The Innovation Fund is a five month virtual fellowship sponsored by The Workers Lab. Participants engage in 12-15 hours of coaching and training per month for which they receive a stipend.
Applications are due by July 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM PT for a fellowship from October 2024 – March 2025. Three final winners will be announced in April 2025; they will receive up to $200,000 and a full year mentorship.
Eligibility
This fellowship is open to individuals and organizations in the United States with a valid United States Tax ID or social security number. This includes:
- For profit companies
- Social enterprises
- Cooperatives
- Nonprofit organizations
- Unions and government-aligned entities
- Individual entrepreneurs
Topic Areas
The Innovation Fund is focused on two topic areas for 2024.
Climate Justice is Workers’ Justice
Projects under this topic should concentrate on addressing climate change and/or environmental justice while also attending to workers’ rights. These project should:
- Bolster the transition to a green economy through high quality work
- Modernize industries on the frontlines of climate change
- Address the needs of workers most impacted by climate change
Worker-Centered Gen AI Solutions
Projects under this topic should apply artificial intelligence to improve working conditions and create new opportunities for workers. These projects should:
- Empower workers
- Make economic stability more equitable
- Promote worker health and safety
Allowable Expenses
Grant funding is fairly flexible so long as funds are going toward the proposed project. Up to 15% of grant funds may be used for indirect costs.
