Justworks Capacity Building Grants

The Justworks Capacity Grant Program is a corporate social impact initiative offered by Justworks through its Justworks.org platform to strengthen organizations that help entrepreneurs overcome barriers to starting and growing businesses. The program centers on capacity-building investments—rather than short-term project sponsorships—to expand the reach and operational resilience of community-focused nonprofit organizations. A central aim is to catalyze impact in communities where founders face structural obstacles in accessing knowledge, networks, capital, and the administrative fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Under this program, Justworks intends to award three grants of $100,000 each, disbursed over a two-year period per recipient. The multi-year structure is designed to give organizations predictable support to build systems, talent, and infrastructure. While the detailed terms emphasize grantee responsibility and compliance with program rules, the funding is framed to be used for organizational capacity rather than for one-off events, with the expectation that recipients will translate these resources into durable improvements in service delivery and outcomes for entrepreneurs. Eligibility focuses on U.S.-based nonprofit organizations. Applicants must be recognized as 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing and located in the United States or its territories. The terms indicate a minimum operating history requirement (at least two years) and expressly exclude fiscally sponsored projects from applying. Organizations that have received a grant or sponsorship from Justworks within the prior two years are not eligible for the current round. The program is not open to individuals or for-profit entities. Applicants should ensure that they have an authorized representative able to enter into agreements on behalf of the organization. The application process runs through an online form on Justworks.org. Applicants provide general organizational information, confirm eligibility, and present a concise proposal describing mission alignment with Justworks’ commitment to creating more access for entrepreneurs facing extraordinary challenges. The form emphasizes capacity-focused plans—how the grant will strengthen operations, programs, or ecosystem-building work. Application components highlight eligibility confirmations, organizational profile, strategic alignment, and the proposed focus area for capacity growth, with required uploads as requested by the portal. Selection is competitive. Submissions are reviewed against alignment with program goals, evidence of community impact, clarity and feasibility of capacity-building plans, and the potential for the award to materially expand reach or effectiveness. The program highlights current and past ecosystem partners that exemplify mission fit, signaling the kind of durable, equity-minded entrepreneurship infrastructure it seeks to support. Finalists may be asked to supply additional documentation before awards are confirmed. Awards total $100,000 per grantee over two years. Funds must be used for organizational capacity-building purposes consistent with the submitted plan and program rules (for example, strengthening operations, program infrastructure, or ecosystem supports that expand access for entrepreneurs). The terms reserve Justworks’ discretion regarding compliance; non-compliance can jeopardize participation or require repayment. Recipients should anticipate standard reporting and communications about progress and impact over the grant period. Program communications and support are routed through Justworks.org. The terms document governs participation and references the Justworks Privacy Policy for how applicant information is handled. While the public program page references three $100,000 grants and an application call, specific calendar dates for opening, deadline, and notification are not stated in the provided materials. Applicants should use the portal to confirm any current-cycle timing, allow for multi-year funds management, and prepare to document outcomes related to strengthening entrepreneurial access and capacity in their communities.

Align your proposal to capacity-building outcomes and equity-centered entrepreneurship access; clearly link how funds strengthen systems and scale community impact; ensure eligibility and past-grantee exclusions are addressed.