Inflection Grants

⚡ Quick Facts

Type: $2,000 grant or Edge City village residency + potential $2,000
Eligibility: Under 25 years old
Process: Annual selection
Timeline: Applications open January 2025, grantees chosen March 2025
Contact: info@edgecity.live

🎯 Mission

Inflection Grants turns unusual ideas into reality, focusing on turning points where a small push can make a big difference. Through grants and community support, the program empowers young builders to explore new frontiers.

💰 What Inflection Grants Funds

Projects that need $2,000 or less to create meaningful change
Unusual ideas from different thinkers
Personal growth and skill development
Creative initiatives in technology, science, and society
Both individual projects and collaborative ventures
Ideas that challenge conventional thinking

Note: The program focuses on supporting people who think differently and see opportunities others miss.

📝 Application Guide

Before Applying

Review past projects and success stories
Consider which path fits individual goals (village or direct funding)
Consider potential trajectory changes

Key Application Questions & Prompts

Project Overview

Innovation and uniqueness of the idea
Implementation strategy
Potential impact
Visual materials (encouraged)
Concise but compelling presentation

Funding Path Selection

Preferred path (village or direct funding) with rationale
Resource allocation plan
Project timeline
Expected outcomes

Personal Details

Background and perspective
Project significance
Potential trajectory change
Future impact vision

Application Process

Online application submission
Review by Inflection Grants team
Final selection by March 2025
Program start May 2025
Community integration

Tips for Success

Demonstrate unique thinking
Present clear implementation plans
Convey genuine enthusiasm
Illustrate potential impact
Show readiness for community involvement

📚 History & Structure

Founded in 2015 with a single $50 grant for Udemy courses, Inflection Grants began as an experiment in targeted micro-philanthropy. What started as Justin Mares' personal initiative to help a young developer learn to code blossomed into a transformative success story, with the first recipient going on to co-found Kettle & Fire alongside Justin.

This initial success sparked a vision for a broader impact. The program has since evolved into a dynamic platform supporting young innovators through both direct funding and immersive community experiences. Justin, who went on to found multiple successful companies (Kettle & Fire, Perfect Keto, Surely, Upside Lending), partnered with Cyan Banister to expand the program's reach and vision.

As General Partners at Long Journey Ventures, Justin and Cyan have structured Inflection Grants to maintain minimal bureaucracy while maximizing impact. The program intentionally combines financial support with community immersion through Edge City villages, creating an innovative model for nurturing young talent. This approach has proven so effective that it continues to evolve, now offering both traditional grants and residential opportunities for maximum flexibility and impact.

🌟 What Makes an Inflection Project?

Inflection projects come from people who think differently and see opportunities others miss. These projects span various fields including technology, science, art, and society. The common thread is the potential for meaningful impact with relatively small amounts of funding. Whether it's learning a new skill, building a prototype, or launching an experiment, Inflection projects challenge conventional thinking and push boundaries.

Inflection Grants

Program Details

Funding Amount

Deadline

Location

Focus Areas

Recipient Reviews

Microgrants in your inbox

Program Overview