RDAD Foundation

• Fund a defined professional obstacle. The foundation describes a $5,000 grant to help an individual take a concrete next step toward work they care about. Applicants explain exactly what the money would unlock and demonstrate that they are already pursuing the ambition rather than waiting for funding to begin.
• Support practical training and entry costs. Eligible uses listed by the foundation include tuition, certification, licensure and exam fees, application or audition fees, tools, portfolios and supervised training. Professional membership, conference travel, coaching and some necessary licenses or insurance can also fit the stated personal-development scope.
• Start with a short assessment. The website asks applicants about their dream, recent unpaid progress, the financial obstacle and their response to Bill Gurley's book. The team reviews the assessment and invites strong fits to a separate full application, so completing the first form is not a grant approval.
• Apply under explicit personal eligibility rules. The published requirements include being at least 18, currently residing in the United States and having read Runnin' Down a Dream. These conditions make the program narrower than a worldwide startup benefit and should be checked before spending time on an application.
• Join the support and community model. The foundation describes mentorship, advice and a network of recipients who can help later applicants. It also states that meaningful progress may make a recipient eligible for a second grant, with the actual decision remaining subject to the program's review process.
• Follow the current cohort schedule and funding boundary. As reviewed, Cohort 2 applications close January 31, 2027, with awards planned for spring 2027. The foundation explicitly excludes investment in companies, products, apps, inventory or startup runway, making the proposed personal use of funds central to fit.

Check before you buyThis is a selective U.S. personal grant, not a business investment or software credit. An assessment only leads to review; neither an initial award nor a second grant is guaranteed. Verify the current cohort deadline on the official site.

Official sources · checked 2026-10-02Official grant scope, eligibility and application ↗ · Book and program background ↗