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Fast, low-paperwork grants for individuals with bold ideas to improve society. Emergent Ventures has a dedicated Africa & Caribbean tranche. AI-written applications are rejected.
Emergent Ventures, run by economist Tyler Cowen at the Mercatus Center, gives fast, low-paperwork grants and fellowships to individuals with bold ideas to improve society, including a dedicated tranche for Africa and the Caribbean. Grant size depends on the project.
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Open to individuals worldwide aged 13+, with a dedicated Africa & Caribbean tranche. Funds ambitious, scalable "zero to one" ideas — projects, research, or ventures. One application per person and project. AI-written applications are rejected (AI may only be used for proofreading).
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Emergent Ventures prioritises speed and low bureaucracy. Applications are reviewed by a small team led by economist Tyler Cowen, who looks for bold thinking and genuine commitment to impact rather than a perfect pitch. The programme funds ambitious ideas at any stage of development, including those that are still on paper. You will typically hear back quickly, and if successful, grant size is tailored to your specific project and needs.
What reviewers look for
Grant size depends on your project. The listing does not state a minimum or maximum, so the amount is negotiated based on what you need and what the reviewers believe is appropriate for your idea.
Emergent Ventures runs on a rolling basis, meaning there is no single closing date. You can apply at any time, but it is wise to check the programme website for any updates or periods when applications are paused.
No. Applications written by AI will be rejected. You may use AI tools to proofread or check grammar, but the substance of your application must be your own writing.
Yes. Emergent Ventures funds ideas at any stage, including those already in progress. However, the programme focuses on ambitious, scalable ideas that represent a genuine leap forward, not incremental improvements to existing work.
No. This programme accepts individuals, not organisations. You do not need to be formally registered. However, if your project eventually grows into a business or charity, you may need to formalise it later.
Guide written from the official programme page on 31 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.
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