On Deck access fund
A Donor Advised Fund — supporting underestimated talent to be "on deck"
learn moreUnlocking talent. Growing the pie.
A $1M+ scholarship pool for underestimated talent, powered by the On Deck community.
Technology is a powerful force for good. But while its use has become ubiquitous, the ability to participate in its development and resulting wealth creation is far from widespread.
Ask yourself: how does an idea go from a napkin to a conversation with potential users, then to code, and finally become a product? How about scaling as a business? If you’d even encountered these questions, let alone know how to answer them — you’re substantially ahead of the majority of the world’s population. The tech industry has an “access” problem, and it’s never been more obvious than in 2020.
The On Deck Access Fund is a donor advised scholarship fund (“DAF”) dedicated to supporting people who have the talent and drive to build great startups and progress their careers in technology, but lack the typical background, incentives or resources to do so.
How does it work?
Step 1
Apply to On Deck
Step 2
Figure out what's next
Step 3
Give back
Step 4
Stay in touch
This "pay-it-forward" mentality personifies the spirit and values of the On Deck community, creating a self-sustaining giving machine, that we hope can systematically reshape the technology industry.
Apply for a scholarship
To qualify for a grant from the Access Fund, you must first be accepted into an On Deck program. Check out our current and upcoming programs!
Explore OpportunitiesDonate to the Access Fund
The fund is a Donor Advised Fund managed by Overflow.co and supported by donations from partners, existing fellows and previous scholarship recipients. We also welcome donations from others to help us in this effort.
On Deck will match every donation 1:1 up to $1M until the end of 2021.
FAQ
The Access Fund is dedicated to supporting people who have the talent and drive to build great startups and progress their careers in technology, but lack the typical background, incentives or resources to do so.
This is how it works:
1. Apply, and be accepted to participate in an On Deck program.
2. Once you’ve been accepted, apply for a grant from the Access Fund, describing your situation and needs. The fund can cover On Deck tuition and itemized essential costs that may be limiting your ability to participate, such as a laptop or internet connection.
3. Once you’re “off deck” again — having either found a job or started a company, you can contribute back to the fund to provide support for future fellows. Make a one-off, or set up a recurring monthly/annual contribution by donating stock or cash via Overflow.co (ODF3).
4. You’re now a contributing sponsor for life! You’ll receive regular updates on fund activity, and have the opportunity to mentor and connect with future grant recipients.
The fund is a "Donor Advised Fund" managed by Overflow.co, and supported by donations from partners, existing fellow and, most importantly previous scholarship recipients. We also welcome donations from others to help us in this effort.
Both cash and stock donations provide tax benefits. Donating securities is the most tax efficient way to give because you can avoid capital gains tax in addition to benefiting from the charitable tax deduction.
The Access Fund is designed to support people who have the talent and drive to build great startups but lack the typical background and resources to do so.
We don't have a strict financial criteria so decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, but are strictly "means" based, and only a limited number made available per cohort.
To qualify for a grant from the Access Fund, you must first be accepted into an On Deck program, including the On Deck Founder, Writer, or Podcaster Fellowship. After the acceptance, you'll have the opportunity to apply for a grant.