/ T7 Initiative

Social Impact Grant Challenge

We're investing up to $1.5 million into nonprofits.

The future of social impact is built here. T7 connects mission-aligned organizations, institutions, innovators, and changemakers to funding pathways, strategic partnerships, ecosystem visibility, and scalable impact opportunities.

Apply for the Challenge Official Rules & Terms

/ The Gateway

Open Access To The Ecosystem

For years, many of the T.D. Jakes Foundation's strategic partnerships and grantee relationships were developed primarily through invitation-only engagement. T7 changes that.

For the first time, nonprofit organizations, institutions, workforce leaders, innovators, and mission-aligned organizations from across the country have an opportunity to engage with the T.D. Jakes Foundation ecosystem through funding pathways, strategic partnerships, educational experiences, and national visibility.

This is more than a summit. It is the gateway to the T.D. Jakes Foundation ecosystem.

/ What You'll Access

Pathways to scalable impact

Ecosystem Access

Strategic Partnerships

AI, Leadership & Innovation

Wellness & Workforce Development

Future of Social Impact

/ Who Should Apply

Built for those building it

Nonprofit organizations
Institutions & educational partners
Workforce & community leaders
Innovators & technologists
Mission-aligned organizations
Changemakers building scalable impact

/ Submit Interest

Apply for the Challenge

About the Challenge

The T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF), in partnership with Wells Fargo, is proud to launch the Social Impact Grant Challenge, a transformative funding opportunity designed to identify, support, and amplify nonprofit organizations creating meaningful change in communities across the United States.

Designed around the T.D. Jakes Foundation's pillars of service (Educational Access & Workforce Readiness, financial inclusion, and community transformation and well-being), the Challenge seeks innovative nonprofit organizations that are addressing critical social issues through impactful, scalable, and sustainable solutions.

Finalists selected through this process will have the opportunity to showcase their organization through a live presentation at the inaugural Thriving Seven (T7) Summit, taking place November 12^th–14^th in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to competing for grant funding, finalists will gain national visibility for their work and connect with nonprofit leaders, funders, and changemakers from across the country.

Grant Funding Available

A total of $1,500,000 in grant funding is anticipated to be awarded:

One (1)

$500,000 Grant

One (1)

$250,000 Grant

Two (2)

$100,000 Grants

Eleven (11)

$50,000 Grants

Eligibility Requirements

Only one application may be submitted per organization. To be eligible, organizations must:

Provide documentation supporting registered nonprofit organization status in good standing under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Be headquartered and operating within the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
Demonstrate measurable community impact and organizational capacity.
Be willing and able to participate in the Social Impact Grant Challenge process.
Comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including anti-discrimination laws, as an organization.
Ensure all programs or activities are open to participants regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, heritage, or similar characteristics.
Agree to all Challenge rules, eligibility requirements, and reporting obligations.

There is no purchase, donation, or fee required to enter or participate in the Challenge.

Important Dates

Application Opens

July 23, 2026 at 12:00 AM ET

Application Deadline

August 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

Finalist Presentations

November 12–14, 2026 · Atlanta, GA

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Funding Distribution

Grant funding will be distributed to each winner in three phases:

2026

50% of grant funds

Q2 2027

25% of grant funds

Q3 2027

25% of grant funds

Finalist Participation

Selected finalists will be invited to present their organization, mission, impact, and proposed use of grant funds during the Thriving Seven (T7) Summit. TDJF will provide complimentary Summit registration for finalists. Finalists are responsible for all travel-related expenses, including airfare, lodging, ground transportation, meals, and other incidental costs.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of evaluators using the following criteria:

Criteria

Weight

Organizational Impact and Results to Date

25%

Alignment with Community and Social Impact Goals

25%

Soundness and Feasibility of Proposed Use of Funds

25%

Organizational Capacity and Sustainability

25%

Before You Submit

Applications cannot be edited once submitted. Please review all responses carefully before completing your final submission.
Submission of an application does not guarantee advancement in the selection process.
Applicants are encouraged to retain a copy of their responses for their records.

For a complete list of eligibility requirements, program rules, selection criteria, and grant conditions, please review the Social Impact Grant Challenge Official Rules.

We look forward to learning more about your organization and the impact you are making in communities across the country.

Organizational Capacity & SustainabilityDescribe the key personnel who will lead, manage, and implement the proposed program or initiative. Include their roles, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Does your organization maintain an active Board of Directors that meets regularly and provides oversight governance?

YesNo

Briefly describe your organization's financial management practices, including how grant funds are tracked, monitored, and reported to ensure accountability and compliance. (250 words or less)

If selected for funding, can your organization commit to complying with all grant reporting requirements, including the timely submission of progress reports, financial reports, and impact data?

YesNo

Use of Funds & FeasibilityPlease explain how you determined your requested funding amount. Include a brief explanation of the major expenses the grant will support, how the amount requested aligns with your project budget, and why this level of funding is necessary to achieve the proposed outcomes. (250 words or less)

Has your organization successfully managed grants of a similar size within the past three years?

YesNo

Describe your organization's readiness to launch and manage the proposed program or initiative within six (6) months of receiving grant funding. Please include your anticipated timeline, key implementation activities, and any necessary partnerships, staffing, procurement, or approvals required to achieve program goals. (250 words or less)

Innovation & Scalability

Does your proposed program introduce a new approach, expand an existing successful model, or address an unmet community need?

YesNo

If successful, can this program be expanded, replicated, or sustained beyond the grant period?

YesNo

Describe your organization's plan for sustaining the proposed program or initiative beyond the grant period. Include anticipated funding sources, partnerships, revenue strategies, or other resources that will support long-term success and impact. (250 words or less)

Applicant Certification & Acknowledgement

By submitting this application, I certify that the information provided is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I further certify that I am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the organization and that the organization meets the eligibility requirements of the T.D. Jakes Foundation Social Impact Grant Challenge. I acknowledge that my organization has reviewed and agrees to comply with the Official Challenge Rules and Eligibility Requirements. I understand that submission of an application does not guarantee selection for funding and that, if selected, my organization may be required to provide additional documentation, participate in due diligence and compliance reviews, execute a grant agreement, and comply with all reporting, evaluation, and impact measurement requirements. I understand that failure to comply with program requirements may result in disqualification or forfeiture of grant funding. I further understand that participation in the Challenge does not guarantee funding, and all awards remain subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the final grant agreement.

Please note: By submitting this application, you will automatically be added to the T.D. Jakes Foundation email communication list to receive updates about the Social Impact Grant Challenge, the T7 Summit, and related initiatives. You may unsubscribe at any time.

I Agree

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by the T.D. Jakes Foundation regarding the Social Impact Grant Challenge.