Applications for the 2019 Maker Cities Grant Initiative Now Open
We know that creative entrepreneurship is a powerful force, providing supplemental income and jobs to makers while helping to drive local economic development and revitalize cities. Yet, this important community of microbusinesses is often overlooked as an engine of economic development and empowerment.
Since 2016, our Maker Cities initiative has sought to change this dynamic by encouraging local policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and Etsy sellers to work together and tackle some of the biggest barriers faced by microbusinesses in their community. Over the years, our Maker Cities initiative has supported creative entrepreneurial communities by investing in innovative projects to help traditionally underrepresented groups participate in the creative economy.
We’re not alone in this effort. This year, we are proud to partner with an organization with shared beliefs around fostering creative local economies. We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth to launch the next iteration of Maker Cities. The Center takes a new approach to philanthropy, and leverages research, data, programs, and engagement to advance sustainable and equitable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world.
About the 2019 Maker Cities Grant Program
Powered by the Etsy Impact Fund and the Mastercard Impact Fund, and supported by Recast City, the 2019 Maker Cities program will provide grants up to $40,000 to five nonprofit organizations to invest in a year long economic development project submitted in their application. We are seeking proposals for data-driven, innovative new programming that supports localised, creative economic development and addresses the barriers creative entrepreneurs face related to accessibility, building community, small batch manufacturing, resource sharing and collaboration.
In addition to $40,000 in direct program support, grantees will receive robust, customized training and support, and access to tools and resources to help them bring their project plans to life.
