Inflection Grants

Generalmicrogrant

Program overview

Quick Facts

·Type: $2,000 grant or Edge City village residency + potential $2,000
·Eligibility: Under 25 years old
·Process: Annual selection
·Timeline: Applications open January 2025, grantees chosen March 2025
·Contact: info@edgecity.live

Mission

Inflection Grants turns unusual ideas into reality, focusing on turning points where a small push can make a big difference. Through grants and community support, the program empowers young builders to explore new frontiers.

What Inflection Grants Funds

·Projects that need $2,000 or less to create meaningful change
·Unusual ideas from different thinkers
·Personal growth and skill development
·Creative initiatives in technology, science, and society
·Both individual projects and collaborative ventures
·Ideas that challenge conventional thinking

Note: The program focuses on supporting people who think differently and see opportunities others miss.

Application Guide

Before Applying

·Review past projects and success stories
·Consider which path fits individual goals (village or direct funding)
·Consider potential trajectory changes

Key Application Questions & Prompts

01Project Overview

·Innovation and uniqueness of the idea
·Implementation strategy
·Potential impact
·Visual materials (encouraged)
·Concise but compelling presentation

01Funding Path Selection

·Preferred path (village or direct funding) with rationale
·Resource allocation plan
·Project timeline
·Expected outcomes

01Personal Details

·Background and perspective
·Project significance
·Potential trajectory change
·Future impact vision

Application Process

01Online application submission
02Review by Inflection Grants team
03Final selection by March 2025
04Program start May 2025
05Community integration

Tips for Success

·Demonstrate unique thinking
·Present clear implementation plans
·Convey genuine enthusiasm
·Illustrate potential impact
·Show readiness for community involvement

History & Structure

Founded in 2015 with a single $50 grant for Udemy courses, Inflection Grants began as an experiment in targeted micro-philanthropy. What started as Justin Mares' personal initiative to help a young developer learn to code blossomed into a transformative success story, with the first recipient going on to co-found Kettle & Fire alongside Justin.

This initial success sparked a vision for a broader impact. The program has since evolved into a dynamic platform supporting young innovators through both direct funding and immersive community experiences. Justin, who went on to found multiple successful companies (Kettle & Fire, Perfect Keto, Surely, Upside Lending), partnered with Cyan Banister to expand the program's reach and vision.

As General Partners at Long Journey Ventures, Justin and Cyan have structured Inflection Grants to maintain minimal bureaucracy while maximizing impact. The program intentionally combines financial support with community immersion through Edge City villages, creating an innovative model for nurturing young talent. This approach has proven so effective that it continues to evolve, now offering both traditional grants and residential opportunities for maximum flexibility and impact.

What Makes an Inflection Project?

Inflection projects come from people who think differently and see opportunities others miss. These projects span various fields including technology, science, art, and society. The common thread is the potential for meaningful impact with relatively small amounts of funding. Whether it's learning a new skill, building a prototype, or launching an experiment, Inflection projects challenge conventional thinking and push boundaries.