Fund a Free Small Business Launch for Someone Who's Been Locked Out of the Job Market
Option C Foundation's program is free for qualified participants — and that's only possible because of donors who believe motivated adults facing employment barriers deserve real, professional support, not another workbook. Your donation directly funds the mentorship and the launch deliverables that make the difference between an idea and an operating small business.
The Problem Your Support Helps Solve
Adults with disabilities, prior felony convictions, long-term unemployment, or limited access to professional resources are routinely filtered out of the traditional job market — for reasons that have nothing to do with their potential. Most small-business support programs are gated behind costs they cannot afford. The path that should be most open to them is the one that's most expensive to access alone.
Capable People, Closed Doors
Background checks, disability disclosure, and resume gaps eliminate millions of capable adults from hiring pipelines they were never given a real chance at. Self-employment is one of the few legitimate paths around that gate.
The Real Cost of Help
A custom business plan, logo, website, SEO, and online presence from an agency typically costs thousands of dollars. For most of our applicants, that figure is the end of the conversation. Donors are why it isn't.
The Path Stays Open Once Built
A small business funded into existence by donations doesn't disappear when the participant graduates. It stays operational, generating real income, and the participant owns it — outright. Your support funds an asset, not a service the recipient consumes and forgets.
How Your Donation Is Used
We believe donors deserve to know exactly where their money goes. Every dollar given to Option C Foundation supports the mission of helping adults facing employment barriers build legitimate small businesses. Here's where contributions go.
Option C Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. EIN: 41-3208039.
Support the Program Directly
Option C Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Other Ways to Support the Mission
Financial donations are the most direct way to fund the program, but they're not the only way to make a difference. Here are all the ways to contribute.
Make a Financial Donation
One-time or monthly donations directly fund participant deliverables, mentorship coordination, and program operations. Recurring monthly giving is especially valuable because it allows us to plan capacity ahead.
Donate NowVolunteer as a Mentor
If you have business experience and want to give back, you can volunteer as a 1-on-1 mentor for participants — typically 2–4 hours per month, fully remote.
Learn About MentoringRefer Someone to the Program
Know someone who could benefit from a free, professional small-business launch? Send them our interest form. Referrals from social workers, case managers, and community members are always welcome.
Share the Interest FormBecome a Referral Partner
Reentry programs, disability service providers, workforce organizations, vocational rehabilitation, and social service agencies can establish formal referral partnerships.
Contact Us About PartneringSpread the Word
Share Option C with people in your network — especially those who work with or advocate for people facing employment barriers. Awareness is one of our biggest constraints.
Get Sharing ResourcesProvide In-Kind Support
Professional services, technology resources, software credits, or other in-kind contributions can extend what donor dollars accomplish. Reach out to discuss what might fit.
Discuss In-Kind SupportCommon Questions From Donors
Yes. Option C Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 41-3208039). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We provide written acknowledgment of all qualifying donations for your tax records. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
Donations directly fund the Option C program: participant deliverables (business plan production, logo, website build, SEO, Google profiles, analytics), mentor coordination, free hosting and operating tools, outreach, application review, and the lean administrative operations that keep a 501(c)(3) compliant. We aim to keep overhead minimal so the maximum share of each dollar goes toward the work participants actually receive.
Yes. Recurring monthly donations are especially valuable because they provide predictable funding that helps us plan participant capacity and serve people consistently throughout the year. You can set up monthly giving through the donation form, or contact us to arrange recurring giving directly.
Yes. We welcome conversations with foundations, corporate sponsors, donor-advised funds, and other organizations interested in funding the program. Please contact us at info@optioncfoundation.org or use our contact form to start the conversation about funding, sponsorship, or restricted-grant opportunities.
Yes — we accept appreciated securities, DAF grants, and in-kind contributions. For appreciated stock, donor-advised fund grants, or other non-cash gifts, please reach out to us directly so we can provide the appropriate transfer information and ensure proper acknowledgment. Many donors find non-cash gifts have advantageous tax treatment compared to cash equivalents.
Yes. If you'd like to make a donation in honor or memory of someone, please contact us with that information after donating and we'll include that acknowledgment in our records. We're happy to send a notification to a family or designated contact if requested.
Yes. If you prefer to donate by check, wire transfer, or another method, please contact us and we'll provide the appropriate instructions and acknowledgment information.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Option C Foundation operates in accordance with nonprofit governance, financial transparency, and public benefit requirements. Donors who would like additional financial information about the foundation are welcome to contact us directly.
Every Dollar Goes Toward Real People Building Real Businesses
Option C Foundation is a lean nonprofit. Donations go directly toward the program — mentor coordination, participant deliverables, business planning resources, and the operational infrastructure that makes it all possible. Every person who comes through this program does so because donors believed the investment was worth making.
Donate Now
Your Support Changes What's Possible
Behind every application to Option C is a person who has faced real barriers — and who is still trying. Your support is what lets us meet them where they are and help them build something of their own that lasts.