The Pollination Project

Overview

The Pollination Project makes seed grants to people starting small, volunteer-led work that serves a community. It is deliberately early: the money is meant to move an idea from planning into a first version, not to sustain an organisation that already runs. Grants go to individuals, informal groups and young nonprofits anywhere in the world, and the foundation says it is led by applicants rather than by a narrow list of themes. Its published interests span climate, health, human rights, animal protection, education and community economic life.

Who it's for

It suits a first-time grantee with an early project, a volunteer team and no paid staff. The published criteria are specific: some planning or early activity, charitable purposes rather than personal gain, no requirement to join religious practice, and the ability to receive a transfer in US dollars. Applicants who have already received a Pollination Project seed grant, or whose group has, are not eligible for another. Academic work qualifies only with a concrete plan for real-world change.

What you get

The grant is flexible seed money, small enough to arrive quickly and large enough to cover a first round of costs: materials, travel, a pilot, printing, a modest piece of equipment. Grantees also enter a large network of other recipients, with capacity-building support, storytelling and introductions to other funders once reporting is complete. The obligation is real: a written report, receipts, and photographs or video of the work.

How to apply

Check the guidelines, then apply through the online form; emailed applications are not accepted, and international applicants must name a referee who knows the work. The form asks what the project does, who it serves, what has already happened, what the grant would pay for and how you will report on it. Applications complete before the end of a month are reviewed the following month. If you are declined, you may reapply after tightening the proposal, but you must disclose the earlier attempt.

Timing

Rolling, with a monthly review cycle: anything submitted in full before month end is considered the next month. Decisions follow that review. The foundation notes a short closure at year-end, so the calendar is not perfectly continuous. Confirm the current cycle and response window on the official page.

How to stand out

Lead with the person and the place, not the theory: advisors are volunteers who have run small projects themselves and they weigh lived connection heavily. Name the referee before you apply, because a missing referee stalls an otherwise strong file. Budget in the same currency you can receive, and keep the total small enough to look proportionate to the pilot. Because only one seed grant is allowed per person or group, do not split one project into two applications.

FAQ