What happens once my application is submitted?
Once your team has applied, you will receive a confirmation email and can view your application's status within Submittable. We will have multiple internal review rounds, and if your application passes we will then reach out to you for an interview.
How many steps are there in the process?
There are 4 steps to evaluating applications. Once applicants apply, the applicants move through four evaluation stages:
Initial Screen
Program Fit Review
Scoring Round
Interview
In each stage an application is moved forward to the next stage or denied. The applicant is only notified during the process if their application does not move forward to the next round. The award is decided after the 4th stage which is a scheduled interview.
How long is the grants process once we apply?
The process is typically 4-6 week to review and evaluate applications.
We are a team of individuals, not a business entity can we still apply?
Yes. You do not need to be incorporated.
Our team was denied in another Wave, can we still apply?
Yes, If you've applied before and not gotten in, we strongly encourage you to apply again. Having made progress since your last application is a strong signal to the evaluation committee.
Can we apply if we have previously received funding from the Celo Foundation Grants program?
If you have completed the obligations of your first grant and have a new idea to contribute, you are more than welcome to apply again. The foundation grants program is not intended to be a source of revenue.
Can I edit my application after submission?
Typically, no. If you have submitted an application and would like to change or update any information, please email grants@celo.org.
I have a great idea for a startup, but I'm not technical. Will you still fund me?
It's important for the founding team to have the skills to build their product themselves, rather than outsourcing it to someone else. For most businesses, that usually means you need a technical co-founder.