Workday Foundation Human Connection Microgrant Program 2026

Workday Foundation Human Connection Microgrant Program 2026 is sponsored by Workday Foundation. The Workday Foundation Human Connection Microgrant Program 2026 provides grants to nonprofit organizations that create meaningful, joyful, and in-person community experiences to strengthen relationships, reduce loneliness, and foster lasting community connections.

The program supports innovative grassroots initiatives that prioritize genuine human interaction over digital engagement.

Workday Foundation Human Connection Microgrant Program 2026: Apply for Up to $10,000 to Build Stronger, More Connected Communities - Opportunities for Youth In today’s increasingly digital world, people are more connected through technology than ever before. Yet, paradoxically, loneliness and social isolation continue to rise across all age groups.

Recognizing this growing global challenge, the Workday Foundation has launched the Human Connection Microgrant Program 2026 , an innovative funding opportunity designed to support nonprofit organizations that create meaningful, joyful, and in-person community experiences.

Through grants of up to $10,000 USD , the foundation aims to empower grassroots organizations, charities, and nonprofits to develop projects that bring neighbors together, strengthen relationships, reduce loneliness, and foster long-lasting community connections.

If your organization is passionate about building stronger communities through shared experiences, this grant could provide the financial support needed to turn your ideas into reality. About the Workday Foundation Human Connection Microgrant Program The Workday Foundation Human Connection Microgrant Program is a new initiative dedicated to investing in in-real-life (IRL) human connection .

Rather than funding traditional service delivery alone, the program supports creative community projects where human connection is intentionally designed into every aspect of the experience . The foundation believes that joyful social interactions create what it calls “joyful feedback loops.

” These positive experiences encourage participants to return, invite others, and gradually build stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods. The program recognizes that genuine relationships cannot always be built online. Instead, they flourish when people gather face-to-face, share experiences, and develop trust over time.

Research continues to show alarming trends in loneliness around the world: One in six adults globally reports experiencing loneliness. One in three adolescents experiences loneliness. Communities are seeing fewer opportunities for spontaneous in-person interactions.

Modern lifestyles increasingly reduce opportunities for neighbors to meet naturally. Several factors have contributed to this trend, including: Reduced use of public gathering spaces Although technology has made communication easier, it has also reduced opportunities for meaningful face-to-face relationships.

The Workday Foundation believes communities become healthier when people intentionally create spaces where neighbors can meet, interact, build friendships, and develop trust. The Human Connection Microgrant Program seeks to fund projects that: Create opportunities for genuine in-person interactions. Build lasting friendships among neighbors.

Encourage trust and belonging. Inspire continued participation through enjoyable experiences. Strengthen neighborhoods one connection at a time.

The foundation is particularly interested in projects where social connection is the primary purpose , rather than a secondary outcome. Types of Projects the Grant Will Support The Workday Foundation welcomes a wide variety of creative ideas that help people connect. 1.

Community Block Parties Organizations may organize neighborhood block parties that encourage residents to meet, socialize, and celebrate together. These gatherings should be: 2. Community Potlucks and Cultural Celebrations These activities allow people from different backgrounds to connect through food, traditions, and conversation.

3. Creative Community Projects The foundation encourages artistic experiences that naturally bring people together, including: Neighborhood art installations 4. Games and Recreational Activities Shared play can become an effective tool for community building.

Neighborhood scavenger hunts 5. Volunteer and Service Projects Organizations may organize projects where neighbors work together toward a common goal, such as: Park improvement initiatives Neighborhood beautification These activities strengthen relationships while improving communities. 6.

Intergenerational Programs The grant encourages activities that connect people of different generations. 7. Outdoor Community Activities Outdoor recreation provides another opportunity for meaningful interaction.

Nature exploration programs. What Makes a Strong Project? Successful proposals should clearly demonstrate how their activities will: Build stronger social relationships.

Create welcoming environments. Encourage participation from people outside the organization’s existing network. Foster joy and belonging.

Encourage participants to return for future activities. Expand community engagement over time. The activity itself should revolve around strengthening relationships rather than simply hosting an event.

Who Is Eligible to Apply? Organizations must meet all of the following requirements: Be a registered nonprofit or charity. Be a 501(c)(3) organization in the United States or a registered charity internationally.

Organizations using a fiscal sponsor may apply. Maintain an annual operating budget below USD 500,000 . Be eligible to legally receive grant funding.

Be in good standing with relevant authorities. Grassroots organizations and small community organizations are especially encouraged to apply. Take place in one of the eligible cities.

Focus primarily on building in-person human connection. Be open to the wider community. Encourage participation from neighbors.

Be delivered during the grant period. Be either: A single event An ongoing community program. Projects That Are Not Eligible The program will not fund: Capital improvement projects General organizational operating expenses Religious proselytization Projects focused only on social services without emphasizing human connection Closed clubs or member-only groups Projects outside the designated cities.

Successful applicants may receive funding of up to: There is no minimum funding request , allowing organizations to seek support according to the scale of their proposed project. Final award amounts will depend on factors such as: Number of applications received Expected community impact Organizational experience Number of people expected to benefit.

Applicants must complete a brief application including: Applicants should provide: Why the organization was established Interested applicants should click HERE to apply Learn more about the opportunity HERE How the proposed project will strengthen human connections. Why they believe it will reduce loneliness and build community.

The proposal should include: Description of activities Whether the project is a one-time event or multiple events How new participants will be welcomed Community engagement strategy Organizations should submit a detailed budget outlining: Measurement and Evaluation Plan Applicants must explain how they will measure success.

Possible evaluation areas include: Applicants should also submit sample survey questions that will be used to evaluate project impact. Organizations receiving funding must submit a one-page final report within 60 days after completing their project.

The report should include: Photos or videos documenting events July 31, 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific Time) August 1 – September 10, 2026 Within 60 days after project completion Why Organizations Should Apply This microgrant provides much more than financial support. It offers nonprofit organizations an opportunity to: Address loneliness within their communities. Strengthen neighborhood relationships.

Foster inclusion and belonging. Create sustainable community engagement models. Pilot innovative ideas for social connection.

Build partnerships across diverse groups. Demonstrate measurable community impact. Contribute to a global movement promoting stronger human relationships.

Whether your organization plans a neighborhood festival, community art project, volunteer initiative, outdoor recreation program, or cultural celebration, the Workday Foundation is looking for ideas that place human connection at the heart of every activity.

The Workday Foundation Human Connection Microgrant Program 2026 represents a significant opportunity for nonprofits and community organizations committed to creating stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods.

As loneliness continues to emerge as one of today’s most pressing social challenges, this initiative encourages organizations to design joyful, inclusive, and meaningful experiences that bring people together in real life. With grants of up to $10,000 USD , the program supports innovative grassroots initiatives that prioritize genuine human interaction over digital engagement.

If your organization has a creative idea capable of fostering trust, friendship, and belonging within your community, this funding opportunity could help transform that vision into lasting impact.

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