Microgrant Program ·Workday Foundation

In today’s increasingly digital world, people are more connected through technology than ever before. Yet, paradoxically, loneliness and social isolation continue to rise across all age groups. Recognizing this growing global challenge, the Workday Foundation has launched the Human Connection Microgrant Program 2026, an innovative funding opportunity designed to support nonprofit organizations that create meaningful, joyful, and in-person community experiences.

Through grants of up to $10,000 USD, the foundation aims to empower grassroots organizations, charities, and nonprofits to develop projects that bring neighbors together, strengthen relationships, reduce loneliness, and foster long-lasting community connections.

If your organization is passionate about building stronger communities through shared experiences, this grant could provide the financial support needed to turn your ideas into reality.

About the Workday Foundation Human Connection Microgrant Program

The Workday Foundation Human Connection Microgrant Program is a new initiative dedicated to investing in in-real-life (IRL) human connection. Rather than funding traditional service delivery alone, the program supports creative community projects where human connection is intentionally designed into every aspect of the experience. The foundation believes that joyful social interactions create what it calls “joyful feedback loops.” These positive experiences encourage participants to return, invite others, and gradually build stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods.

The program recognizes that genuine relationships cannot always be built online. Instead, they flourish when people gather face-to-face, share experiences, and develop trust over time.

Why the Program Matters

Research continues to show alarming trends in loneliness around the world:

• One in six adults globally reports experiencing loneliness.
• One in three adolescents experiences loneliness.
• Communities are seeing fewer opportunities for spontaneous in-person interactions.
• Modern lifestyles increasingly reduce opportunities for neighbors to meet naturally.

Several factors have contributed to this trend, including:

• Remote work
• Online learning
• Smartphones
• Social media
• Streaming entertainment
• Delivery services
• Self-checkout systems
• Reduced use of public gathering spaces

Although technology has made communication easier, it has also reduced opportunities for meaningful face-to-face relationships.

The Workday Foundation believes communities become healthier when people intentionally create spaces where neighbors can meet, interact, build friendships, and develop trust.

Program Vision

The Human Connection Microgrant Program seeks to fund projects that:

• Create opportunities for genuine in-person interactions.
• Build lasting friendships among neighbors.
• Encourage trust and belonging.
• Reduce loneliness.
• Inspire continued participation through enjoyable experiences.
• Strengthen neighborhoods one connection at a time.

The foundation is particularly interested in projects where social connection is the primary purpose, rather than a secondary outcome.

Types of Projects the Grant Will Support

The Workday Foundation welcomes a wide variety of creative ideas that help people connect.

Examples include:

1. Community Block Parties

Organizations may organize neighborhood block parties that encourage residents to meet, socialize, and celebrate together.

These gatherings should be:

• Welcoming
• Inclusive
• Easy to attend
• Designed for all ages

2. Community Potlucks and Cultural Celebrations

Projects can include:

• Shared meals
• Cultural festivals
• Seasonal celebrations
• Story-sharing events
• Food exchange programs

These activities allow people from different backgrounds to connect through food, traditions, and conversation.

3. Creative Community Projects

The foundation encourages artistic experiences that naturally bring people together, including:

• Public murals
• Neighborhood art installations
• Storytelling walks
• Music sessions
• Community choirs
• Line dancing classes
• Open creative workshops

4. Games and Recreational Activities

Shared play can become an effective tool for community building.

Examples include:

• Board game nights
• Trivia competitions
• Neighborhood scavenger hunts
• Community sports
• Family game festivals

5. Volunteer and Service Projects

Organizations may organize projects where neighbors work together toward a common goal, such as:

• Community cleanups
• Park improvement initiatives
• Neighborhood beautification
• Local volunteer events

These activities strengthen relationships while improving communities.

6. Intergenerational Programs

The grant encourages activities that connect people of different generations.

Projects may involve:

• Youth
• Adults
• Seniors

Examples include:

• Story-sharing sessions
• Community gardening
• Mentorship activities
• Shared learning events

7. Outdoor Community Activities

Outdoor recreation provides another opportunity for meaningful interaction.

Eligible ideas include:

• Hiking groups
• Camping events
• Walking clubs
• Run clubs
• Outdoor games
• Nature exploration programs.

What Makes a Strong Project?

Successful proposals should clearly demonstrate how their activities will:

• Build stronger social relationships.
• Create welcoming environments.
• Encourage participation from people outside the organization’s existing network.
• Foster joy and belonging.
• Encourage participants to return for future activities.
• Expand community engagement over time.

The activity itself should revolve around strengthening relationships rather than simply hosting an event.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Organizations must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a registered nonprofit or charity.
• Be a 501(c)(3) organization in the United States or a registered charity internationally.
• Organizations using a fiscal sponsor may apply.
• Maintain an annual operating budget below USD 500,000.
• Be eligible to legally receive grant funding.
• Be in good standing with relevant authorities.

Grassroots organizations and small community organizations are especially encouraged to apply.

Eligible Projects

Projects must:

• Take place in one of the eligible cities.
• Focus primarily on building in-person human connection.
• Be open to the wider community.
• Encourage participation from neighbors.
• Be delivered during the grant period.
• Be either: A single event
  • A series of events
  • An ongoing community program.

Projects That Are Not Eligible

The program will not fund:

• Virtual-only events
• Online communities
• Building construction
• Facility renovations
• Capital improvement projects
• General organizational operating expenses
• Political campaigns
• Lobbying activities
• Religious proselytization
• Projects focused only on social services without emphasizing human connection
• Closed clubs or member-only groups
• For-profit businesses
• Projects outside the designated cities.

Grant Amount

Successful applicants may receive funding of up to:

Up to USD 10,000

There is no minimum funding request, allowing organizations to seek support according to the scale of their proposed project.

Final award amounts will depend on factors such as:

• Number of applications received
• Quality of the proposal
• Expected community impact
• Organizational experience
• Number of people expected to benefit.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete a brief application including:

Organization Background

Applicants should provide:

• Mission statement
• Organizational history
• Why the organization was established

 

Interested applicants should click HERE to apply

Learn more about the opportunity HERE 

Project Hypothesis

Applicants must explain:

• How the proposed project will strengthen human connections.
• Why they believe it will reduce loneliness and build community.

Project Overview

The proposal should include:

• Description of activities
• Whether the project is a one-time event or multiple events
• How new participants will be welcomed
• Community engagement strategy

Proposed Budget

Organizations should submit a detailed budget outlining:

• Expected expenses
• Funding allocation
• Overall project costs

Measurement and Evaluation Plan

Applicants must explain how they will measure success.

Possible evaluation areas include:

• Human connection
• Sense of belonging
• Reduced loneliness
• Participant satisfaction
• Community engagement

Applicants should also submit sample survey questions that will be used to evaluate project impact.

Reporting Requirements

Organizations receiving funding must submit a one-page final report within 60 days after completing their project.

The report should include:

• Program summary
• Activities completed
• Participation numbers
• Outcomes achieved
• Photos or videos documenting events

Organizations are also encouraged to use the hashtag #IRLhumanconnection in related social media posts.

Program Timeline

Why Organizations Should Apply

This microgrant provides much more than financial support. It offers nonprofit organizations an opportunity to:

• Address loneliness within their communities.
• Strengthen neighborhood relationships.
• Foster inclusion and belonging.
• Create sustainable community engagement models.
• Pilot innovative ideas for social connection.
• Build partnerships across diverse groups.
• Demonstrate measurable community impact.
• Contribute to a global movement promoting stronger human relationships.

Whether your organization plans a neighborhood festival, community art project, volunteer initiative, outdoor recreation program, or cultural celebration, the Workday Foundation is looking for ideas that place human connection at the heart of every activity.

Conclusion

The Workday Foundation Human Connection Microgrant Program 2026 represents a significant opportunity for nonprofits and community organizations committed to creating stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods. As loneliness continues to emerge as one of today’s most pressing social challenges, this initiative encourages organizations to design joyful, inclusive, and meaningful experiences that bring people together in real life.

With grants of up to $10,000 USD, the program supports innovative grassroots initiatives that prioritize genuine human interaction over digital engagement. If your organization has a creative idea capable of fostering trust, friendship, and belonging within your community, this funding opportunity could help transform that vision into lasting impact.

For more Global updates on GRANTS click HERE