What is the Runnin' Down a Dream Foundation?

The Runnin' Down a Dream Foundation (RDAD) is a nonprofit that awards $5,000 micro-grants to people inspired by Bill Gurley's book 'Runnin' Down a Dream' who need a financial boost to pursue the career they were born for. The foundation is designed to help people who have clarity about their dream career but face a financial barrier to getting there.

How much is the RDAD grant?

The RDAD Foundation awards micro-grants of $5,000 to selected applicants. The grant is intended to provide a meaningful financial boost to help someone take a concrete step toward the career they were born for.

Who is eligible to apply for an RDAD grant?

Applicants should be inspired by Bill Gurley's book 'Runnin' Down a Dream,' have clarity about the career they want to pursue, and have a genuine financial need that a $5,000 grant would meaningfully address. The foundation looks for alignment, readiness, and authentic motivation.

How do I apply for an RDAD Foundation grant?

You can apply at rdad.org/apply. The process begins with a brief assessment to determine fit, followed by a full application for qualified candidates. Applications are reviewed by a panel of advisors.

Who founded the RDAD Foundation?

The Runnin' Down a Dream Foundation was founded by Bill Gurley, the legendary venture capitalist and author of the book 'Runnin' Down a Dream.' The foundation is a direct extension of the book's message: that most people are born for a specific kind of work, and that pursuing it is one of the most important decisions a person can make.

Bill Gurley · Grants for Dreamers

Runnin' Down
a Dream

Life is a use-it-or-lose-it proposition.
Shouldn't you spend it doing something you love?

Take the Assessment Get the Book →

Why We Exist

Chasing your dream is hard enough.
It shouldn't be limited by financial means.

RDAD reduces the financial barriers standing between people and work they love, helping them build community around what fascinates them as they step into a new career, field, or job.

What we fund — and what we don't

What we fund

Tuition, certification, licensure and exam fees
Application and audition fees
Tools of the trade
A demo reel or portfolio
The license or insurance you need to legally start
Membership and/or travel costs to professional organizations or conferences
Training and supervised hours
Mentorship and coaching

What we don't fund

We're not investors. We don't fund companies, products, apps, inventory, or runway.

From the speech

“The most successful people I know work incredibly hard. But they don’t look like they’re working — they look like they’re playing. Because for them, there is no difference.”

— Bill Gurley, UT McCombs School of Business, 2018

Watch the Speech

Who We're Looking For

The right candidate is stepping off the conveyor belt

You've read the book

If the book described your life back to you, you're exactly who this is for. You're already doing the work with or without the money.

You're already doing the work

Grants go to people who are showing up - not waiting for permission. What are you building or pursuing right now?

A specific financial obstacle

What does $5,000 actually unlock for you? The clearer your answer, the stronger your application.

Excited to build community

Grant recipients become part of something bigger - a network of dreamers who are running down something real.

Timeline

Applications closed August 1st
First grants awarded early Fall
Next grant cycle opens October 1st

How It Works

1. You submit the assessment
2. We review & invite strong fits
3. You complete the full application

Eligibility

You've read Runnin' Down a Dream
You're 18 years or older
You're currently residing in the U.S.

5 questions · takes about 5 minutes

How It Works

More than grants. A movement.

Milestone support

If you demonstrate meaningful progress after a set period of time, you're eligible for a second grant.

Community of dreamers

Past recipients become part of something bigger - mentoring new applicants and helping build the community that backed them.

Guidance & advice

Alongside the grant comes real mentorship - people who've been where you are, willing to help you move forward.

The evergreen vision

Those who succeed eventually give back to the foundation, keeping the cycle alive for future dreamers.

Step One - Assessment

Tell us your story

There are no right answers. We read for honesty, specificity, and the unmistakable sign that you've already started. Strong responses receive an invitation to apply for a $5,000 grant.

What's your dream

Tell us what you're chasing and what it looks like on an ordinary Tuesday.

What are you already doing

Show us you're showing up - unpaid and unasked. This is the question that matters most.

What does $5K unlock

Be specific. The clearer your answer, the stronger your application.

5 questions · takes about 5 minutes · we read every response

The Book Behind the Foundation