Fund Our Freedoms “Build – Earn – Thrive” Initiative 2026: Up to $50,000 for Entrepreneurship Projects Supporting LGBTIQ+ Economic Inclusion

Applications are now open for the Fund Our Freedoms – Build, Earn, Thrive (BET) Initiative 2026, a grant opportunity designed to support entrepreneurship-driven projects that advance economic inclusion for marginalized communities.

This initiative is led by Outright International, focusing on empowering LGBTIQ+ individuals to access sustainable livelihoods and build long-term economic independence.

About the Initiative

The Build – Earn – Thrive (BET) Initiative aims to create inclusive economic systems where individuals—regardless of identity—have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from economic activity.

The programme supports projects that help LGBTIQ+ individuals overcome barriers to employment and entrepreneurship, especially in regions where discrimination limits access to opportunities.

Funding Details

Maximum Grant: $50,000 USD
Project Duration: 18–24 months
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026

This funding supports initiatives that demonstrate sustainability, scalability, and long-term impact.

Focus Area

The initiative focuses on entrepreneurship development, including:

Business training and mentorship
Business plan development and market analysis
Business incubation and startup support
Building access to formal labor markets
Strengthening financial inclusion and income generation

Projects that combine entrepreneurship with advocacy, education, or systemic change efforts are highly encouraged.

What They’re Looking For

Strong proposals should:

Demonstrate clear experience and capacity
Include a solid market analysis
Present a scalable and sustainable business model
Show measurable outcomes such as income growth, financial inclusion, and market access
Outline a plan for growth beyond the grant period

Ineligible Activities

The fund does not support:

Direct cash transfers or seed funding
Purchase of inventory for resale

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, organisations must:

Be operating in eligible countries
Have the capacity to implement entrepreneurship-focused programmes
Demonstrate experience working with marginalized communities

Eligible Countries

Kenya
Mozambique
Namibia
South Africa
Zambia

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by May 4, 2026 (11:59 PM ET).

How to Apply

Submit your application via Foundant.

Access Code: Showtime!

For technical support, contact: grants@outrightinternational.org

For more Grant opportunities, Visit OFY here.