We light sparks—but we also build the conditions for the fire to keep burning.
Matchbox Fund is a catalytic fund that supports bold, creative efforts challenging the status quo.
Who we are
Purpose-First Grantmaking: Lighting the Unseen
Matchbox Fund exists to ignite bold ideas, movements, and initiatives that challenge the status quo. Our funding approach reflects our belief that courage, clarity, and conviction are not always housed in institutions or polished proposals—they’re often found at the margins, in motion, and in moments of quiet rebellion.
Our process is designed to be:
- Purposeful, not performative
- Relational, not extractive
- Lightweight, but rigorous in spirit
That means we don’t filter for polish—we listen for clarity, traction, and alignment. We ask: Is the work grounded? Is the timing right? Does the vision feel possible with the right spark? We don’t expect perfection—but we do look for momentum and integrity.
What we do
The Four-Spark Model
A Simpler, Bolder Process: Our discovery and decision-making model is designed to reduce barriers, reward clarity over polish, and protect possibility—not just perfect process.
We don’t issue open calls or ask for lengthy proposals. Instead, we work with a rotating group of field scouts—artists, organizers, builders, and thinkers—who identify organizations doing vital but under-recognized work. No application required—just clarity and curiosity.
This isn’t a pitch. It’s a conversation. Share your story through a 20-minute call, voice memo, or short written reflection. We send framing questions in advance. We fund direction, not perfection. Clarity, not polish.
Our team and community reviewers listen to stories. No scoring—only discernment. We make decisions based on alignment, urgency, boldness, and clarity of purpose. We listen for depth of thinking, grounded traction, and intentionality—not performance.
Funding isn’t the finish line—it’s the ignition point. We co-define the scope and spirit of the grant, offer flexible support, and stay in relationship. No formal reporting, no pressure. Just an open door for ongoing connection and support.
What we do
The Four-Spark Model
A Simpler, Bolder Process: Our discovery and decision-making model is designed to reduce barriers, reward clarity over polish, and protect possibility—not just perfect process.
Spark: You're Found
We don’t issue open calls or ask for lengthy proposals. Instead, we work with a rotating group of field scouts—artists, organizers, builders, and thinkers—who identify organizations doing vital but under-recognized work. No application required—just clarity and curiosity.
Strike: You Share
This isn’t a pitch. It’s a conversation. Share your story through a 20-minute call, voice memo, or short written reflection. We send framing questions in advance. We fund direction, not perfection. Clarity, not polish.
Flame: We Decide Together
Our team and community reviewers listen to stories. No scoring—only discernment. We make decisions based on alignment, urgency, boldness, and clarity of purpose. We listen for depth of thinking, grounded traction, and intentionality—not performance.
Glow: We Co-Create What Comes Next
Funding isn’t the finish line—it’s the ignition point. We co-define the scope and spirit of the grant, offer flexible support, and stay in relationship. No formal reporting, no pressure. Just an open door for ongoing connection and support.
what we fund
Sparks Worth Igniting
At Matchbox, we back bold ideas, movements, and initiatives—especially those entering a new or uncertain phase of growth. Whether early-stage or nested within a larger organization, we support work that challenges the status quo and pushes boundaries.
We’re drawn to efforts that:
- Challenge entrenched systems or norms
- Take thoughtful risks to drive meaningful change
- Operate outside traditional philanthropic visibility
- Are rooted in and reflective of the communities they serve
We don’t fund based on polish or prestige—we fund based on momentum, purpose, and timing.
Most of our grantees:
- Have budgets under $500,000
- Are in a pivotal phase of growth
- Operate at the edges of traditional philanthropy
- May be fiscally sponsored, as long as the structure aligns with the mission and values
Our $10,000 grants are designed to be catalytic—not comprehensive. The spark, not the finish line.
how we fund
Matchbox Funder Network
At Matchbox Fund, we don’t believe funding ends with a single grant. The Matchbox Funder Network brings together values-aligned funders committed to helping early-stage, systems-shifting work move to the next chapter—with integrity, momentum, and care.
Bold work doesn’t thrive alone. Too often, great ideas stall after early funding. The Matchbox Funder Network ensures that grantees aren’t left navigating their next phase in isolation. This isn’t about scaling everything—it’s about sustaining what matters and supporting the work in motion.
Grantees are already vetted through our Four-Spark model. No added application burden.
Each grantee shares a brief, authentic “What’s Next” plan rooted in real goals.
Whether you fund, advise, or amplify, the Network helps you engage meaningfully.