$1,000 for Creative, Community and Innovative Projects – Awesome Foundation Microgrants

The Awesome Foundation is offering microgrants of US$1,000 or the local equivalent to individuals, community groups and organisations with creative ideas that could make a positive difference.

The Foundation supports projects across a wide range of areas, including arts, technology, education, sustainability, accessibility and community development.

Unlike many traditional grant programmes, applicants do not need to be registered charities, and funding is provided with no repayment or equity requirements.

Applications are accepted through independent Awesome Foundation chapters, with most reviewing projects monthly.

Here's what you can expect:

• US$1,000 grants or the local equivalent

• Non-repayable funding with no equity requirements

• Support for individuals, groups and organisations

• Funding for new ideas and experimental projects

• Opportunities across arts, technology and community development

• Applications through local and worldwide thematic chapters

• A straightforward online application

• Regular funding decisions, often monthly

What projects can be funded?

1. Arts and Creative Projects

Projects bringing creativity into communities, including public art, exhibitions, performances and creative workshops.

2. Technology and Innovation

New digital tools, experimental technologies and innovative solutions with the potential to benefit communities.

3. Education and Skills Development

Projects helping people develop knowledge, confidence, practical skills and new learning opportunities.

4. Community Development

Local initiatives bringing people together, strengthening connections and improving community spaces.

5. Environment and Sustainability

Creative projects addressing environmental challenges, conservation, climate action and sustainable living.

6. Accessibility and Inclusion

Initiatives improving accessibility, participation and opportunities for people experiencing barriers or disadvantage.

These are examples rather than a restricted list. Each Awesome Foundation chapter decides which projects it wishes to support.

Who can apply?

The programme welcomes applications from:

• Individuals

• Community groups

• Charities

• Not-for-profit organisations

• Creative collectives

• Entrepreneurs and innovators

• Informal teams

• Organisations developing new community projects

Applicants do not necessarily need to be registered charities or established organisations.

Projects should demonstrate a clear purpose, explain how the grant would be used and show why the idea deserves support.

Can UK applicants apply?

Yes, subject to the requirements of the selected chapter.

The Awesome Foundation operates through independent local and thematic chapters, each with its own funding criteria.

Awesome Glasgow

The Glasgow chapter offers £500 to projects benefiting communities in Glasgow.

Applicants must:

• Be based in Glasgow, within a G postcode area.

• Demonstrate how the project benefits the local community.

• Provide a budget explaining how the funding will be used.

• Present a creative or worthwhile project idea.

Early-stage projects, charities, community groups and individuals can apply.

Next Glasgow Deadline: 11 November 2026

Pitch Night: 2 December 2026

Applicants outside Glasgow can explore the Foundation's worldwide thematic chapters, including Conservation and Climate, Disability, Dragon Dreaming and On the Water.

Eligibility and award amounts vary by chapter.

What projects are less likely to receive funding?

The Foundation generally gives lower priority to:

• Personal purchases without wider community benefit

• Routine running costs for established organisations

• Projects that would continue unchanged without the grant

• Vague proposals without a clear purpose

• Applications that do not explain how the funding would be spent

The Foundation particularly values original ideas where a relatively small amount of funding can make a meaningful difference.

How much funding is available?

Typical Global Grant: US$1,000 or local equivalent

Awesome Glasgow Grant: £500

Funding Type: Non-repayable microgrant

Repayment Required: No

Equity Required: No

Eligible Applicants: Individuals, groups and organisations

Geographic Eligibility: Depends on the selected chapter

Application Deadline: Varies by chapter

How does the application process work?

Step 1 – Find a Suitable Chapter

Visit the Awesome Foundation website and explore local or worldwide thematic chapters.

Step 2 – Review the Chapter's Requirements

Check the geographic eligibility, grant amount, project priorities and application deadline.

Step 3 – Prepare Your Project Idea

Explain what you want to create, why it matters and who will benefit.

Step 4 – Explain How You Would Spend the Funding

Provide a clear description of how the grant would help bring your project to life.

Step 5 – Submit Your Application

Complete the online application form and select the relevant chapter.

Step 6 – Funding Review

The chapter's trustees review applications and select projects they wish to support.

Some chapters invite shortlisted applicants to pitch their ideas.

Funding information

Funder: Awesome Foundation

Programme: Awesome Foundation Microgrants

Typical Funding Amount: US$1,000 or local equivalent

UK Glasgow Chapter: £500

Funding Type: Unrestricted, non-repayable project microgrant

Eligible Applicants: Individuals, charities, community groups and organisations

Eligible Activities: Creative, educational, technological, environmental and community projects

Geographic Eligibility: International, subject to chapter requirements

General Deadline: Varies by chapter

Glasgow Deadline: 11 November 2026