10 September 2025 Grants That’ll Help You Cover Your *ss
- Built on YES
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Because protecting your peace means padding your business bank account, too.
This month, we’re leaning all the way into AIC: Make Sure Your Ass is Covered, and that includes your financial safety net. Whether you’re prepping for a pivot, scaling your systems, or shoring up your mindset, non-dilutive cash is a smart way to boost your business before problems pile up.
Below are 10 grants and pitch opportunities still open in September 2025. From $100K power plays to Texas-only starter cash, every dollar helps you protect your runway, your energy, and your peace of mind.
September 2025 Grants for Female Founders
1. Gimme Gives Back - APPLY HERE
Deadline: September 8, 2025
Money Move: $40,000 cash + Power To Pitch membership + Entreprenista League access
Why It Slaps: Visibility, coaching, and a community of powerhouse women to catch you before you fall.
2. IMG Leave Your Mark - APPLY HERE
Deadline: September 12, 2025
Money Move: $3,500 for 5 winners focused on mission, service, or volunteer travel
Why It Slaps: If purpose fuels your hustle, this grant funds your service + spotlight.
3. Poker Power x IFund Power Play Grant- APPLY HERE
Deadline: September 26, 2025
Money Move: $100,000 cash + 6-month coaching + 4-week poker class
Why It Slaps: This grant doesn’t just hand you money...it teaches you how to bet smart, build a strategy, and win big.
4. StartHER Grant (Texas-based) - APPLY HERE
Opens: August 26 → Closes September 26
Money Move: $5 K
Why It Slaps: Early-stage, women-owned startups in Texas get seed cash without cowboying up collateral.
5. DoorDash Disaster Relief Fund- APPLY HERE
Deadline: September 29, 2025
Money Move: $15,000 for disaster-impacted restaurants
Why It Slaps: When disaster strikes, DoorDash delivers more than orders, it's delivering stability.
6. Galaxy Grants - APPLY HERE
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Money Move: $2,950
Why It Slaps: Hidden Star + Galaxy of Stars back minority and women founders in any industry.
7. She’s Connected by AT&T - APPLY HERE
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Money Move: $50 K grand prize + one year of AT&T service; four runner-ups score $5 K each
Why It Slaps: Cash plus connectivity—perfect for founders juggling remote teams and endless Zooms.
8. The Cornerstone Grant - APPLY HERE
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Money Move: $10,000 + mentorship and small biz spotlight
Why It Slaps: Mentorship + money = the ultimate business umbrella for stormy seasons.
9. High Five Grant for Moms - APPLY HERE
Open NOW→ September 1-30, 2025
Money Move: Up to $10,000 + runner-up visibility
Why It Slaps: Mompreneurs: You juggle everything. This helps carry the financial weight while you do.
10. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program - APPLY HERE
Deadline: November 1, 2025 (Opens Sept 24)
Money Move: $5,000 business education grant + yearlong fellowship, trip to NYC, and access to expert networks
Why It Slaps: This isn’t just a grant...it’s long-term support, visibility, and a power-packed network to future-proof your brand.
AIS Quick Checklist: How to Protect Your Business With Grants
Block Your Calendar: Schedule your “CEO Grant Hour” 48 hours before each deadline.
Tailor Your Pitch: Align your mission with each funder's values (tech equity, disaster relief, founder identity).
Build Your AIS Vault: Keep your founder bio, elevator pitch, and proof of impact ready to copy-paste.
Proof Before You Click: One typo on a locked submission portal = one missed opportunity.
Final Pep Talk
You can’t control the economy, your manufacturer’s delivery delays, or Mercury in retrograde (HA!) but you can control how well you’re resourced.
Grants don’t just fund your next hire, launch, or inventory run, they buy you time, space, and strategy clarity. That’s what being Built on YES is all about: saying YES to proactive protection.
Go on, make sure your *ss is covered: literally and financially.
Comments