RDAD Micro-Grant

Runnin' Down a Dream Foundation·United States

A $5,000 micro-grant for US residents 18 or older who have read Runnin' Down a Dream and are already doing unpaid work toward a dream, applied for via a five-question assessment.

What you get

$5,000Cash

“$5K per recipient”

Strings attachedNone mandated. Giving back is framed as aspiration, not condition: "Those who succeed eventually give back to the foundation, keeping the cycle alive for future dreamers", and past recipients "become part of something bigger - contributing financial support and guidance to new applicants." Recipients also receive mentorship and join a recipient community.

Can you apply

VC backingNot required

Referral or partnerNot required

Registered companyNot required

IndividualsEligible

Open sourceNot required

CountriesUnited States

Before you applyYou've read Runnin' Down a Dream. Applicants are expected to already be doing unpaid work toward the dream and to name a specific financial obstacle that $5,000 would unblock.

You've read Runnin' Down a Dream. You're 18 years or older. You're currently residing in U.S.

When

Not open yet. The next round is listed below.

Upcoming

2026 autumn cycledates not announced

Past rounds

2026 pilotclosed 1 Aug 2026

What Runnin' Down a Dream Foundation funds

Bill Gurley's foundation gives micro-grants to people already doing unpaid work toward the career they want, to clear one specific financial obstacle blocking their next step.

Everything Runnin' Down a Dream Foundation funds →

Details

Application is a two-stage process: a five-question assessment, then a full application by invitation for strong fits. Recipients who demonstrate meaningful progress after a set period become eligible for a second grant. The foundation is in its pilot year, awarding its first grants in early Fall 2026. The site does not state how many grants will be awarded, nor its equity or IP position.

Apply on Runnin' Down a Dream Foundation

Read off the Runnin' Down a Dream Foundation page on 29 Aug 2026. Funders move amounts and eligibility without announcing it, so confirm any figure here before you count on it.