Stanley 1913 Creators Fund

The Stanley Creators Fund is a private philanthropic grant program established by Stanley 1913 to support early-stage nonprofit organizations and the visionary leaders behind them. Rooted in a century-old legacy of innovation initiated by William Stanley Jr., the fund reflects Stanley’s commitment to advancing creativity, sustainability, and community transformation. The program focuses on uplifting emerging creators, builders, and inventors whose work addresses pressing challenges in their communities while promoting human potential, equity, and optimism. Since its inception in 2023, the fund has supported diverse leaders across the globe who are aligned with Stanley’s values and vision of collective progress. Each year, the Stanley Creators Fund offers unrestricted grants of up to $50,000 USD to support individuals and nonprofit organizations leading innovative solutions in a range of areas such as climate change, food and housing security, equity, education, and justice. The funding is not limited by a narrow thematic scope but rather prioritizes the applicant's alignment with the program’s objectives—innovation, community engagement, and impact. The fund does not impose specific spending rules, granting recipients flexibility to apply the funds in ways that most effectively support their mission, growth, and sustainability. Applicants must be affiliated with or operate under a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or its international equivalent and must meet criteria such as a minimum of two years of operating history or provide proof of concept. Organizations must demonstrate an annual operating income between $100,000 and $2,000,000 USD and show a willingness to engage with Stanley’s brand to amplify their story. Applications are open to organizations globally, provided they meet these eligibility requirements, including fiscal sponsorship if necessary. To apply, interested individuals must submit a completed online application by September 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST. The application requires information on the affiliated organization and leader, details about the organization's mission and budget, and narrative responses explaining alignment with Stanley’s objectives. Key themes include the originality of the applicant’s work, theory of change, leadership qualities, inclusivity, and partnership capacity. Applicants must also submit relevant documents such as IRS determination letters, a W-9, Form 990, and a recent annual report. Up to three supplemental media links demonstrating their work may also be included. Applications are evaluated through a comprehensive review process. Each submission undergoes eligibility screening and qualitative assessment based on criteria such as creativity, leadership, organizational capacity, inclusion, and partnership. Successful applicants may be invited to provide additional information or participate in conversations with Stanley representatives before final decisions are made. Notifications of award selections will be sent out in November 2025. The program typically funds between five and twelve recipients annually. While the 2025 cycle offers single-year funding, Stanley notes the potential to expand to multi-year awards in the future. Although there is no obligation, awardees are encouraged to provide progress updates. Contact for the program is available via stanleycreatorsfund@stanley1913.com, with responses expected within five business days. Applicants not selected in a given year are welcome to reapply in subsequent cycles, as the program is recurring annually.