Daily Grants / Seed Funding

Daily Grants / Seed Funding Program

Geographic Scope: Worldwide

Program Overview

The Pollination Project provides one-time seed funding to grassroots changemakers at early stages of their work. The foundation exists to uplift individuals and organizations whose work helps build a kinder, more compassionate world. Funding decisions are made on a rolling basis by 100+ volunteer grant advisors, most of whom have previously received seed funding from The Pollination Project.

Focus Areas

The foundation supports work across multiple impact areas:

• Planetary & Human Health: Climate Resilience, Environmental Regeneration, Health & Wholeness
• Equity & Dignity: Empowerment of Women & Girls, Human Rights & Dignity, Social Justice
• Animal Protection: Animal Rights & Welfare, Wildlife Conservation, Farmed Animals Advocacy
• Community Development: Education & Access to Opportunity, Economic Empowerment, Artistic Expression & Creative Communities

Who They Fund

• Individuals
• Informally organized groups and organizations
• Formally registered or incorporated non-profit organizations
• Applicants based anywhere in the world

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

Required Characteristics:

• Early-stage projects: Annual budget under $50,000; total project cost under $10,000
• Practical progress: Evidence of having started some level of work on the project
• New applicants/projects: If you, anyone in your group, or your organization has previously received funding from TPP for this project or any other work, you are not eligible to reapply. No other representative of your group/organization should have a proposal actively under review at the time of application
• Grassroots volunteerism: Your group/organization must not have paid staff. Project should not generate personal profit. (Professional services for web design, accounting, etc. are allowed. Any profit generated must be reinvested in non-profit efforts)
• Compassion consciousness: Will not fund anyone promoting or advocating for animal agriculture, even if that work is not part of the TPP proposal
• Freedom of all kinds: Cannot support projects seeking to proselytize, evangelize, or require those served to participate in faith-based practices
• Equality & Inclusion: No discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, age, or faith
• Legal compliance: Cannot support work influencing election outcomes, inducing violations of law, or causing improper private benefit
• Financial capability: Must be able to receive wire transfer or PayPal payment in US dollars

What They Don't Fund

• Payments to grantees or grantee family members for time or services
• Purchase of animal products (meat, honey, milk, leather)
• Work promoting animal product consumption or nutrition recommendations other than plant-based diet/meat reduction
• Events where animal products will be served
• Beekeeping projects producing honey for human consumption
• Projects using synthetic/chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or harmful environmental products
• Research projects without tangible real-world implementation plans; academic coursework
• Donations on your behalf to projects you're not affiliated with

What Grant Advisors Evaluate

• Impact of the project itself
• How meaningfully seed funding will move the project forward
• Likelihood applicant can bridge gaps between total funding needed vs. currently raised
• Strength of applicant's connection to the community they serve
• Efforts to maximize non-financial resources (volunteers, in-kind donations)

Post-Funding Opportunities

Once funded, grantees join a global community of 6,000+ changemakers and gain access to:

• Opportunity to apply for other one-time funding opportunities for existing grantees
• Capacity-building support and connectivity with other changemakers
• Work showcased through articles, social media, and/or video
• Support connecting with other funders and donors

Important Restrictions

• One grant per person/group: No multiple seed grants to any person, group, or project, even for distinct work
• One application per project: Even if different people apply, only one application accepted per work
• Reapplication after decline: If previously declined, you may reapply if project design has significantly changed

Contact Information

Website: thepollinationproject.org

Tax ID: 46-0675457 (501c3 Nonprofit)

Application Process

Timeline:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications received in full by the final day of the month are reviewed during the following month, with decisions shared at month-end/early next month. For example: applications submitted in full anytime in January are reviewed in February with decisions announced end of February/early March.

By "received in full" includes: successful submission of a reference for international applicants. Application is counted as received in the month the referee submits their reference.

Required Materials & Information

The application requires:

1. Project description and vision
2. Details on work already started
3. Organizational/group information (budget under $50,000)
4. Project cost breakdown (under $10,000)
5. Proof of grassroots volunteerism status
6. Description of community connection
7. Non-financial resources being leveraged
8. Reference submission (required for international applicants)

Application Form

Available at: thepollinationproject.org/apply

Grant Obligations Upon Funding

If selected, grantees agree to:

1. Follow through with project as proposed to the best of their ability
2. Submit reporting including:
   • What was achieved
   • What was learned
   • How grant funds were spent
3. Provide documentation:
   • Photos or videos showcasing project in action
   • All receipts showing how funds were spent
4. Allow promotion: Project may be highlighted and shared by The Pollination Project
5. Spend as proposed: Make best effort to spend money according to proposal; contact TPP before making changes
6. Tax compliance: U.S.-based grantees who don't submit receipts and reporting will receive a 1099 form (grant reported as taxable income to IRS)

Reporting Requirements

Detailed reporting required; see Reporting Requirements page for specifics.