Introduction
The Awesome Foundation is a global community of independently operated chapters that provides small grants to individuals and groups developing creative, experimental and community-focused projects.
Its philanthropic activities cover arts, technology, community development and other locally determined interests, with thematic chapters also supporting areas such as disability and conservation. Each chapter decides which ideas to fund, allowing priorities to reflect its community and trustees’ interests.
History and Background
Origins in Boston
The Awesome Foundation began in Boston in 2009. Its original model brought together a small group of people willing to pool personal contributions and award a monthly grant to someone pursuing an interesting project.
A June 2009 announcement described a lightweight application process and broadly defined support for projects, activities or research. The aim was to make small-scale funding accessible without a lengthy grant competition.
International growth
The model expanded into a network of geographic and thematic chapters. At the time of review, the official website displayed 70 chapters across 11 countries, alongside chapters with worldwide thematic interests. These figures can change as chapters become active or inactive.
Mission and Purpose
The Foundation’s purpose is to help people turn compelling ideas into reality through modest financial support. Its official description highlights projects that inspire, surprise or experiment with new approaches.
There is no single interpretation of an eligible “awesome” project across the network. Chapters set their own priorities, making previous grants a useful guide to the kinds of ideas that interest a particular group of trustees.
Governance and Structure
Autonomous chapters
Each chapter operates independently and makes its own grant decisions. The Foundation’s FAQ describes a loosely organised network, with most chapters not formally registered as organisations. A small volunteer community maintains shared global infrastructure.
Trustees and local coordination
Trustees provide the money and select grant recipients. Most chapters also have a “Dean of Awesome” who helps coordinate chapter logistics and serves as a local contact. Timing, award amounts and other arrangements may differ between chapters.
Funding and Grants
How microgrants are financed
The typical model involves approximately ten trustees contributing $100 each per month, or the local equivalent, to create a $1,000 grant. Contributions come from the trustees themselves, making the network independently funded at chapter level.
Award terms and ownership
Grants are usually awarded monthly and are offered without repayment or ownership claims. The Foundation does not take a stake in supported projects. However, applicants should check their chosen chapter’s rules for currency, award frequency and requirements.
Who can apply
Individuals, groups and organisations can apply. Geographic chapters generally favour projects benefiting their own communities. Projects with limited community impact, or existing activities that would gain little additional benefit from a small grant, are typically less suitable.
Applicants may approach more than one relevant chapter, but the FAQ encourages them to disclose other chapter applications. Most chapters review submissions monthly, although some use public pitch events.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Local community microgrants
Geographic chapters support projects according to local interests. This decentralised model allows funding decisions to respond to specific communities while retaining the shared approach of small, independently financed awards.
Disability chapter
Launched in April 2017, Awesome Disability is an independent thematic chapter whose trustees are people with disabilities. It awards $1,000 grants and accepts applications between the 1st and 10th of each month. Requests for personal expenses such as medical needs, rent or utilities are excluded.
Starting new chapters
The Foundation provides guidance for people interested in establishing a chapter. Its New Chapter Handbook draws on experience accumulated since 2009, while trustees remain responsible for contributing funds and choosing recipients.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Reported grantmaking
At the time of review, the website reported $7,988,000 granted across 7,988 projects. These figures demonstrate the network’s cumulative grantmaking activity, rather than a comprehensive measurement of resulting community outcomes.
Comic book literacy workshops
In September 2026, Awesome Philadelphia funded Create Your Own Comic Book Literacy Workshops, a project by Sheena Howard. The proposed after-school workshops at Eastwick Recreation Center primarily serve children aged six to ten, using comic creation to practise reading, writing, vocabulary and storytelling.
The project builds on earlier free workshops in which children read comics, developed original stories and shared their work. Its grant listing explains the intended activities but does not provide independently measured outcomes from the funded expansion.
Disability-focused reach
Awesome Disability reported, as of May 2026, funding 113 projects across 19 countries. Its published grant history includes disability arts, accessibility, peer support and inclusive technology initiatives, illustrating the range of work supported by a thematic chapter.
Conclusion
The Awesome Foundation offers a straightforward microgrant model built around personal contributions, independent chapter decisions and project ownership retained by recipients. It is particularly relevant to ideas where a small award can enable a concrete activity or meaningful next step.
Prospective applicants should review the relevant chapter’s recent grants and requirements, then explain clearly what they plan to do, who will benefit and how the funding will help.
For more information, visit here.
