$100,000 for Social Impact Startups & Nonprofits – Blue Ridge Labs Catalyst 2027

Robin Hood's Blue Ridge Labs is offering $100,000 in funding to early-stage technology startups and nonprofits developing innovative solutions to poverty and economic inequality.

The Catalyst 2027 Accelerator is a 16-week programme designed to help founders scale their impact, strengthen their business models and develop technology-driven solutions that improve economic opportunities for low-income communities, particularly in New York City.

Here's what you can expect:

• $100,000 in funding per selected venture

• Funding provided as an investment for for-profit startups or a grant for nonprofits

• 16-week intensive accelerator programme

• Potential access to additional follow-on funding

• Personalised coaching in finance, product development, sales, marketing and engineering

• Support with business strategy, fundraising and growth

• Access to Robin Hood's network of 295 community partners

• Opportunities to work with the Design Insight Group, informed by the experiences of more than 3,600 New Yorkers

• Workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities

• Support preparing for investment and pitching

• Opportunity to showcase solutions at a Demo Day

• Continued access to investors, mentors and partners after the programme

What projects can be funded?

Catalyst supports technology-driven innovations addressing challenges such as:

• Education: Improving access to quality learning and educational opportunities

• Housing: Making affordable housing more accessible

• Financial Empowerment: Helping underserved communities access financial services and improve financial stability

• Health: Improving access to healthcare and health outcomes

• Food Security: Tackling hunger and improving access to affordable food

• Future of Work: Creating better employment opportunities and pathways to economic mobility

• AI for Social Good: Using artificial intelligence and digital technologies to address social challenges

• Public Benefits: Making essential support services easier to access

Who can apply?

• Early-stage technology startups

• Pre-seed companies

• Nonprofit technology ventures

• Social enterprises

• Solo founders or small founding teams

• Organisations with a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

• Startups demonstrating early traction or evidence of demand

• Ventures developing scalable solutions that benefit low-income communities

Applicants should generally:

• Have generated no more than $150,000 in revenue within any 12-month period

• Have raised no more than $500,000 in funding, excluding grants

• Demonstrate the ability to develop their own technology

• Have a clear connection to improving economic mobility for low-income New Yorkers

• Be prepared to participate in the programme's in-person activities in New York City

Applicants do not need to have incorporated before applying, but must do so if accepted.

Funding: $100,000 per selected venture, provided as an investment for for-profit companies or a grant for nonprofit organisations.

Programme Dates: February–June 2027

Location: New York City, USA, with programme activities also including SXSW in Austin, Texas.

Deadline: 13 November 2026