The Pollination Project Seed Grant Program

The Pollination Project Seed Grant Program is aimed at supporting grassroots changemakers and social initiatives whose work helps build a kinder, more compassionate world. The organization provides early-stage seed funding and operates on a rolling application basis with no fixed deadlines. Funding decisions are made by an international advisory board consisting of over 100 volunteer grant advisors, most of whom are former recipients of TPP seed grants.

Applications are open to individuals, informal collectives, and officially registered non-profit organizations from anywhere in the world. The program targets initiatives with an organizational or group annual budget under $50,000 and a total project budget under $10,000. A critical requirement is demonstrating that practical work on the project has already commenced at a foundational level, and that the initiative operates on a volunteer basis with no paid staff.

The organization adheres to strict values and ethical mandates. Funding is not provided for activities involving animal agriculture, the promotion of animal products, or the use of harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Submitted projects must observe principles of equality and inclusion, refrain from proselytizing or political campaigning, and must not generate personal profit.

Beyond financial support disbursed as a seed grant, grantees join a global network of over 6,000 changemakers worldwide. Participants gain access to capacity-building opportunities, media showcasing on TPP platforms, and support in connecting with other international donors upon successful completion of initial grant reporting.

• Who can apply: Individuals, informal collectives, and officially registered non-profit organizations from anywhere in the world.
• Budget limits: Annual organizational or group budget up to $50,000; total submitted project cost up to $10,000.
• "Practical Dreamers" requirement: Evidence that practical groundwork on the project has already commenced at a foundational level.
• "New People & Projects" requirement: Neither the applicant, team members, nor the organization have previously received funding from TPP, nor do they have other active proposals under review with the donor.
• No paid staff: The group or organization must not have permanent paid employees (contracting third-party providers for one-off services such as web design or accounting is permitted).
• Values requirements: Prohibition of discrimination based on race, gender, age, or religion; prohibition of activities related to animal agriculture or religious proselytizing.

• Form and amount of support: One-time non-repayable seed grant of up to $500.
• Currency and disbursement methods: Funding is disbursed in US Dollars (USD) via PayPal or international bank wire transfer.
• Applicant financial limits: Annual operating budget of the group or organization must not exceed $50,000, and the total cost for the project must be under $10,000.
• Eligible expenses: Direct operational costs necessary for early-stage project execution (procurement of supplies, logistics, equipment or venue rental, event costs).
• Ineligible expenses:
  • Payments of salaries, stipends, or fees to the grantee or their family members.
  • Purchase of animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, honey, leather, fur, etc.) and serving animal products at project events.
  • Beekeeping initiatives aimed at producing honey for human consumption.
  • Promoting consumption of animal products or offering dietary recommendations other than plant-based diets or meat reduction/elimination.
  • Procurement and application of synthetic or chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other environmentally or health-harming substances.
  • Academic coursework and purely theoretical research projects lacking a practical real-world execution plan.
  • Making charitable donations on behalf of the applicant to third-party organizations or projects.

• Grassroots community initiatives: Projects aimed at building a compassionate society and mutual social aid.
• Ecology and environmental protection: Practical actions for environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and eco-education without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
• Animal protection and promotion of plant-based eating: Initiatives focused on humane treatment of animals, spreading veganism/vegetarianism, and meat reduction or elimination (excluding animal agriculture).
• Human rights and inclusion: Projects ensuring equal opportunities, combating discrimination, and supporting vulnerable social groups.

1. Self-assessment: Verifying eligibility against TPP criteria and confirming project groundwork has commenced.
2. Application submission: Completing the online form on the website.
3. Evaluation: Proposal review by TPP grant advisors.
4. Approval: Receiving the funding decision and submitting USD PayPal or bank account details.
5. Disbursement: Transfer of 100% of the grant amount (up to $500).
6. Execution and reporting: Project implementation and submission of the final report.

1. Reviewing the rules: Studying official guidelines and eligibility criteria on https://thepollinationproject.org/funding-eligibility/.
2. Material preparation: Compiling documentary proof of actual project launch (photos, links, initial progress descriptions).
3. Completing the application form: Entering applicant details, project description, budget, and expected outcomes on https://thepollinationproject.smapply.us/prog/daily_grants_program/.
4. Submission and tracking: Sending the proposal via the digital portal for review by volunteer grant advisors.

• Direct project impact: Assessment of the initiative's potential to deliver real and positive changes in the community or society.
• Significance of funding: Evaluation of how meaningfully the $500 grant moves the project forward and how the applicant plans to bridge remaining budget gaps.
• Community connection: Depth of the applicant's connection to the community served and understanding of its needs.
• Mobilization of non-financial resources: Efforts to recruit volunteers, secure in-kind donations of goods or services, and leverage local assets.
• Advisor relevance: Proposals are evaluated by grant advisors with practical experience in the relevant region or thematic domain.

• Online application: Completed official application form on the TPP web portal.
• Supporting proof: Photos, links to publications, or other materials demonstrating that project execution has commenced.
• Payment credentials: Official bank account details for international USD transfer or a verified PayPal account (provided upon grant approval).

• Financial compliance: Mandatory legal and technical capacity to receive USD transfers via PayPal or direct bank transfer.
• Volunteer status: Complete absence of paid staff. Any revenue generated by the project must be 100% reinvested into non-profit endeavors.
• Ethical and legal compliance: Complete absence of activities harmful to the environment or linked to animal agriculture; strict prohibition of discrimination, proselytizing, political campaigning, and law violations.
• Reporting: Submission of a final project report upon completion of grant funds (successful reporting unlocks access to recommendations for other donors and additional TPP opportunities).

• Prohibition of political activity: The project must not involve activities aimed at influencing election outcomes or supporting specific political candidates for public office.
• Legal compliance: Activities that incite, encourage, or lead to violations of applicable law or public policy are strictly prohibited.
• Prohibition of private benefit: Grant funds may not be used for personal enrichment of the applicant, their family members, or third parties.
• Mandatory revenue reinvestment: Any income generated during project execution must be 100% reinvested into non-profit endeavors.
• Payment capacity requirements: The applicant or organization must possess valid legal and technical capacity to receive international wire transfers or USD payments via PayPal.
• Non-discrimination requirements: Strict adherence to principles of equality and non-discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion.
• Ethics and animal protection: Absolute prohibition on projects associated with commercial or private animal agriculture, as well as the procurement or promotion of animal products.