How to Get Funding at TON: A Founder’s Guide

How to Get Funding at TON: A Founder’s Guide

Securing funding in TON is a crucial step for founders and developers looking to boost their projects in this emerging ecosystem. This guide presents all available funding routes, from hackathons to grants, to support your growth from an initial idea to scalability. The TON Foundation offers extensive support that combines different programs adapted to the needs and stages of development of the projects.

Participate in Hackathons and TON Hubs

One of the best ways to get funding at TON is by participating in hackathons. Not only do these events offer cash prizes, but they also provide support in user acquisition and visibility to investors and ecosystem leaders. Recently, events such as summer and winter hackathon leagues have been successfully held, providing access to prizes of over $100,000.

• Validate your ideas with real feedback from other participants.
• Access cash prizes and additional benefits.
• Connect with TON’s ecosystem team to explore opportunities for collaboration.

In addition, TON Hubs are regional communities that support local builders with workshops, team-matching events, and more. Participating in these hubs will allow you to access valuable resources, guiding you in technical development and offering financial incentives for outstanding projects.

Reduce Costs with Partner Grants

Ecosystem Partner grants can help you reduce operational costs by accessing infrastructure, audits, marketing services, and legal advice at a lower cost. Some of the grants available include:

• AWS Cloud Infrastructure: Up to $25,000 in credits.
• Smart Contract Audits: Discounted audit services through TonBit.
• API and RPC infrastructure: Credits for development infrastructure.
• Wallet integration: Support for onboarding and promotion by SafePal.

Exploring these grants can alleviate expenses and allow your project to move forward without financial barriers.

Get Direct Support Through High-Impact Grants

The Champion Grants, introduced by the TON Foundation from May 2025, are designed for high-impact equipment that already has traction in the market. These grants offer funding for product development, smart contract audits, and traffic support through ecosystem partners.

The teams that receive these grants are selected due to their active engagement within the ecosystem and demonstrated results, so it is essential to actively participate and demonstrate your value.

Access to Investors Through TON Channels

The TON Foundation organizes events such as the Demo Days, where outstanding projects can present to investors and strategic partners. These events offer a platform to make connections with potential investors looking for opportunities within the TON ecosystem.

• Projects are selected based on their traction and alignment with TON’s strategic focus.
• Participating in the VC Club gives you visibility to more than 100 active investors in the ecosystem.

In addition, Champion teams can receive personalized introductions to investors that match their fundraising goals.

Take advantage of Project Grant Programs at TON

Some prominent projects within the TON ecosystem also have their grant programs, such as the STON.FI grants program, which offers up to $10,000 per DeFi project. These grants support technical development and visibility within the ecosystem.

Actively participating and ensuring clarity and alignment with the Foundation’s goals can increase the chances of being selected.

Next Steps to Securing TON Funding

Identify your current stage: Do you have an idea or an initial MVP? Participate in hackathons and at your local TON Hub . If you’re already gaining traction, apply for ecosystem grant programs. If your goal is to scale or raise funds, feel free to participate in the Demo Days and sign up for the VC Club to gain additional visibility. Start by registering your project on the TON Builders Portal, the platform where you start your journey to funding.

Stay connected through the TON Builders Telegram channel to receive real-time opportunities, including hackathons and new partner programs.

Securing funding in TON requires active participation, demonstrating traction, and providing value to users. Success comes from aligning your focus with your current stage and maintaining a constant commitment to the community.

Source: TON Foundation