Monthly Funding for Entrepreneurs & Nonprofit Builders
The Shirley Grant provides up to $1,000 each month to founders who are actively moving their businesses or nonprofits forward and need targeted financial support to overcome a specific challenge. Monthly recipients are automatically considered for the $25,000 Shirley Year-End Award, bringing total potential annual funding opportunities to up to $26,000.
The Shirley Grant is clear, simple, and direct.
If you are building momentum, Shirley is here to support your next step.
About the Shirley Grant
The Shirley Grant exists to support real-working entrepreneurs and community builders taking actionable steps toward growth. It is designed to help founders remove immediate barriers and achieve tangible progress within 30–60 days. Funding may be used for:
Production or service expansion
Marketing or customer acquisition
Supplies, equipment, or inventory
Technology or software upgrades
Short-term staffing or contractor support
Program launches or operational stabilization
The Shirley Grant is intentionally accessible, straightforward, and impact-driven.
Who the Grant Is For
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Actively running or growing a business or nonprofit
Established for at least 7 days
Based in the United States or abroad
Able to demonstrate consistency, effort, and forward movement
Facing a specific challenge that up to $1,000 can reasonably address within 30–60 days
The Shirley Grant rewards progress, not perfection.
Funding Overview
Monthly grants awarded
Up to $1,000
Eligibility
Entrepreneurs and nonprofit founders at any stage
Additional opportunity
All monthly winners are considered for the $25,000 Shirley Year-End Grant
Total possible funding
Up to $26,000 annually
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed each month.
Required Documentation
Applicants must upload one of the following forms of operational proof:
Website screenshot
Social media screenshot
Proof of sales
Articles of Formation
EIN Letter
Program or service flyer
Only one document is required to verify legitimacy and activity.
Application Questions
Applicants must respond to the following prompts
Describe the specific challenge or barrier your business or nonprofit is currently facing.
Provide a clear explanation of the issue preventing progress
Explain how receiving up to $1,000 from the Shirley Grant will help you address this challenge within 30–60 days.
Identify the direct and immediate impact of the funding
Describe the measurable outcome this funding will support
Examples include increased production, customer acquisition, enhanced technology, expanded outreach, or program development.
Provide a brief summary of your organization’s current or planned revenue model.
These questions ensure funding is aligned with realistic, meaningful outcomes.
Certifications & Submission
Applicants must agree to the following statements:
I certify that all information provided is true, accurate, and complete.
I understand that incomplete or false information may disqualify my application.
I agree to receive communications regarding grants, funding opportunities, and related resources.
Once certifications are accepted, applicants may submit the Shirley Grant application for review.
