Monday is technology & innovation day on The Grant Brief.

This week the clearest signal in tech funding isn't the technology — it's the people keeping up with it. All three back U.S. nonprofits using software, data, and AI to do more, and to help workers and families navigate an AI-shaped economy.

What we know: Amazon Web Services' flagship grant for nonprofits using cloud services and/or generative AI to accelerate mission impact. Awards combine unrestricted cash, AWS promotional credits, and technical training; the program has given more than $21 million to 180+ organizations since 2018. There's no single deadline — the U.S. cycle runs annually and is open now.

Realistic fit: U.S. nonprofits with a concrete technology or AI project (infrastructure modernization, data/ML, a mission-built tool) and the capacity to build on AWS.

What we know: A rolling initiative from the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation with NextLadder Ventures, backing early-stage organizations that use software, AI, and data to help low-income Americans navigate housing, benefits, health, workforce, and financial-stability systems. Beyond the grant, selected organizations receive up to $500,000 in in-kind support, including a dedicated DRK board member.

Realistic fit: early-stage, impact-first U.S. nonprofits (or fiscally sponsored ventures) building tech-enabled tools for economic mobility, with a working product and early evidence of outcomes.

What we know: This year's Inspire Awards focus on workforce development, career navigation, and direct-service programs helping adult workers succeed in an AI-shaped economy. Selected organizations share a $725,000 pool and receive tailored support and peer networking alongside the grant.

Realistic fit: U.S. nonprofits running workforce, reskilling, or career-navigation programs for adult workers, with the capacity to partner and report outcomes.

If your work isn't tech-enabled or workforce-focused, none of these three is your door. But the through-line this week is hard to miss: funders are increasingly paying for the tools and the skills that help people keep pace with AI, not just the technology itself.

Closing soon (separate from this week's theme):

Lilly Foundation 2026 Open Call: letter of inquiry due July 3, 2026. $100,000 to $1M+ for global health, K-12 STEM education, and economic mobility.

lilly.com/about/lilly-foundation