The Innovation Fund Fellowship is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 cycle, offering a unique opportunity for innovators committed to building a more just, inclusive, and worker-centered future. At a time when American workers face unprecedented challenges—from weakened labor protections to corporate consolidation, misinformation, and climate instability—this fellowship supports ideas that shift power back to working people.
Through mentorship, community learning, and significant financial investment, the Innovation Fund provides a roadmap for reimagining the future of work in the United States.
2025 Focus Areas: What the Fund Is Looking For
1. Workers’ Rights & Power Building
Seeking ideas that:
- Defend and expand workers’ rights
- Navigate complex and declining policy protections
- Address inequities faced by immigrant, LGBTQ+, rural, and other underrepresented workers
2. Economic Security & Ownership for Workers
Looking for:
- New models of ownership and wealth-building
- Reimagined worker classification, benefits, and protections—especially for gig, temp, and misclassified workers
- Alternatives for workforce development, income security, health, and safety
3. Worker-Centered Technology & Innovation
Welcoming ideas that:
- Counter digital threats and disinformation
- Strengthen worker privacy, dignity, and agency in a tech-driven economy
- Leverage generative AI to create worker-first solutions
What Fellows Receive
Up to $200,000 in Funding
Selected fellows receive up to $200,000 to develop, pilot, or scale their innovation. All fellows also earn a monthly stipend during the 6-month program.
Mentorship & Coaching
Fellows work with seasoned coaches who have firsthand experience building impactful organizations and bring deep expertise in scaling social innovation.
Community Learning
Fellows contribute 12–15 hours/month in a cohort of entrepreneurs committed to solving the most pressing worker-related challenges in the U.S.
Access & Visibility
Participants gain:
- National exposure
- Access to worker networks, funders, and partners
- Opportunities to reach communities most affected by the issues they aim to address
Hands-On Support
The Innovation Fund team provides tailored support, peer learning opportunities, feedback sessions, and resources to help bring each project to life.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship welcomes applications from:
- Individuals, teams, or organizations focused on worker-centered solutions
- First-time entrepreneurs seeking guidance and support
- Innovators from underrepresented backgrounds, including women and people of color
- Applicants with lived experience in the issue they aim to address
- Innovators with early-stage ideas (pre-pilot, concept, or solution design)
- Projects aiming for long-term sustainability through diversified revenue
- Creators in need of startup capital and technical support to scale impactful ideas
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A description of the innovation
- Ecosystem and impact analysis
- Information about the individual/team
- A timeline and key milestones
- A sustainability plan and budget
- A clear explanation of how the project is worker-centered
Applications are reviewed by TWL staff, board members, experts, and past fellows. Shortlisted candidates may be asked for additional information.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: October 31, 2025
- Informational Webinar: November 18, 2025
- Applications Close: January 30, 2026
- Fellowship Period: May – October 2026
