Frequently-asked questions
We know you will have a lot of questions about the K4G programme, so we have collected together the most frequently-asked questions here.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to a wide-range of applicants from around the world, and we especially welcome applications from the Global South.
We welcome solo applications or from groups of co-founders together. You might have already started working on an initiative that’s in its early stages or you might currently have an organisation that is looking to scale or pivot.
You can apply with your own idea or explore our list of high-impact idea areas. All ideas must be working towards, in some way, transforming the food system towards a plant-forward future.
How much time do I have to commit?
During the virtual phases, you will be expected to commit 20 hours per week for the incubator programme for the tasks. The in-person sessions in Berlin (which are two sections, each being a week long) require full-time attendance. While the official programme ends in mid-November, we are looking for applicants who are keen and able to work full-time on their initiative once it launches.
You will be expected to manage and plan your own workload. New tasks are set each Monday through our online platform, and they need to be completed by the end of Sunday the same week. Many people go through the incubator alongside either a full time job or while working on other projects, so we structure the programme to allow people a lot of flexibility of when they do the work.
There are also some mandatory group Zoom calls and check-ins with your lead mentor (usually one or two per week), but we try to schedule those ahead of time so people have notice to put them in their diaries.
Do I have to come to Berlin in person?
Yes, the two in-person sections in Berlin are crucial to you taking part in the programme.
This is where you will work hands-on with the K4G team and your peers in the cohort; attend in-person sessions and workshops; meet with mentors and potential stakeholders; and take part in our final pitch day.
Each in-person section is a week long and we cover your travel and accommodation costs.
Can my co-founder also join the programme or do they need to apply separately?
We welcome teams of co-founders to apply, and ask that each person applying to take part in the programme fills out their own application form.
Do I need to have an idea to apply for the programme?
Exceptional individuals, especially those with a track-record of creating organisations, can join without an idea, and can either choose to explore one of the idea areas we’ve identified or to join someone else as a potential co-founder working on their idea.
My idea doesn't fit in the defined 'Idea Areas'. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can submit your own idea outside of those areas.
What if I already have an organisation or initiative running?
We welcome applications from people who have already started their organisation or have an MVP already running. We also welcome applications from organisations that are look to scale, pivot, relaunch or spin-out an existing initiative as a stand-alone organisation.
How long does the application take?
We estimate that the initial written application will take around 60 minutes to complete. When you start the application, an account will be automatically created meaning that you can return to your application at any time.
Those that make it past the first round of applicants will then be invited to engage further, see our page here outlining the full process.
When will I hear back about my application?
We aim to have responded to all applications by early July 2026. For all unsuccessful applicants, we provide general guidance to why your application was not successful. For applications that reach the later stages of the process, we may provide more extensive personalised feedback or even offer a one-to-one feedback call.
Do we really need more nonprofits and impact initiatives?
We asked this question to more than 100 stakeholders and funders in our movement, and the answer was a resounding yes! The ecosystem of today cannot solve all the pressing problems at hand. We need more specialised nonprofits, impact initiatives and meta organisations that tackle those problems.
Many of the initiatives that we incubate at K4G would have happened anyway, however with our mentorship and guidance we are ensuring those initiatives are more cost-effective, focussed and efficient than they would have been had they launched outside of the programme, reducing the demand on funding in our movement.
Kickstarting For Good also stop as many initiatives from launching as we help. Our programme forces new initiatives to stress-test their ideas and assumptions to prove their impact, through rigorous research, feedback rounds and MVPs – only those that prove they have the potential to be a high-impact initiative continue. We have talked many founders out of launching initiatives that had a high likelihood of failure, duplication, or creating low or negligible impact.
How likely is it to receive seed funding at the end of the programme?
For 2026 we will be awarding over $1m in seed funding to those that reach graduation. Every graduate receives a minimum of $10,000, with further grants awarded by our jury of experts and funders on pitch day based on your presentation and final impact funding deck meaning that a successful initiatives could be awarded up to $100,000 in funding.
Although we can’t guarantee further follow-on funding, we will share your pitch with our network of funders and major donors to support your fundraising journey as much as possible – and also offer match-funding to potentially double the amount you are able to raise on your own after graduating.
What is the Mission Readiness Review?
The Mission Readiness Review (MRR) acts as a mid-programme quality gate to ensure that the initiative being worked on meets the requirements that we deem are crucial for a nonprofit and impact initiative’s success. Selected initiatives from the mid-programme review will be invited for the final in-person session in Berlin and to pitch and graduate from the programme.
The participants who don’t pass the MRR will still have access to our second virtual phase and be part of our ecosystem as alumni.
What if I require a visa?
We know that acquiring a visa can take time, with getting an appointment at the embassy or consulate often being the most time-consuming step. If you require a visa to come to Berlin for the programme, we recommend that you start the process of requesting an appointment when you enter the second stage of your application with us. If you are selected, we will provide the necessary documents to support your visa.