The Workers Lab: The Innovation Fund Grant

The future of work belongs to all workers.
But right now, American workers are facing unprecedented challenges. From the dismantling of labor protections and public institutions to rising misinformation, corporate monopolization, wealth inequality, and climate disasters.
In the absence of a vision for a future of work that is modern and inclusive of all workers, our Innovation Fund continues to provide a roadmap for the U.S.. Unprecedented challenges demand bold and innovative responses.
Our Innovation Fund Fellowship is focused on new ideas that shift power to working people.
Workers' Rights & Building Power for Workers
New ideas that defend and expand workers’ rights New ideas that navigate complex policy environments where protections for workers are disappearing. New ideas that address the needs of immigrant, LGBTQ+, and rural workers, and others often left behind
Economic Security & Ownership for Workers
Ideas that build new ownership and wealth-building opportunitiesIdeas to reimagine worker classification, benefits, and protections—especially for gig, temp, and misclassified workersIdeas that create alternative models for workforce development, income security, health, and safety
Worker-Centered Technology & Innovation
New ideas that resist disinformation and digital threats that divide and disempower workersNew ideas that protect and strengthen worker privacy, dignity, and agency in a tech-driven economyNew ideas that leverage Gen AI to develop worker-centered solutions

Eligibility

This fellowship is designed for innovators committed to building worker-centered solutions. We especially encourage applications from:Individuals, teams, or organizations committed to worker-centered solutions.First-time entrepreneurs who need a support system for their ideas.Innovators from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented among those who receive venture capital and startup funding, especially entrepreneurs who identify as women and people of color.Innovators with lived experience in the issue area they are addressing.Innovators with plans for diversified future revenue streams that support long-term sustainability.Innovators who need startup capital and technical support, and have ambition for their ideas to be brought to scale.Innovators, especially those with early-stage ideas (idea, solution, pre-pilot) centered around making the ways our country serves workers more modern and inclusive.