FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
FedEx
$20K–$50K (retired 2024)
Researched for this program: 5 rejection traps · 3 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
Annual $50K grand prize for US small businesses
FedEx ran this annual contest from 2012 through 2024, awarding cash grants to US-based small businesses — in its most recent cycles, one grand prize of $50,000 and nine runner-up prizes of $20,000 each, totaling $230,000. FedEx has confirmed the program is retired with no future cycles planned. It was open to for-profit US businesses with 99 or fewer employees; applications historically opened in late January with winners announced in May.
- Funding type
- Award
- Level
- Private
- Amount range
- $20,000 – $50,000
- Realistic amount
- $20,000 (most winners receive runner-up prize; one grand prize per year)
- Deadline
- Retired — FedEx ran the contest 2012–2024 and has confirmed it is retired with no future cycles planned.
- Status
- retired
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- lump sum
Who qualifies
- US-based, for-profit business
- 99 or fewer employees
- In business for at least 6 months at application time
- US citizen or permanent resident owner
- Cannot be a FedEx employee or immediate family member of one
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Any legitimate business expense — the grant is unrestricted
- Equipment and inventory
- Marketing and advertising
- Hiring and payroll
- Technology and software
Ineligible expenses
- Personal expenses unrelated to the business
- Debt repayment
- Political contributions
How to apply
-
1
Register on FedEx grant portal
Create an account on the FedEx small business grant contest page during the open application window (typically late January–February).
~0.5 hrs
-
2
Complete business profile
Submit business name, industry, location, employee count, annual revenue, and founding date.
~0.5 hrs
-
3
Write your business story
Describe how FedEx services fit into your business and what you'd do with the grant funding. Judges look for compelling narrative and concrete plans.
~2 hrs
-
4
Submit and promote (public voting phase)
Past cycles included a public voting component where community votes influenced finalist selection. Share your submission broadly to maximize votes.
~3 hrs
-
5
Finalist review
Finalists undergo a panel review; winners announced in May.
~0 hrs
Public vote component has historically been a major factor — mobilize your customer base early. FedEx brand affinity in your submission helps.
Deadline & timing
FedEx ran the contest annually from 2012 through 2024, historically opening applications in late January–early February. FedEx has confirmed the program is retired — there is no 2025, 2026, or future cycle planned.
Related programs
This program is not taking applications today — these are
Alternatives computed from the live GrantCompass catalog on August 25, 2026 — all 183 open grant programs · filter the database.
Explore more funding
Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.