Justworks Announces 2026 Capacity Building Grant Recipients

Today, Justworks announced the recipients of its 2026 Capacity Building Grants. Justworks.org, the Social Impact branch of HR Tech company Justworks, is awarding three $100,000 capacity building grants to nonprofits dedicated to enabling founders and entrepreneurs facing extraordinary challenges in getting their businesses off the ground. 

This year’s winners are Gratitude Network, Global Detroit, and JUST Community. This year's application process was exceptionally competitive, with over 400 organizations applying for three available grants. Justworks prioritized organizations that demonstrated a unique level of operational ingenuity, specifically those leaning into innovative approaches to their internal challenges. Looking for strong alignment between current needs and long-term sustainability, Justworks focused on proposals that provided a view of how this investment would foster the organization's success beyond one program and the grant period.

"Sustainable impact requires strong infrastructure. As a company dedicated to helping small businesses navigate complexity and grow with confidence, we understand that behind every thriving entrepreneur is a foundation of operational strength,” said Layla Ramirez, Director of DEIB at Justworks. “Our Capacity Building Grants are part of a deliberate, multi-year Social Impact strategy focused on strengthening the organizations that expand access to entrepreneurship. By investing in capacity, we’re investing in long-term opportunity." 

Justworks envisions a world in which starting, running, and joining a business is accessible for all. We know that entrepreneurship is the most powerful engine for opportunity, yet access to it is not evenly distributed. Barriers like access to capital, networks, education, and support make it harder for many small business owners to succeed. Justworks.org is how we help make entrepreneurship more accessible.

"We are incredibly honored to be selected for the Justworks Capacity Building Grant. For the nonprofit founders we serve, leadership can be isolating, and resources are often fragmented. This partnership with Justworks allows us to replace that isolation with connection—building the infrastructure and community that leaders need to grow strong, resilient organizations,” Lauren Reilly, Executive Director of Gratitude Network said. “By investing in Gratitude Network, Justworks is helping nonprofit founders operate with the strategic rigor of top-performing businesses so they can focus on what matters most: delivering lasting impact for children and families in communities that need it most." 

"Global Detroit is thrilled to be selected for a Justworks.org Capacity Building Grant and to be working with dynamic peer organizations to expand the opportunity for entrepreneurs who face additional barriers to fulfilling their dreams,” said Steve Tobocman, Executive Director, Global Detroit. “This grant not only provides critical resources for our Global Entrepreneurs in Residence (Global EIR) program to expand to new communities and university partners, but will enable us to convene stakeholders to highlight the contributions of immigrant founders. We couldn't be more excited to partner with Jusworks, JUST communities, and Gratitude Networks over the next two years to collaborate and innovate in ways that will have transformational impacts across our state, our nation, and the world." 

"When our people grow, our mission grows,” said Steve Wanta, CEO, JUST Community. “This partnership with Justworks allows us to intentionally invest in our team by building the internal capacity, leadership, and culture needed to sustainably support entrepreneurs facing extraordinary barriers. The ripple effect of this grant will be felt far beyond our staff, strengthening the communities we serve." 

###

About Justworks: Justworks is a technology company leveling the playing field for all small businesses. Through its software and as a partner, Justworks helps its customers take care of their teams, streamline their operations and navigate the complex aspects of managing a workforce with confidence. To achieve this, Justworks is uncompromising in its focus on building products for small businesses and understanding their unique needs. Justworks' flexible platform empowers small businesses to assemble powerful self-service capabilities to meet their payroll, tax, global HR, and compliance needs. Plus, Justworks offers 24/7 human support, on-demand expertise and access to high-quality benefits designed for the modern workforce.

About JUST Community: JUST Community is a nonprofit-certified CDFI and social venture closing the racial wealth gap by investing in ambitious Texas female entrepreneurs through a trust-based financial system that combines capital, coaching, and community. JUST is rooted in trust and guided by its purpose of creating less stress and more joy through programs like the JETA (JUST Entrepreneur Trust Agent), which trains local women to lead peer groups and connect entrepreneurs to capital and resources—helping small businesses grow, build financial stability, and create generational wealth. Learn more at www.hellojust.com.

About Global Detroit: Global Detroit is a national leader advancing equitable regional and statewide economic growth through immigrant inclusion. Founded in 2010, the organization develops programs that connect international talent, founders, and neighborhoods to opportunity, while leading research, policy, and advocacy that demonstrate how immigrant inclusion drives prosperity across Michigan and beyond. Learn more at www.globaldetroitmi.org.

About Gratitude Network: Gratitude Network accelerates social entrepreneurs leading nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of children and youth. Through leadership development, a Scaling Up curriculum, and community, we help founders facing barriers strengthen operations, sustainability, develop high-functioning teams, and expand access to resources. Over 300 organizations-200+ U.S.-based -have completed our flagship Fellowship program and alumni activities, increasing children served by 7X and revenue by 4X. Learn more at www.gratitude-network.org.