Our 2025 Innovation Fund

The future of work belongs to all workers.

But right now, American workers are facing unprecedented challenges. From the dismantling of labor protections and public institutions to rising misinformation, corporate monopolization, wealth inequality, and climate disasters.

In the absence of a vision for a future of work that is modern and inclusive of all workers, our Innovation Fund continues to provide a roadmap for the U.S.. Unprecedented challenges demand bold and innovative responses. Our 2025 Innovation Fund Fellowship is focused on new ideas that shift power to working people.

What You Can Expect From The Innovation Fund Fellowship

Investments That Scale Your Impact

During the five-month fellowship, fellows will receive a monthly stipend. At the end, selected fellows will receive up to $200,000 for their ideas and a year of mentorship and support. Even if you are not selected as a finalist, you will have the opportunity to get detailed feedback and access to a larger network of investors.

Led by Experienced Coaches

Each of our coaches has firsthand experience building and scaling impact-focused organizations. They lead by example and help you identify new opportunities.

Community-Based Learning

You'll contribute 12–15 hours per month in a community of entrepreneurs working together to address the most critical issues faced by workers.

Access to Worker Networks and National Visibility

Connect with partners, funders, and allies who can amplify your impact and help you reach the workers who need your innovation most.

Customized Support and Peer Learning

Receive hands-on support from our team to bring your ideas to life. Share your work, give and get feedback in community, and learn from peers on a similar journey.

Who This Fellowship Is For ...

This fellowship is designed for innovators committed to building worker-centered solutions. We especially encourage applications from:

✅ Individuals, teams, or organizations committed to worker-centered solutions.

✅ First-time entrepreneurs who need a support system for their ideas.

✅ Innovators from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented among those who receive venture capital and startup funding, especially entrepreneurs who identify as women and people of color.

✅ Innovators with lived experience in the issue area they are addressing.

✅ Innovators with plans for diversified future revenue streams that support long-term sustainability.

✅ Innovators who need startup capital and technical support, and have ambition for their ideas to be brought to scale.

✅ Innovators, especially those with early-stage ideas (idea, solution, pre-pilot) centered around making the ways our country serves workers more modern and inclusive.

Ready to Apply? Here's How

To be considered for the 2025 Innovation Fund Fellowship, you'll need to submit:

Your innovation: An in-depth description about the idea
Your impact : An ecosystem analysis and clear statement of impact on workers in the chosen industry, area, and/or topic
Your team: Information on the team/individual behind the project
Your plan: Timeline, milestones, and how you'll use the funding
Your sustainability vision: A budget breakdown and timeline for project implementation
Your worker-centered approach: How the project aligns with being worker-centered

Application Process

Applications open August 22nd, 2025 and must be submitted by October 20th, 2025. Applications will be meticulously reviewed by a panel of TWL staff, board members, experts in the field, and past winners. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide additional details throughout the process.

How often does The Workers Lab run The Innovation Fund?

Historically, we have run up to three cycles in one year. This year we are running one cycle.

Who can I contact if I have any questions or need more information?

You can contact innovationfund@theworkerslab.com if you have additional questions.

What types of organizations or entities can apply?

Nearly any type of organization or entity is eligible to apply, including:

For-profit companies
Social enterprises (public-benefit corporations - B-Corps, etc.)
Individual Entrepreneurs
Co-operatives or other worker-led entities
Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions
Unions and government-aligned entities
Projects that have established a relationship with a fiscal sponsor but are not independent organizations themselves

Can past applicants apply?

Yes, we encourage past applicants to apply unless they have already received an award for the project from The Workers Lab or were winners in the most recent cycle of the Innovation Fund.

Are there any geographic restrictions?

Yes, awards from the Innovation Fund are limited to organizations that have a United States Tax ID or social security number.

Are there any industry/sector restrictions?

No.

Are there any restrictions on the staff or budget size of a project or organization?

No. However, the goal of our fellowship is to uplift early-stage ideas.

Can I/we apply with more than one project?

Yes, but please note that we will only select one project per individual/organization.

How will I/we be evaluated?

Applicants will receive an average score based on reviewer responses and reviewers will decide on fellows primarily based on top scores.

Is there an expectation that the project will be self-sustaining or that it will become incorporated (as a nonprofit, for-profit, etc.) by the end of the grant term?

No. That said, we are especially interested in projects that have thoughtfully considered long-term possibilities for the project, including pathways for independent revenue generation.

Who are the reviewers?

Reviewers in each round will include a mix of The Workers Lab staff and Board of Directors, subject matter experts, funding partners, worker-leaders, and previous winners of the Innovation Fund.

If selected as a winner, what can I/we use the funds for? Are there any restrictions?

Grant dollars are generally flexible, as long as they are used in support of the proposed project. Winners will be required to provide a final financial report as part of our reporting process. The Workers Lab allows indirect cost rates of up to 15% for any grant recipients.

Outside of the cash prize, what can winners expect from participation in the Innovation Fund?

At The Workers Lab, we are committed to evaluating progress, learning from successes and challenges, and ensuring that we are regularly leveraging our network to amplify the work of our amazing partners while minimizing administrative burden. With that in mind, winners are expected to participate in interim and final check-in calls, support learning outputs, and submit a final financial report. The Workers Lab provides mentorship, training, and other forms of organizational support where we can add value.