Quick Facts
| Type | 100% Non-dilutive grant (1,000) |
| Eligibility | Open to all ages and nationalities |
| Process | Rolling applications, 15-minute interview |
| Contact | aridutilh@beondeck.com |
Mission
Merge Grant is a micro-grant initiative designed to give ambitious builders resources as they pursue compelling projects. We’re run by Merge Club members — called Mergers — who review applications, conduct interviews and make grant decisions.
We give you money (between 1,000) and support for your idea—no strings attached. We get no equity, ownership, or future right to invest. You’ll also get perks (hosting credits, etc) and an invite to join Merge Club.
Featured Recipients
- Ryan, creating a 6-axis robotic arm to help those with degenerative disabilities with fine motor tasks
- Arthur, developing an affordable EEG system
- Kenneth, working on a headband device to monitor the glymphatic system
- Rashi, building an open-air natural mosquito repellant using algae
- Hector, creating a no-code platform that allows Governments, Universities, and individuals to utilize LLMs for digitally disadvantaged language preservation
- Kevin, building the world’s first setter robot that delivers volleyballs perfectly every time
- Richa, creating an open-source wearable to help people with severe motor disorders communicate using just their tongue movements
- Aaryan, who’s building the largest public database of phages
- Jayant, who’s solving stuttering with AI speech therapy
Application Process
- Submit Application
- Complete online form at merge.club/grants
- 1,000 word max application
- Optional: Share on Twitter/X for community exposure
- Review Phase (1-2 weeks)
- Team reviews applications weekly
- Email notification of next steps
- Interview (15 minutes)
- Casual conversation about your project
- Focus on vision and implementation
- Usually with 2 Merge members
- Decision & Funding
- Decision within 48 hours of interview
- Funding sent immediately if selected
- Intro to Merge Club community
Written Application (1,000 words max)
Personal Background
- Your story and motivation
- Current situation
- Relevant experience
- Connection to the project
Project Description
- Problem statement
- Your proposed solution
- What makes it uniquely compelling
- Current progress
- Implementation plan
- Future vision and ambitions
Budget Breakdown
Provide specific allocations, for example:
Hardware Components: $300
- Component A: $150
- Component B: $150
Software Tools: $200
- Tool X subscription: $100
- Tool Y license: $100
Total: $500Tips for budget:
- Be specific and detailed
- Avoid general statements like “design costs”
- Include timeline for fund usage
- Justify each expense
Tips from Recipients
“The application is very straightforward, taking only an hour or two. The interview is incredibly relaxed - you’re speaking founder-to-founder about your vision for building.”
- Ryan Marsy, Grant Recipient
Key Advice:
- Provide comprehensive budget details
- Show strong conviction in your idea
- Be clear about project goals
- Don’t fear early-stage mistakes
- Demonstrate learning mindset
- Have future foresight and ambitions
Interview Preparation
Recommended Resources to understand the interviewers’ perspectives.