- Funding: The seed grant can provide up to USD 500, according to the current funding guidelines.
- Total Project Budget: The project's total budget must be less than USD 10,000.
- Organization Budget: For organizations, the annual operating budget must not exceed USD 50,000.
- Project Duration: The organization does not specify one standard duration for all projects. Funding is intended for specific volunteer-led projects and initiatives.
- Location: Projects may be implemented in any country worldwide, including local community-based projects and online initiatives.
- Application Fee: No application fee is stated.
- Application Process: Applicants should first review the eligibility requirements and complete the eligibility quiz, after which they can access and complete the online application form.
- Selection Process: Applications are reviewed by a network of volunteer grant advisors. They consider factors such as the project's potential impact, how the funding will help move the project forward, the applicant's relationship with the community being served, and efforts made to obtain non-financial resources.
- Review Timeline: A completed application submitted before the end of a month generally enters the review cycle for the following month.
- Receiving the Grant: Applicants or groups must be able to receive a financial transfer. The organization also mentions the possibility of payment through PayPal in U.S. dollars, depending on the circumstances.
- Language Requirements: No specific language requirement or language certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL is stated.
- Project Stage: The organization prefers projects whose founders have already begun implementing some aspects of the project rather than projects that remain only at the idea stage.
- Fields of Work: There is no narrow list of eligible fields. A wide range of charitable community projects may be considered as long as they align with the organization's objectives and eligibility requirements.
The Pollination Project provides small-scale seed funding for local community initiatives led by individuals, volunteer groups, or nonprofit organizations. Its goal is to support people working to create positive change in their communities. The organization does not focus on a single field; it can support a broad range of projects that contribute to building a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. Supported areas may include animal protection, empowerment of women and girls, education and community development, sustainability, health, and other areas. Successful applicants receive initial funding that can be used for project-related expenses, as well as potential access to a global network of changemakers and capacity-building support.
- Applications are open to individuals, informal groups, and registered or formally established nonprofit organizations.
- Applicants, groups, or organizations may be located in any country worldwide.
- The project must have a charitable and community-oriented purpose rather than providing personal or private financial benefit.
- The project must be volunteer-driven.
- Groups or organizations should not have paid employees, although they may occasionally hire professional services such as website design or accounting.
- The project's total budget must be less than USD 10,000.
- An organization's annual budget must not exceed USD 50,000.
- The applicant or organization must not have previously received a Seed Grant from The Pollination Project.
- Another representative from the same group or organization may not have a separate application under review at the same time.
- It is preferred that applicants demonstrate evidence that work on the project has already begun or that an initial stage has been implemented.
- Applicants should have a meaningful relationship with the community they aim to serve and must explain this relationship in the application.
- Projects or organizations must not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, age, religion, or other protected characteristics.
- Projects involving proselytizing, religious promotion, or requiring beneficiaries to participate in religious practices are not funded.
- Projects that support or promote animal agriculture are not funded.
- Funding cannot be used to support political parties, election campaigns, or projects intended to influence election outcomes in favor of specific candidates.
- Applicants must comply with applicable laws and public policies.
- The applicant must be able to receive the grant through a financial transfer or PayPal in U.S. dollars.
- Receive seed funding of up to USD 500.
- Use the funding for a range of project-related expenses, subject to the organization's restrictions.
- Join a global community of thousands of changemakers supported by The Pollination Project.
- Potentially apply for additional funding opportunities available to existing grantees.
- Receive support for capacity building and project development.
- Connect with other changemakers through the organization's global network.
- Potentially have the project featured through articles, social media, or videos produced by The Pollination Project.
- Potential assistance in connecting with other funders and supporters after completing the initial grant reporting requirements.
- Benefit from the expertise and network of grant advisors working across different fields and regions.
- Access additional support for some grantees, including capacity-building workshops, connections to resources, and introductions to potential supporters.