Monthly Funding for Entrepreneurs & Nonprofit Builders

Each month, the Shirley Grant provides a one-time grant of up to $5,000 to one founder who is actively growing a business or nonprofit and needs targeted financial support to overcome a specific challenge. After carefully reviewing each application, our judges select one monthly recipient.

That recipient is also automatically considered for the Grand Shirley Grant, the $25,000 Year-End Award, for a total potential annual funding opportunity of up to $30,000.

The Shirley Grant is clear, simple, and direct.

If you are building momentum, Shirley is here to support your next step.

The Shirley Grant is offered by United States Grants under the United Federal Contractors (UFC) umbrella as part of our commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. Rooted in purpose and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the grant is designed to support entrepreneurs, nonprofit builders, and community leaders as they overcome immediate barriers and help build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

About the Shirley Grant

The Shirley Grant exists to support real-working entrepreneurs and community builders taking actionable steps toward growth. It is designed to help founders remove immediate barriers and achieve tangible progress within 30–60 days. Funding may be used for:

Production or service expansion
Marketing or customer acquisition
Supplies, equipment, or inventory
Technology or software upgrades
Short-term staffing or contractor support
Program launches or operational stabilization

The Shirley Grant is intentionally accessible, straightforward, and impact-driven.

Who the Grant Is For

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Actively running or growing a business or nonprofit
Established for at least 7 days
Based in the United States or abroad
Able to demonstrate consistency, effort, and forward movement
Facing a specific challenge that up to $1,000 can reasonably address within 30–60 days