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.
The application window closed on August 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Thank you to everyone who applied — submissions are no longer being accepted.
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.
Pathways to scalable impact
Built for those building it
- Nonprofit organizations
- Institutions & educational partners
- Workforce & community leaders
- Innovators & technologists
- Mission-aligned organizations
- Changemakers building scalable impact
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 12th–14th 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.
TDJF serves as the sole administrator of the Challenge and is responsible for the evaluation, selection, and final determination of award recipients. Wells Fargo serves as a strategic funding partner and does not participate in selection of the award recipients or grant-making decisions.
Grant Funding Available
A total of $1,500,000 in grant funding is anticipated to be awarded:
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
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Funding Distribution
Grant funding will be distributed to each winner in three phases:
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:
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.
If you have questions regarding the Grant Challenge or the application process, please email events@tdjfoundation.org.
We look forward to learning more about your organization and the impact you are making in communities across the country.
The Application Period Has Ended
Applications for the Social Impact Grant Challenge closed on August 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. We are no longer accepting submissions. Any application received after the deadline will not be considered.
All applicants will be contacted regarding next steps. Questions? Email events@tdjfoundation.org.