Visa Foundation Commits $2 Million to Support U.S. Small Business Support Organizations
Visa Foundation launched a $2 million open-call grant program to support nonprofit Entrepreneurial Support Organizations that provide direct services to small and micro businesses across the United States. The funding initiative, administered by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, aims to strengthen organizations that help small businesses build resilience, expand economic opportunity, and adopt new technology. Applications for the program remain open through October 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM Pacific Time, with grant awards expected to be announced by January 2027.
Grants Provide Flexible Funding for Organizations
Grants distributed through the initiative range between $100,000 and $250,000 for each selected organization. The exact award amount depends on the annual operating budget of the applicant organization. Grants cover a 12-month period beginning in January 2027 and offer flexible funding that recipients can allocate toward direct programming—such as coaching, training, technical assistance, and peer learning—as well as essential operational expenses like staffing and administrative costs. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors holds final authority on all grantmaking decisions as the legal grantor of record.
Eligibility Criteria for Nonprofit Applicants
Applicants must meet specific financial and operational requirements to qualify for funding. Eligible organizations must operate as U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities, or work through an eligible fiscally sponsored organization with a 501(c)(3) sponsor. Local chapters of national organizations may also apply provided they maintain standalone 501(c)(3) status. Additional requirements include maintaining an annual operating budget between $1 million and $10 million, conducting work primarily within the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories, and providing two years of audited financial statements or IRS Form 990s.
Applications Must Be Submitted by October 21
Organizations must submit their applications through the online application portal, as email submissions are not accepted. The deadline for all submissions is October 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM Pacific Time. Applicants must register their organization within the portal to access the submission materials and required documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Small Business Grant
How do organizations submit an application for the grant?
Applicants must register and submit their materials through the online application portal, as submissions via email are not accepted under any circumstances.
What is the final deadline for submitting grant applications?
All applications must be submitted through the portal by October 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM Pacific Time, with late submissions ineligible for consideration.
What size operating budgets must applicants have?
Eligible nonprofit organizations must maintain an annual operating budget between $1 million and $10 million to qualify for grant consideration.
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