The Pollination Project (TPP) provides $500 microgrants to grassroots changemakers working on early-stage, volunteer-led initiatives that create social and environmental impact. Funding decisions are made on a rolling basis by over 100 volunteer grant advisors, most of whom have previously received support from TPP. The organization prioritizes relationship-building over transactional grants, supporting grantees beyond initial funding through a global network of 6,000+ changemakers.
Who The Pollination Project Funds
TPP welcomes applications from:
- Individuals, informal groups, and not-for-profit organizations based anywhere in the world.
- Early-stage projects with a total cost under $10,000 and an annual budget under $50,000.
- Volunteer-led initiatives with no paid staff (contracting for professional services like web design or accounting is allowed).
Funding Priorities:
- Practical Dreamers – Applicants must have taken some steps toward launching their project.
- New Applicants – TPP does not fund repeated applications for the same project. Only one application per group can be reviewed at a time.
- Community-Driven Work – Projects must be directly connected to the communities they serve and align with TPP’s values of social justice, equity, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.
What The Pollination Project Does Not Fund
While TPP provides flexible funding, certain expenses and projects are ineligible:
Ineligible Projects
- Animal Agriculture & Products – TPP does not support projects that promote or use animal products (meat, dairy, honey, leather).
- Beekeeping for Honey Production – Only conservation-focused beekeeping projects are eligible.
- Political or Religious Work – Projects must not involve election campaigning, proselytizing, or require religious participation.
- One-Time Donations – Funds cannot be used for external donations unrelated to the applicant’s direct work.
Ineligible Expenses
- Personal Salaries – Grantees or their family members cannot be paid for their time or services.
- Environmental Harm – Projects that use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or harmful chemicals are not eligible.
- Academic Research – Funding is only provided if research has a clear plan for real-world impact.
What The Pollination Project Looks for in Proposals
Grant advisors evaluate applications based on:
- Tangible Community Impact – Projects must have a measurable benefit for their target communities.
- Feasibility of $500 Grant – The requested funding should significantly advance the project without requiring large-scale additional support.
- Resourcefulness – TPP values applicants who leverage volunteers, in-kind donations, and community partnerships.
Opportunities for Funded Projects
Beyond funding, grantees gain access to:
- Additional Funding Opportunities – Eligible for follow-up grants for project expansion.
- Networking & Capacity Building – Connections with changemakers in TPP’s global network.
- Global Exposure – Opportunities to showcase their work through TPP’s articles, social media, and videos.
- Fiscal Sponsorship – After grant reporting, TPP may act as a fiscal sponsor to help grantees receive external donations.
- Donor & Funder Connections – Support in identifying additional funding sources upon completion of initial reporting.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by a team of volunteer grant advisors. There is no application fee.