How much funding does Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant provide?

Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant provides $5,000 - $20,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND INC

Foundation Annual Grants for Startups Small Business Grants Grants for Minority-Owned Businesses

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Funding Amount

$5,000 - $20,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant

Organization: Diamonds Do Good (formerly Diamond Empowerment Fund Inc)

Status: Active annual program

Geographic Scope: Global focus on natural diamond-producing countries including:

Africa: Botswana, DR Congo, Guinea, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

Asia: India

North America: Canada (Northwest Territories expansion in 2024)

Focus Areas:

Support for entrepreneurs in communities where natural diamonds are mined, cut, and polished

Industries supported include agriculture, education, electronics, energy, and other sustainable business sectors

Emphasis on job creation and positive community impact

Award Range: $5,000 to $20,000 per recipient

Program Details:

Partnership with United People Global (UPG) for implementation

Finalists receive mentorship through UPG Biashara Learning Journey and UPG Biashara Action Journey

2022: $100,000 total distributed to 10 entrepreneurs

2024: 25 finalists from 7 countries competed

2025: 20 finalists from 7 countries competing

Key Contact:

Executive Director: Nancy Orem Lyman

Phone: (212) 359-4219 or (914) 319-9141

Email: [email protected]

About the Organization:
Diamonds Do Good is a not-for-profit organization inspired in 2006 by Nelson Mandela to tell the world about the positive impact of natural diamonds and support communities where diamonds are sourced. The organization creates meaningful change through its grants program and shares stories of real impact on real people.

How to Apply

Application Process

Selection Process:
1. Entrepreneurs submit applications to UPG Biashara program
2. Large applicant pool (1,400+ applications received in 2022)
3. 20-25 finalists selected for final round
4. Finalists participate in "Shark Tank"-style pitches to compete for Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant
5. Winners announced annually

Support Provided:

Financial awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000

Access to UPG Biashara Learning Journey for skill development

Ongoing mentorship through UPG Biashara Action Journey

Business expertise and guidance

Application Partner: United People Global (UPG)

Initial applications go through UPG Biashara program

UPG screens and selects finalists

Diamonds Do Good makes final selection decisions

Timeline Example (2024):

Finalists announced in July 2024

Winners announced July 17, 2024