Lisle Global Seed Grant

Lisle Global Seed Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Lisle International
Amount: US $500 - US $5,000
Last Updated: July 18, 2025

Summary

The Lisle Global Seed Grant supports innovative projects that foster intercultural understanding and bridge community divides. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are awarded to organizations that promote collaboration among diverse groups. Since 2004, Lisle International has provided seed funding to initiatives worldwide, emphasizing new projects rather than established ones. The organization seeks to significantly contribute to well-defined, impactful projects that enhance social equity through shared learning experiences.

Overview

NOTE: Lisle uses a two-phase application process. In the initial phase, organizations submit a Request to Apply (RTA) form through the grant portal Submit. Lisle reviews these submissions and identifies those that align with our mission and have potential for a successful grant proposal. If the RTA demonstrates promise, the applicant is invited to submit a full grant proposal. Do you have a project idea that will bring people of diverse backgrounds together for shared learning? Lisle International provides Global Seed Grants to support innovative projects which advance intercultural understanding through shared experiences, with the goal of creating a more just social order. Projects may seek to bridge a variety of community divides, including ethnic, cultural, religious, racial or gender perspectives, anywhere in the world. Lisle International was an early pioneer in intercultural education programming, beginning with US projects in 1936 and expanding internationally in 1952. Since 2004, Lisle has focused on providing small “seed grants” to support programs fostering intercultural understanding. Grants of $500 to $5,000 are available to innovative projects that match the mission of Lisle. Lisle awards between three and eight grants each year to projects in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Lisle prefers funding organizations over individuals; individuals applying should affiliate with an organization for project implementation.In keeping with the spirit of “seed grant,” Lisle supports new projects that have not been implemented before and have the potential to grow, rather than ongoing and/or well-funded programs. Lisle additionally prefers to be a significant donor on well-defined intercultural projects proposed by small and young organizations.Projects worldwide are eligible; US nonprofit status (501c3) not required, but local organizational certification is welcomed.Lisle only funds projects that promote intercultural understanding and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to share and learn from one another. Successful projects most often:Are innovative and collaborativeHave intercultural interaction as central to the projectWork toward resolving conflictsPromote community building

Ineligibility

What does Lisle NOT fund?infrastructure (e.g. building or furnishing schools)hardware (e.g., computers)travel costs for U.S. participants in international programssalaries for U.S. volunteers in international projectsreligious education or proselytizing