HBCU Grads Launch AI App for Student Funding

Imagine graduating from college and immediately wanting to help your peers succeed, especially when it comes to funding their dreams. That’s exactly what a group of talented Morgan State University graduates has done! They’ve launched an incredible AI-powered mobile app designed to connect HBCU students and alumni with crucial grants and accelerator programs.

Empowering HBCU Futures

This groundbreaking initiative comes from Venture for T.H.E.M., a collective focused on supporting marginalized founders, students, and creatives. Founded in 2024, this D.C.-, Maryland-, and Virginia-based accelerator is led by CEO Kiante Bush and COO Clarevonte “Clay” Williams, with Jewel E. Bush heading communications and Jeffrey S. Scruggs serving as CTO.

Venture for T.H.E.M. isn’t just about an app; it’s a comprehensive support system. They offer weekly workshops, valuable networking opportunities, and one-on-one mentorship from seasoned venture capitalists and C-suite executives. Plus, they provide direct funding pathways, including non-dilutive grants, and have already helped over 20 HBCU entrepreneurs secure vital funding.

Introducing Fund.FWD: Your AI Funding Navigator

The latest innovation from this dynamic team is Fund.FWD, an AI-powered mobile app. Its mission? To streamline the process for HBCU students and alumni looking for grants, scholarships, investor opportunities, and accelerator programs. Think of it as your personal guide to navigating the complex world of startup funding.

What makes Fund.FWD so special is its proprietary engine, Venture AI. This smart technology draws insights from Venture for T.H.E.M.’s extensive mentorship sessions, panels, and collective knowledge. It goes beyond just listing opportunities; it actively helps users with tasks like proposal writing and developing growth strategies.

Personalized Guidance and Education

As the press release highlights, “This AI model helps users navigate readiness assessments, proposal writing, and growth strategy — translating hundreds of hours of talks and workshops into personalized, actionable guidance.” This means users get tailored advice based on real-world expertise, making the journey to funding much more accessible.

Beyond the AI-powered assistance, the app features a dedicated tab with educational videos covering essential entrepreneurial topics like startup funding, scaling strategies, marketing, and leadership. It’s a complete resource hub designed to equip users for success.

A Collaborative Ecosystem

Fund.FWD also opens its doors to corporations, accelerators, and community organizations through its Partner Opportunity Portal. This allows them to share their grants, scholarships, and business programs directly on the platform, creating a robust ecosystem of support.

Fund.FWD is about closing the funding gap for underestimated founders. We built a tool that empowers users not just to find opportunities, but to get funded — pairing mentorship, AI, and real-world knowledge from our ecosystem. — Jeffrey S. Scruggs, M.S., CTO of Venture for T.H.E.M.

This innovative app is a testament to the power of community and technology in bridging the funding gap for aspiring entrepreneurs from HBCUs. It’s available now on both Apple iOS and the Google Play Store for Android, so if you’re an HBCU student or alum looking for that next big opportunity, this is definitely worth checking out!