The employee count requirement trips people up regularly. If you’re a sole proprietor with contractors, you probably don’t qualify. Some other grant programs are more flexible about business structure, so this might not be the right fit for everyone.
Q: Can I apply if I just hit the one-year mark?
A: Yes, as long as you’ve been operating for at least 12 months.
Q: What if my business revenue is close to $5M?
A: Must be under $5M to qualify – no exceptions.
Here’s something most grant guides won’t tell you: winning one grant makes winning others easier. Grant funders talk to each other, and having Founders First’s endorsement can open doors to other opportunities.
Programs like McKinsey Fast Grants often look favorably on applicants who’ve already proven they can manage grant funds responsibly. It’s like having a business credit history, but for grants.
The networking component matters too. Other winners become potential collaborators, mentors, or even customers. The business relationships you build through this program might end up being more valuable than the initial $1,000.
Q: Should I apply for multiple grants at the same time?
A: Yes, but make sure you can handle multiple applications well.
Q: What if I don’t win this year?
A: Apply again next year – persistence often pays off.
Look, putting together even a simple application takes time you probably don’t have. Between running your business, managing employees, and everything else on your plate, grant applications often get pushed to the back burner until it’s too late.
That’s exactly why we help entrepreneurs at Grantaura. Sometimes having someone review your application strategy, help you refine your pitch, or just make sure you haven’t missed any obvious mistakes can be the difference between winning and wondering what went wrong. If you’re serious about this grant and want professional guidance, it’s worth considering.
But whether you go it alone or get help, the most important thing is actually submitting your application. Too many great businesses miss out simply because they never hit submit.
Donor: Founders First Community Development Corporation
Focus: LGBTQIA+ business development, small business growth, diverse entrepreneurship, micro-grants, economic inclusion, community development
Region: United States, All States, Nationwide, U.S., USA, America
Eligibility:
– Must identify as a LGBTQIA+ business owner
– Must be a CEO, President, or Business Owner
– Have an active U.S.-based business
– Business annual revenue does not exceed $5M
– Must have between 2 to 100 employees
– Minimum of 1 year in business
Benefits:
– Financial Award: $1,000 micro-grant (25 available)
– Community Access: Join the Founders First family network of diverse entrepreneurs
– Resources: Exclusive access to webinars and business development resources
– Networking: Connect with successful business owners and mentors
Deadline: April 2026 (pre-registration available now)
Terms:
– Grant funds: Completely unrestricted use for any business purpose
– Application requirements: Complete online form plus 1-3 minute pitch video
– Selection process: Application review, semi-finalist selection, final judging, live announcement event
– Funding disbursement: Direct payment to 25 selected winners with no repayment required
Author: Imran Ahmad has spent years watching talented LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs get shut out of traditional funding sources, and it’s frustrating as hell. That’s exactly why he started Grantaura – to level the playing field for business owners who deserve the same opportunities as everyone else. Through personalized grant consulting services, Imran has helped over 300 clients navigate the funding landscape with a 92% success rate. He knows that programs like the National Pride Grant aren’t just about the money – they’re about recognition, validation, and proving that diverse businesses are worth investing in.
We are your trusted grant application partners. You can navigate the entire grant application process with our expert guidance through this simple 5-step process.
Fill out the "Apply for this grant" form with your information and grant requirements.
Our grant experts will assess your eligibility and notify you via email.
A dedicated grant expert will be assigned to discuss next steps for your application.
Our expert will help you complete and submit your application with all required materials.
The grant committee will make their decision and notify successful applicants.
