Announcement: Grants are open — apply now. Careers — apply now.
Visa Foundation is the philanthropic foundation associated with Visa. We back women-led and diverse small businesses, strengthen local communities, and fund the organisations that make economic mobility possible — in more than 100 markets and counting.
Working alongside leading organisations
Small and micro businesses supported through our partners
Markets where our programmes operate
Committed across more than 150 global partners
Jobs supported through our partner network
Reported figures from Visa Foundation. All amounts in U.S. dollars.
Visa Foundation is the philanthropic arm associated with Visa, the global digital payments company. Our purpose is to help build inclusive economies where people, small businesses and communities can thrive.
We do it by combining three things that rarely arrive together: flexible capital, practical capability building, and long-term partnership.
Read our story
Our partners work across more than 100 markets. The arcs show capital and capability flowing from our San Francisco base.
Each pillar reinforces the others.
Supporting businesses, institutions, organisations, community groups and individuals with eligible projects that promote economic growth.
Three commitments, delivered through a four-stage operating model.
We combine grants with impact investments so funding reaches the businesses traditional finance overlooks.
Every grant is paired with training, mentorship or technical assistance so the capability stays.
We invest where Visa employees live and work, supporting locally identified priorities.
We start with local evidence and partner expertise.
Grants arrive with hands-on support and technical assistance.
Partners report against agreed indicators.
What works is documented and offered to the sector.
Field updates, grant announcements and upcoming events from the communities where our partners work.
Applications are now open for the 2026 cycle — USD 10,000 to USD 1,000,000 from a shared USD 40 million pool.
In the last cycle, women-led enterprises made up the majority of grantees for the first time.
A partner-led field visit to women-run vegetable stalls supported by digital payments.
An in-depth look at what one of our implementation partners has achieved.
Illustrative stories showing the kind of outcomes our programmes are designed to support.
Business training plus a small grant helped a trader formalise her business.
Illustrative outcome
A short, practical training pathway for entry-level roles.
Illustrative outcome
Residents set priorities and selected projects themselves.
Illustrative outcome
Digital payment adoption helped a retailer qualify for working capital.
Illustrative outcome
It is our 2026 flagship grant programme. Awards range from USD 10,000 to USD 1,000,000 per recipient, drawn from a shared USD 40 million pool.
Companies, SMEs, startups, NGOs, NPOs, community groups, faith-based organisations, educational institutions, cooperatives, SACCOs, social enterprises, CSR projects, and individuals proposing eligible community-benefit projects.
No. There is no application fee, and we never ask applicants to pay to be considered.
Use the Apply Now button on the Grants page to fill a short form, or copy the grants email address and email us directly.
Visa Foundation is the philanthropic foundation associated with Visa, the global digital payments company. Its purpose is to help build inclusive economies where people, small businesses and communities can thrive.
Visa Foundation seeks to support inclusive economies where individuals, businesses and communities can thrive. Through grantmaking and investing, the Foundation prioritises the growth of gender-diverse and inclusive small and micro businesses.
The Foundation also supports broader community needs and disaster response in times of crisis. Visa Foundation is registered in the U.S. as a 501(c)(3) entity.
A world where economic mobility is within reach for everyone.
Three commitments guide every partnership and every grant we make.
Observe, listen, reflect, then assist. Genuine and transparent relationships bring a diversity of viewpoints, skills and resources to bear.
We seek to mitigate the systemic barriers facing small businesses — particularly those led by women or people from underrepresented groups.
Begin with the end goal in mind. We back partners advancing innovative solutions.
In April 2020, Visa Foundation launched the Equitable Access Initiative, a five-year, $200 million strategic commitment to support gender-diverse and inclusive SMBs around the world.
As part of the initiative, the Foundation provides $60 million in grants and $140 million in impact investments with a gender and diversity lens.
Visa Foundation is governed by a board and operates with transparency.
We publish impact reports and share how grants and investments are deployed.
Our partners and programmes are held to clear standards of reporting and results.
We work alongside grantees, investees and community organisations.
From financial inclusion to community resilience, our work focuses on the systems and solutions that help people and small businesses thrive.
Helping small traders accept digital payments and build a financial history.
Business training, mentorship and seed grants for early-stage founders.
Practical digital and employability training for young people.
Flexible grants awarded through community committees.
Partnering to extend savings, credit and insurance products.
Preparing early-stage enterprises for their first institutional capital.
Our operating model is built around partnership, transparency and measurable outcomes.
We identify partners with a proven track record and a clear theory of change.
Grants and investments are paired with capacity building and network access.
Partners report against agreed indicators, and lessons are shared.
Through the power of economic mobility, Visa Foundation is helping to transform the trajectory of small businesses and communities around the world.
Reported figures from Visa Foundation's grantmaking, investing and partnerships.
Small and micro businesses supported
Markets where our programmes operate
Across more than 150 global partners
Jobs supported through our partner network
All amounts in U.S. dollars.
Visa Foundation advances economic mobility by creating sustained impact in the communities where Visa employees live and work.
Visa Foundation Gives has launched in eight cities, deploying more than $2 million in grants.
Disaster relief: the Foundation has committed more than $22 million to assist those impacted by floods, earthquakes and wildfires.
Illustrative stories showing the kind of outcomes our programmes are designed to support.
Residents set priorities and selected projects themselves.
Illustrative outcome
A short training pathway for entry-level roles.
Illustrative outcome
Working capital let a retailer expand and hire.
Illustrative outcome
We are committed to transparency.
See how and where grants and investments are making a measurable difference.
Partners report against agreed indicators.
Our governance and financial reporting follow 501(c)(3) standards.
Applications are open. Awards from USD 10,000 to USD 1,000,000 per organization, drawn from a shared USD 40 million pool. No application fee.
Use the Apply Now form for a quick application with a reference number, or copy the grants email and send your application directly. Both routes reach the same team.
Click Apply Now at the top of this page. Fill in name, organization, country, phone, email and (optionally) what you need funds for.
Copy the grants address below and send your name, organization, and one line explaining why you need funds from your own email client.
We review every submission and respond to the email you provided within three business days — with next steps and the full application form.
Copy the address below and send your application from your own email client.
grants@visacardfoundation.org
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Award range | USD 10,000 – USD 1,000,000 per organization |
| Total pool | USD 40,000,000 shared across all awards |
| Application fee | None — and never any charge to be considered |
| How to apply | Online form via Apply Now, or email grants@visacardfoundation.org |
| Response time | 3 business days — we contact every applicant by email |
| Decision criteria | Feasibility, need, budget, accountability, sustainability, capacity, impact |
Applications welcome from any legitimate business, institution, community group or individual proposing an eligible project.
| Applicant type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Businesses | Companies, SMEs, startups and sole proprietors. |
| Non-profits | NGOs, NPOs, charities and community-based organisations. |
| Faith-based | Churches, mosques and other faith-based organisations. |
| Education | Schools, colleges, universities and educational institutions. |
| Community groups | Self-help groups, women's groups, youth groups and community associations. |
| Agriculture | Farmers, agricultural groups, cooperatives and SACCOs. |
| Social enterprises | Social enterprises and community development organisations. |
| Grassroots | Community-based projects and grassroots initiatives. |
| CSR programmes | Corporate Social Responsibility projects and partnerships. |
| Individuals | Individuals or organised groups proposing eligible community-benefit projects. |
Seven categories. If your project doesn't fit neatly into one, submit under “other eligible initiatives”.
| Category | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Business growth & expansion |
|
| Community development |
|
| Self-help & grassroots |
|
| Education & institutions |
|
| Agriculture & farming |
|
| CSR & social impact |
|
| Other eligible initiatives |
|
Every application is scored against the same criteria. No preferred regions, sectors or organisation sizes.
The details applicants ask about most often.
Awards range from USD 10,000 to USD 1,000,000 per organization. The amount reflects project scope, justified costs, organisational capacity and expected impact. All awards are drawn from the shared USD 40 million pool.
Yes. Individuals or organised groups proposing eligible community-benefit projects may apply, subject to final eligibility requirements.
Never. Visa Foundation does not charge application fees. Report any requests for payment to grants@visacardfoundation.org.
Use the Apply Now form. On submit, you will receive a unique reference number (format VCF-GRT-2026-XXXXX) by email. We reply to your thread directly.
Within three business days. We contact every applicant — successful or not — by email.
One role is currently open. We hire through email only — no forms, no portals. Copy the careers address and send your CV.
An entry-level role supporting the coordination and implementation of community programmes, business development initiatives, and development projects. Open to graduates from any academic background.
How to applyPractical, hands-on work supporting community programmes and development projects.
The Programme Support Assistant will support the coordination and implementation of community programmes, business development initiatives, and development projects. The role provides an opportunity for graduates from any academic background to gain practical workplace experience while contributing to projects that support communities, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local organizations.
The successful candidate will receive practical on-the-job training and guidance while learning programme coordination, participant engagement, project administration, record keeping, and community support activities.
Ten core duties that make up the day-to-day of the role.
Seven conditions. If you meet them all, you are eligible to apply.
No previous work experience is required.
No previous work experience is required.
This is an entry-level opportunity designed for recent graduates and other eligible applicants seeking practical workplace exposure. Training and guidance will be provided through on-the-job training (OJT).
Open to all academic disciplines.
This opportunity is open to eligible diploma holders, degree graduates, and individuals with higher qualifications from all academic disciplines. Applicants do not need a background in development studies, business administration, finance, or project management.
Candidates who are motivated to learn, work with people, support community initiatives, and gain practical professional experience are encouraged to apply.
All eligible applicants will be considered fairly, without discrimination based on academic discipline, gender, disability, or social background.
We read every application. Interested candidates will be contacted within 3 business days.
Copy the address below and email your CV and a short cover note from your own email client. This is the only channel we use.
careers@visacardfoundation.org
Send us a message using the form below, or reach the team directly using the contact details on the right. Both routes reach our inbox within 3 business days.
Fill in the form and we will get back to you. On submit you will receive a reference number by email — a copy also goes to you, so we can reply to your thread directly.
Generating your reference number.
Your reference number is:
A copy of this message has been sent to your email. We will reply to that thread directly within 3 business days.
Prefer to write directly? Copy the address that fits your question, or call us. Our team reviews every message.
Foundation, mission, or requests that don't fit another inbox.
1-800-VISA-HELP
Applications, eligibility and requirements for the 2026 Challenge.
Applications for open roles, speculative CVs and recruitment questions.
Press enquiries, interview requests and media assets.
1-800-VISA-NEWS
Speak directly with our team Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00 Pacific.
Visa Foundation · 300 Toni Stone Crossing, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. Staffed Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00 Pacific.