Two ways to fund technology built for public good — one a rolling grant from a major corporate foundation, the other a fast-closing AI accelerator with a grant attached. They back very different stages: one funds organizations already scaling a solution, the other funds founders still building one.

What we know: The Autodesk Foundation funds nonprofits and mission-driven startups using design and technology to address climate change and economic inequality. It made $6.43 million in grants in its latest filing, across three areas: decarbonization and clean materials, climate resilience for low-resource communities, and preparing workers for the era of automation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and it offers unrestricted funding to nonprofits, which is rare among corporate funders.

Realistic fit: organizations with a working, technology-based solution in clean energy, climate resilience, or future-of-work that is ready to scale, not an early-stage idea.

What we know: Fast Forward is the leading accelerator for tech nonprofits, and its Academy is a hybrid six-week program for U.S.-based founders using AI to build for social impact. It supports teams moving from a minimum viable product to a beta, pairing technical support and a peer cohort with a $10,000 unrestricted grant. The application closes July 26, so this one is time-sensitive.

Realistic fit: early-stage founders building an AI-powered nonprofit or social-impact tool, past the idea stage but not yet at scale. If you are an established service provider, this is not your program.

The honest read: Autodesk is the larger, steadier door for organizations already building; Fast Forward's Academy is a narrow, fast-closing door for early-stage AI founders. Match it to where your technology actually is.