Coming Back: The Innovation Fund Fall 2020 Cycle Is Open

The Innovation Fund will begin accepting applications today. This cycle comes at a time when lots of people are trying to come back - to school or work, or from taking some time off if they’re lucky. For many workers, the notion of coming back was never a notion at all. They had no choice but to keep going to work to support their families and our communities. We’re offering $150,000 awards for new ideas aimed at supporting them.

Banking on Creativity 

In the absence of a robust federal response to this crisis, we know innovators are finding ways to stay afloat, keep their communities strong, and stage a stronger future for workers. We’re banking on the power of this creativity and the leadership giving it life. We want to discover new ideas from worker leaders, small business owners and entrepreneurs, public sector leaders, schools, community and faith-based organizations. We want to hear from anyone and everyone coming up with new ways to make workers’ lives better now and in the future. 

Broad Call. Focused Impact.

The Innovation Fund Fall 2020 cycle is a broad call. That means we are open to a range of ideas focused on the various kinds of support workers, their families, and communities need to come back stronger. We are especially interested in new ideas that promote quality jobs and shared prosperity. As always, we want to uncover new ideas for and from workers in communities of color, especially right now. And while we want to see applications from every community in the country, we’re particularly interested in seeding innovation from under-resourced and rural areas, as well the Inland Empire and Central Valley regions of California.

Have a New Idea? Let’s Go. 

Here are three steps to get you started.

Step 1: Attend a webinar

We'll host two webinars (10/1 and 10/7) for interested applicants. You need only attend one. If you are unable to attend either one, register anyway. We'll send you a recording afterward to watch on your own. Register here.

Step 2:  Visit us during office hours

We will hold weekly office hours on 9/25, 10/2, and 10/9. Access one-on-one support to better understand the application process and explore your idea. Visit our calendar to schedule your 15-minute appointment. 

Step 3: Apply to The Innovation Fund 

Visit The Innovation Fund page to see our application questions (PDF) and apply through our Award Force platform. 

About The Workers Lab

At The Workers Lab, our purpose is to give new ideas about increasing worker power a chance to succeed and flourish, and new ideas about workers need a chance now perhaps more than ever before. Read more about why from our CEO, Adrian Haro. Share your ideas with us. Apply now.