The Pinterest Inclusion Fund, previously known as the Creator Inclusion Fund, launched in 2021 to uplift content from underrepresented communities. Since then, Pinterest has supported over 150 companies and content creators to help them grow and succeed on the platform.
This year, Pinterest expanded the program and partnered with Shopify, allowing more creators to get involved. Now, independent publishers, digital magazines, and content agencies can apply to the fund. The aim is to connect inclusive and diverse content with users browsing Pinterest.
The Pinterest Inclusion Fund is closed for US applications – but it is currently accepting applications for the following regions until August 16th, 2024.
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Brazil
- India
- Indonesia
- Australia
- UK
You can sign up for Pinterest’s newsletter to stay in the loop.
What is the Pinterest Inclusion Fund?
The Pinterest Inclusion Fund is a six-week program for small businesses and creators from – or serving – diverse communities, specifically in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries.
Pinterest hopes to mentor and guide participants on how to optimize Pinterest content and use the platform effectively.
And, so far it’s going well – entrants of 2023’s Pinterest Inclusion Fund saw an average engagement growth of 124%.
If selected, participants will receive a variety of benefits, including:
- Cash grants to support content production and optimization
- Guidance on Pinterest best practices
- Ad credits to boost Pinterest content
- Hands-on learning and mentorship sessions with Pinterest and industry experts
- Weekly support hours to help hit content creation challenges
Small Business Criteria for Qualification
As Pinterest’s website states, the “Pinterest Inclusion Fund is focused on the growth and success of small merchant businesses, independent lifestyle publishers and boutique creator agencies.” To apply, you’ll need to match the following criteria:
- Your business must be at least 50% owned or operated by those from BIPOC, disability, plus-size, or LGBTQIA+ communities. Alternatively, 70% of your products and content should be for these audiences
- You work in the fashion, beauty, or lifestyle industry
- You’re 18 years of age or older
- You have a Pinterest business account or ecommerce business – if you don’t have a business account, you must use a website builder that supports selling on Pinterest, like Shopify
- Your business must align with Pinterest’s merchant guidelines, such as accurate product information and operating a high-quality online store
- You must commit to office hours and program sessions
- You must create at least 20-25 pieces of content as a fund participant
When Can You Apply?
The 2024 Pinterest Inclusion Fund launched in late May within the North American market. Applications across the US and Canada closed on June 7. However, Pinterest is looking to expand the program into other regions later this year, such as Australia, Indonesia, India, Argentina, and Mexico.
Pinterest has also flagged that the Pinterest Inclusion Fund will make its return to Brazil, France, Germany, and the UK.
Though the US application cycle has closed, you can sign up for Pinterest’s newsletter for the latest updates and p-interesting news related to the program.
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