The Visa Foundation Business Grant is now open for eligible nonprofit organisations in the United States. The programme will provide flexible funding to Entrepreneurial Support Organizations that directly help small and micro businesses grow, adapt, and stay competitive.
However, Visa Foundation has committed $2 million to the initiative. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors manages the application process and grant making. Eligible organisations can apply for grants from $100,000 to $250,000 for a 12-month period beginning in January 2027.
Visa Foundation Business Grant benefits
The grant gives selected organisations flexible capital to improve or expand services for operating small and micro businesses. Therefore, funding can support direct services as well as the internal capacity needed to deliver them.
Successful applicants may receive:
- A one-time grant between $100,000 and $250,000.
- Flexible funding for a 12-month grant period.
- Support for training, coaching, technical assistance, peer learning, and digital-adoption services.
- Funding for existing or new programmes that serve small and micro businesses.
- Support for operational needs, including staff and administrative costs.
- Opportunities to share learning, challenges, and good practices with other grantees.
Also, the programme defines small and micro businesses as independently owned, operating businesses that sell products or services. These businesses generally have 50 or fewer employees and annual revenue of $1.5 million or less.
Business Grant eligibility
The opportunity is for organisations, not individual entrepreneurs or small-business owners. Applicants must meet every core requirement below:
- Be a U.S.-based public charity with valid 501(c)(3) status.
- Work mainly in the 50 U.S. states, Washington, DC, or U.S. territories.
- Have an annual operating budget between $1 million and $10 million.
- Provide direct business-support services to small and micro businesses.
- Submit two years of audited financial statements or two years of IRS Form 990s.
- Show capacity to use funding to strengthen services for operating small and micro businesses.
In addition, fiscally sponsored organisations may apply if their fiscal sponsor has 501(c)(3) status and they meet the other requirements. Similarly, local chapters of national organisations can apply when they have standalone 501(c)(3) status.
Grant priorities
The programme seeks high-impact organisations that help established small and micro businesses become more resilient and grow. As a result, strong applicants should show clear outcomes from their work.
Visa Foundation may give priority to organisations that demonstrate:
- Deep knowledge of small-business challenges and trusted community relationships.
- Strong results for business growth and resilience.
- Training or support that helps businesses use AI, digital tools, or new technology.
- A record of learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
- A clear plan to expand or strengthen services with the funding.
Organisations that mainly serve aspiring entrepreneurs or idea-stage ventures may be less competitive. In addition, applicants that support fewer than 200 small and micro businesses each year may face a weaker fit.
Visa Foundation Business Grant deadline
The application portal opened on 28 September 2026. Submit your complete application by 21 October 2026 at 12:00 p.m. PT.
Therefore, Applicants must apply online. Visa Foundation and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors will not accept proposals by email. Each organisation may submit only one application per EIN. Funding decisions are expected by January 2027.
For more funding calls, visit the Grants page on OpportunityLab.
Apply for Visa Foundation Business Grant
Before you apply, prepare:
- Two recent years of audited financial statements or IRS Form 990s.
- Your current board-approved operating budget for 2026 and 2027.
- A concise plan for using the grant to increase your organisation’s support for small and micro businesses.
- Evidence of your organisation’s impact, including businesses served, jobs supported, and business-growth outcomes.
Do not include trade secrets or other proprietary information in the application. The programme states that application submissions will not receive confidential treatment.
