About the Program

The Out of Office Fund is Off Worque’s microgrant program created to help creatives, entrepreneurs, community builders, freelancers, and working professionals take intentional time away from work.

In 2026, Off Worque will award three recipients a $500 microgrant to take a meaningful Day Off Worque dedicated to rest, creativity, joy, and reconnecting with themselves.

Because rest isn’t something you earn after burnout. It’s part of the process.

Important Dates

• Applications open: September 1, 2026
• Applications close: September 14, 2026
• Review period: September through October 2026
• Recipients notified and announced: November 2026
• Deadline to take your Day Off Worque: June 30, 2027

All application materials must be submitted by the stated deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Grant Award

Three selected recipients will each receive a one-time $500 microgrant.

The grant is intended to make it financially easier for each recipient to take one intentional day away from paid work. The award may help replace income that would otherwise be lost or cover reasonable expenses associated with the recipient’s Day Off Worque.

The grant is not a prize, loan, or payment for employment. It does not need to be repaid when used in accordance with these guidelines and the recipient agreement.

Eligibility

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in [INSERT ELIGIBLE GEOGRAPHIC AREA].

Applicants must also fall into at least one of the following categories as of September 1, 2026:

• A current W-2 employee who does not receive unlimited paid time off
• An active 1099 freelancer or independent contractor
• The owner of an active, legally registered business, including an LLC, nonprofit organization, or C corporation, with a valid tax identification number

Applicants who own a business must be able to confirm that the business is legally registered, currently operating, and in good standing as of September 1, 2026.

Applicants must be able and willing to take their Day Off Worque on or before June 30, 2027.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following individuals are not eligible:

• Individuals who are unemployed as of September 1, 2026
• Employees who receive unlimited paid time off through their employer
• Individuals claiming business-owner eligibility whose business is not legally registered, active, and currently operating as of September 1, 2026
• Individuals who submit incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading application information
• Individuals who cannot take their Day Off Worque by June 30, 2027
• Off Worque employees, grant judges, and their immediate family or household members

Off Worque may request reasonable documentation to verify an applicant’s employment, freelance, or business status before distributing an award.

Permitted Uses of Grant Funds

The $500 microgrant must be used to help the recipient take one intentional day away from paid work.

Permitted uses may include:

• Replacing wages, freelance income, or business income that may be lost by taking the day off
• Childcare, eldercare, or other dependent-care expenses
• Transportation associated with the recipient’s Day Off Worque
• Meals during the day
• Admission, registration, or participation fees for a restorative, recreational, cultural, wellness, or creative activity
• Art supplies, books, journaling materials, or other items connected to the recipient’s day-off plan
• Wellness services or experiences
• Other reasonable expenses that make it possible for the recipient to rest, recharge, create, play, or reconnect with themselves

Recipients are not required to plan an expensive or highly structured experience. Staying home, resting, spending time outside, creating, or enjoying an unstructured day may qualify as a meaningful Day Off Worque.

Prohibited Uses

Grant funds may not be used for:

• Business operating expenses unrelated to taking the day off
• Employee payroll
• Political contributions, lobbying, or campaign activity
• Illegal activities or purchases
• Alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances, or gambling
• Expenses incurred by someone other than the selected recipient
• Any purpose that is inconsistent with Off Worque’s mission or the recipient’s approved Day Off Worque plan

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application that includes:

• Basic personal and professional information
• Confirmation of employment, freelance, or eligible business-owner status
• A description of their current season of work and life
• A proposed plan for their Day Off Worque
• An explanation of how the $500 grant would make taking the day off possible or more accessible
• A preferred month or general timeframe for taking the day off
• A 60-second video introducing themselves and sharing what receiving the grant would mean to them
• Confirmation that they can take the funded day off by June 30, 2027
• Agreement to complete the required follow-up and storytelling activities if selected

Applicants do not need to have an exact date scheduled or employer approval secured at the time of application. However, the proposed plan should be thoughtful, realistic, and reasonably achievable by June 30, 2027.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a grant selection committee. Eligible applications will be evaluated using the following rubric:

• Demonstrated need for intentional time away from work: 30%
• Thoughtfulness and clarity of the proposed day-off plan: 25%
• Potential impact on the applicant’s well-being: 25%
• Alignment with Off Worque’s mission: 15%
• Ability to use the grant by June 30, 2027: 5%

Eligible applications may be reviewed by multiple judges. Judges will be expected to disclose potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from reviewing applicants with whom they have a personal, professional, or financial relationship that could affect impartiality.

Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. All selection decisions are final.

Recipient Requirements

Selected recipients must:

• Sign a grant recipient agreement before receiving the funds
• Submit any requested tax or identity documentation
• Use the grant for its intended purpose
• Take their Day Off Worque on or before June 30, 2027
• Notify Off Worque if their original plan or timing changes significantly
• Complete a brief follow-up reflection after taking the day off
• Provide reasonable confirmation that the Day Off Worque took place
• Participate in an Off Worque recipient story

Recipients will not be required to provide an itemized accounting of every small expense unless there is a reasonable concern that the funds were not used for their intended purpose.

If a selected recipient can no longer participate or cannot meet the program requirements, they must notify Off Worque as soon as possible. Off Worque may select an alternate recipient or request the return of funds that have not been used for the approved purpose.

Follow-Up and Storytelling

Recipients must complete a brief follow-up within 14 days of taking their Day Off Worque. The follow-up may include:

• Confirmation of when the day was taken
• A short reflection about how the day was spent
• What the experience made possible
• How the grant affected the recipient’s ability to prioritize rest
• Photos or other documentation, when appropriate and agreed upon

Recipients must also participate in storytelling about their experience. Storytelling may take the form of:

• An on-camera interview
• A written interview
• An audio interview
• A written reflection accompanied by approved photographs
• Another mutually agreed-upon format

Specific permissions regarding the use of a recipient’s name, image, voice, photographs, social media handle, or other identifying information will be addressed in a separate media release. Off Worque will work with recipients to select a storytelling format that is appropriate and reasonably accessible.

Taxes

The microgrant may be considered taxable income. Each recipient is responsible for determining and fulfilling any federal, state, or local tax obligations associated with receiving the award.

Selected recipients may be required to submit a completed Form W-9 before funds are distributed. Off Worque may issue applicable tax documentation when required by law. Applicants and recipients should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their individual circumstances.

Accuracy and Verification

Applicants are responsible for providing complete and truthful information.

Off Worque reserves the right to:

• Verify eligibility and application information
• Request reasonable supporting documentation
• Disqualify an application containing false, misleading, or incomplete information
• Withdraw an award if a recipient is later found to have been ineligible
• Select an alternate recipient if a selected applicant does not accept the award or complete the required documentation

Privacy

Application information will be accessed only by Off Worque team members, authorized grant reviewers, and service providers involved in administering the program.

Applicant information will not be publicly shared without permission, except when disclosure is required by law. Information about selected recipients will be shared only in accordance with the grant recipient agreement and applicable media release.

Program Changes

Off Worque may make reasonable changes to the program timeline, review process, or administration when circumstances require it. Any material changes affecting applicants will be communicated through the Off Worque website or directly by email.

Agreement to the Guidelines

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms that:

• They have read and understood these Program Guidelines
• They meet the stated eligibility requirements
• The information in their application is complete and accurate
• They understand that submitting an application does not guarantee funding
• They agree to complete the recipient requirements if selected

Questions about the Out of Office Fund may be submitted through Off Worque’s contact page.