Portugal’s Community Fund
Portugal's Community Fund
7k+
PROGRAMS HELD
150+
COUNTRIES
19k+
COMMUNITY LEADERS
428k+
TOTAL PARTICIPANTS
Portugal’s Community Fund is an initiative from the 351 Portuguese Startup Association with the support of Critical Software.
Why you should apply for the Lisboa’s Community Fund
The community fund is a shared basket of money and resources that local communities can draw on to carry out their activities or organize events. Administered by 351 Startups*, the Community Fund will allow several smaller communities in Portugal to develop and become more active, therefore fostering:
An environment more prone to innovation
Diversified offer, connecting startup communities around the country
Training and development of local community leaders
Creating spaces for founders or future founders to exchange ideas and experiences
* 351 Startups will not charge any fee to administer the fund. All savings in the fund will be allocated towards the organisation of initiatives, events, training and other activities that will benefit the national startup ecosystem.
What is it for?
Events, Research, White Papers, Meetups… Anything that fosters the growth of our startup ecosystem!
Our goal is to support and accelerate the ecosystem’s growth by helping communities develop their initiatives in the city. We aim to increase the density of startup-related projects happening in Portugal so that founders can connect with relevant stakeholders.
For whom?
Which industries can apply?
All communities and industries are welcome to apply. However, at times, and depending on what is underrepresented in our ecosystem, we may prioritize certain areas that promote diversity, sustainability, and heterogeneity, for example.
Who can apply?
Informal communities, individual founders, small ecosystem players, incubators, schools, and non-profit organisations. We will not accept applications from corporates, big startups, service providers and other large institutions.
How?
Applicable criteria
The only requirement? Your initiative must add value to the ecosystem. The community fund will support some of your costs* or put you in contact with partners that can offer their product/service for free.
Priority will be given to organizations that have not yet received support from the fund.
Application Process
We prioritise supporting free-to-participate initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, while strictly opposing any form of racist, xenophobic, or discriminatory content.
Our focus is on initiatives, communities, and events primarily organised by volunteers or independent groups based in Portugal, as well as developing and encouraging technological solutions with positive social and environmental impact.
The €10,000 fund will be distributed as follows:
- 50% will go to initiatives in Lisbon and Porto.
- The remaining 50% will support events across Portugal.
Each community can receive up to €250 to help cover the costs incurred in organising their initiatives, such as snacks, drinks, or other necessary expenses. For high-impact initiatives, we are open to providing additional support exceeding €250.
*Please refer to the Community Fund Q&A for further information.