Grant

Grant

North America

North America

OPEN

OPEN

GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS

2026 EALA New Champions Fund

2026 EALA New Champions Fund

$35,000 unrestricted grant, awarded annually

·

Annual cycle; check the SMAapply portal for the 2026 open and close dates.

AMOUNT

$35,000 unrestricted grant, awarded annually

AMOUNT

$35,000 unrestricted grant, awarded annually

DEADLINE

Annual cycle; check the SMAapply portal for the 2026 open and close dates.

DEADLINE

Annual cycle; check the SMAapply portal for the 2026 open and close dates.

FUNDING TYPE

Grant

CAN YOU GET THIS?

You must be a leader of color, or an ally of the equity-in-education movement, actively supporting students with disabilities.

You must be a leader of color, or an ally of the equity-in-education movement, actively supporting students with disabilities.

Your work should specifically serve students with disabilities who are also marginalized, from underserved communities, or experiencing poverty. Open to all stages.

Your work should specifically serve students with disabilities who are also marginalized, from underserved communities, or experiencing poverty. Open to all stages.

YOUR REAL ODDS

This is a competitive sub-grant with a defined annual cycle, so slots are limited.

The program is described as a competitive grant, meaning not all applicants will be funded. No specific acceptance rate is published.

WHAT IT TAKES

  1. Create an account and register on the SMAapply portal — 15–30 minutes

  2. Prepare your application describing your work with students with disabilities — Several hours to days

  3. Submit before the annual deadline — Varies by cycle

WORTH KNOWING

Winners receive not just $35,000 unrestricted but also a year-long mentorship — the mentorship component may matter as much as the grant for early-stage leaders, so framing your growth goals could strengthen your application.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.

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