Merge Grant

🪙 Quick Facts

• Type: 100% Non-dilutive grant ($50-$1,000)
• Eligibility: Open to all ages and nationalities
• Process: Rolling applications, 15-minute interview
• Inquiries: ari@joinodf.com

👀 Mission

Merge Grant is a micro-grant initiative designed to give ambitious builders resources as they pursue compelling projects. We're run by Merge Club members — called Mergers — who review applications, conduct interviews and make grant decisions.

💰 Funding Details

We give you money (between $50 and $1,000) and support for your idea—no strings attached. We get no equity, ownership, or future right to invest. You'll also get perks (hosting credits, etc) and an invite to join Merge Club.

• Hardware projects
• Software development
• Research initiatives
• Creative projects
• Community building
• Any ambitious and compelling ideas

📝 Application Guide

Written Application (1,000 words max)

Personal Background

• Your story and motivation
• Current situation
• Relevant experience
• Connection to the project

Project Description

• Problem statement
• Your proposed solution
• What makes it uniquely compelling
• Current progress
• Implementation plan
• Future vision and ambitions

Budget Breakdown

Provide specific allocations, for example:

Hardware Components: $300
- Component A: $150
- Component B: $150

Software Tools: $200
- Tool X subscription: $100
- Tool Y license: $100

Total: $500

Tips for budget:

• Be specific and detailed
• Avoid general statements like "design costs"
• Include timeline for fund usage
• Justify each expense

Application Process

1. Submit Application

• Complete online form
• Include all required components
• Optional: Share with Merge community for broader exposure

2. Review Phase

• Team reviews all applications
• Email notification of next steps

3. Interview (if selected)

• 15-minute relaxed conversation
• Discuss project dedication and vision

4. Decision

• Quick turnaround after interview
• Selected projects receive funding promptly

Tips from Recipients

"The application is very straightforward, taking only an hour or two. The interview is incredibly relaxed - you're speaking founder-to-founder about your vision for building."

• Ryan Marsy, Grant Recipient

Key Advice:

• Provide comprehensive budget details
• Show strong conviction in your idea
• Be clear about project goals
• Don't fear early-stage mistakes
• Demonstrate learning mindset
• Have future foresight and ambitions

📜 Example Recipients

• Ryan, creating a 6-axis robotic arm to help those with degenerative disabilities with fine motor tasks
• Arthur, developing an affordable EEG system
• Kenneth, working on a headband device to monitor the glymphatic system
• Rashi, building an open-air natural mosquito repellant using algae.
• Hector, creating a no-code platform that allows Governments, Universities, and individuals to utilize LLMs for digitally disadvantaged language preservation.
• Kevin, building the world’s first setter robot that delivers volleyballs perfectly every time
• Richa, creating an open-source wearable to help people with severe motor disorders (like ALS, cerebral palsy, locked-in syndrome) communicate using just their tongue movements
• Aaryan, who’s building the largest public database of phages
• Jayant, who’s solving stuttering with AI speech therapy

📻 Interview-Prep Resources

• Program FAQ
• Ari’s Quarterly Update
• Merge Grant Update

Additional Resources

• Merge Club Twitter

• LFG Community

Frequently Asked Questions

Who's running this? Merge is run by On Deck as part of their mission to help more people start great companies. While our flagship ODF program has helped launch 1,000+ startups raising $2B+, Merge supports even earlier-stage builders.

Who is eligible? Anyone restricted from self-funding their project. We welcome all ages, nationalities, and interests. We consider factors like work status, dependents, and household income.

What exactly is "no strings attached"? You get $50-$1,000 plus support, with zero equity or future obligations. We only expect you to use the funding for your project.

What projects do you fund? Any ambitious and compelling idea across sectors—hardware, software, research, creative work, or community building.

Can I apply multiple times? Yes, though priority goes to new applicants. You can apply with different projects or at different stages.

Why do you ask about finances? To ensure we support builders who've pushed their projects as far as possible before funding became a barrier.