Uplifting selfless grassroots volunteerism for a kinder, more compassionate world.
$1000
granted everyday
changemakers
countries across the globe
Seeding a community
of #changemakers
We use the money we raise to invest in grassroots projects by people who seek to create a more compassionate world. Every day of the year, our network selects a new project that will receive $1,000 in seed funding. As that project blossoms, leaders can access capacity-building support, encouragement, and connectivity with others. Through these efforts, we seed a vibrant community of global changemakers who seek to spread compassion in the world for the benefit of all.
At TPP, we believe in people, so we invest in people.
#Changemaker
of the week:
Location: Houston, TX
When students need to learn how to add or subtract, we teach them Math. When they need to know how to write a paper, we teach them English but what do we do when they need to learn how to love? That is the question Irene Greaves is answering with a ground-breaking program she created that teaches skills on how to cultivate self-love and love for others aptly titled, Lovescaping®.
ShiftHappens: Our Blog:
The stories behind the grants
Stefania Prandi: Shining Light on Social Injustice Through Journalism
“You trusted me. With your grant you encouraged me in continuing a work that now is international, you showed me that what I was doing was important, nonetheless the difficulties. You help me to find the ways to carry on.” – Stefania PrandiStefania Prandi is an...
Would You Eat Your Best Friend?
Every year, an estimated 30 million dogs are killed in Asia for human consumption, Humane Society International. “If you really want to know what is happening to the animals in the animal farming industry, you will suffer a lot when you know the truth, and a lot of...
Promoting Menstrual Education and Reusable Pads in Uganda
500 million girls and women around the world don't have access to menstrual products or adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management, The World Bank. “I hope that one day the world will be a better place for each and everyone,” Resty Nabaggala, Youth Leader...
“We’re very grateful for the Pollination Project’s support. This organization was
the first (outside of our first supporters) to believe in our mission.
As a result of this grant, we have gained credibility in the refugee community and will be able to continue to grow and work towards achieving our mission.”
Linnie Pawlek, Financial Literacy For Refugees
Colorado, USA
Profiles in compassion: The Story of Lava Mae
Find out how a small donation of $1000 helped launch a successful national model for homeless services. The Pollination Project makes small startup grants every single day of the year- all over the world.
A look behind the scenes
#helpthehelpers
![Monica Wang, a graduate of Yantai University in China, founded Xiaobu Vegan to promote veganism in her homeland. Having grown up in Guangxi with little early connection to animals, her perspective changed after moving to Shanghai and working at Plant Based Consulting. Her vegan journey began alongside rescuing two cats and a Japanese Akita, Meng Meng.
Xiaobu Vegan, established in 2020, uses educational videos, restaurant collaborations, and initiatives like the "Vegan Challenge" to advocate for plant-based diets. Supported by The Pollination Project, the organization aims to influence dietary habits and encourage compassion through its growing platform.
Read more on our website👇
[https://thepollinationproject.org/would-you-eat-your-best-friend]
#xbvegan #vegan #veganchina #animaladvocacy #animalrights #compassion #china #heartivism @animalchangemakers](https://thepollinationproject.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Monica Wang, a graduate of Yantai University in China, founded Xiaobu Vegan to promote veganism in her homeland. Having grown up in Guangxi with little early connection to animals, her perspective changed after moving to Shanghai and working at Plant Based Consulting. Her vegan journey began alongside rescuing two cats and a Japanese Akita, Meng Meng.
Xiaobu Vegan, established in 2020, uses educational videos, restaurant collaborations, and initiatives like the "Vegan Challenge" to advocate for plant-based diets. Supported by The Pollination Project, the organization aims to influence dietary habits and encourage compassion through its growing platform.
Read more on our website👇
[https://thepollinationproject.org/would-you-eat-your-best-friend]
#xbvegan #vegan #veganchina #animaladvocacy #animalrights #compassion #china #heartivism @animalchangemakers
In the heart of Nkwen Bamenda III Sub Division, Northwest region of Cameroon, the pilot project "Youth and Visual Arts Activism for Social Change" unfolded at Teken Quarter Youth Community Hall. This initiative, running from January to April 2023, targeted fifteen disadvantaged youths—including school dropouts, drug addicts, and other vulnerable groups. The project, supported by a seed grant, was launched by the Collective Arts Development Association (CADA), which provided six art facilitators. These experts delivered extensive training in various artistic skills, from sketching and drawing on canvas boards to graphic design and T-shirt printing.
Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of colors, composition, and proportions, along with practical applications in screen printing on diverse materials like jeans, nylon, and polyester. The primary goal of the project was to leverage art and social entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to drug use, abuse, crime, and poverty in the local community. Furthermore, the project included an outreach program involving sixth-grade pupils from the Government Primary School in Teken Quarter.
The success of this pilot paved the way for a flagship initiative titled "Empowering Marginalized Youths through Life Skill Education Art and Entrepreneurship Skill Development." This ongoing program offers six-month intensive training sessions to thirty disadvantaged youths, teaching them not only visual and graphic arts but also audio-visual skills and crafts essential for economic independence and social inclusion. Moreover, the program includes mental health education, counseling, rehabilitation strategies, and connects participants with mental health professionals as needed, continuing to transform lives thanks to the foundational support of The Pollination Project grant.
#art #socialchange #activism #youthempowerment #mentalhealtheducation #cameroon #heartivism #grants #thepollinationproject
WINNERS!!
Our grantees Manjushree Abhinav and Aanchal Raturi won the Swarnali Roy Vegan Advocacy Awards 2024 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Manjushree received a grant for her project "My planet and my plate", inspiring students to become climate activists themselves, to plant the seed of change into the hearts and minds of students, hoping that these seeds will sprout into far-reaching effects.
Aanchal founded Project Re-Learn, conducting workshops in Uttaranchal colleges to sensitize future agriculturists about ethical practices.
Join us in congratulating these two incredible heartivists! 🧡
@hsi_india
@hsiglobal
@manjushreeabhinav
@earthling_anna_raturi
#animalrights #animalwelfare #vegan #plantbased #veganlifestyle #nocruelty #crueltyfree #heartivism #grants #animaladvocacy #india
🌟 Volunteer Week 🌟 Celebrating our family of Grant Advisors!
Today we celebrate our grant advisors dedicated to #animalprotection .
🔸 April King (Montenegro/United States)
🔸 Elphas Ongongo (Kenya)
🔸 Mohini Sharma (India)
🔸 Evans Okumu (Kenya)
🔸 Fernanda García Naranjo Ortega (Mexico)
🔸 Leandro Franz (Brazil)
🔸 Jeremy Gregory (United States)
🔸 Kate Luke (Australia)
🔸 Andrew Alexander (United States)
@granjitatyh
@kotorkitties
@littleoaksanctuary
#volunteerweek
#animalrights #animalwelfare #heartivism #grants #animaladvocacy #advisors
Resty Nabaggala, a dedicated advocate for gender equality and youth empowerment in Uganda, is working to tackle menstrual poverty and promote education for girls. Growing up in a rural area plagued by poverty, child marriages, and limited educational opportunities, Resty experienced firsthand the challenges that hindered girls` access to education.
After witnessing the stark realities faced by her peers—many of whom were forced into early marriages or dropped out of school due to menstruation-related issues—Resty became deeply committed to addressing the root causes of gender inequality and educational barriers in her community. This passion led her to establish the Here For Her Foundation, with the goal to empower girls and women by providing menstrual education, access to reusable sanitary pads, and advocacy for girls` rights.
Through initiatives like the Pad Her Project - supported by a seed grant from The Pollination Project - Resty and her team are working tirelessly to break the silence surrounding menstruation and dismantle the societal taboos that perpetuate menstrual poverty. By offering educational sessions, distributing reusable pads, and empowering girls with the knowledge and skills to manage their menstrual health, Resty aims to ensure that no girl is deprived of her right to education due to menstruation-related challenges.
#menstrualhygiene #menstrualhealth #periodpoverty #heartivism #womenempowerment #girlsempowerment #uganda
During Volunteers` Week, we at The Pollination Project express our deepest gratitude to the extraordinary individuals who form the backbone of our organization.
Our dedicated volunteers, from the grant advisors who meticulously select the projects we fund, to the grantees whose community service initiatives are brought to life by volunteer effort, embody a spirit of service that is truly inspiring. The commitment, passion, and tireless dedication of these volunteers fuel every aspect of our work, enabling us to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world.
Thank you for your invaluable contribution and for proving that together, we can be a powerful force for positive change. ⭐
#volunteerweek #gratitude #volunteers #positivechange #service #commitment #heartivism #grantmaking #philanthropy
🌟 Volunteer Week 🌟 Celebrating our family of Grant Advisors!
Today we celebrate our grant advisors dedicated to #Environment & #Climate.
♻️ Mashauri Marco (Tanzania)
🌳 Madjalia Seynou (United States)
♻️ MBIFI Valantine MBIFI (Cameroon)
🌳 Bernard Molho Bwambale (Uganda)
♻️ Herbert Santo de Lima (Brazil)
🌳 Muhindo Geoffrey (Uganda)
♻️ Katherine Markova (United States)
🌳 Krugen Peter Mwembe (Kenya)
♻️ Aadya Joshi (India/United States)
@farmsahel
@_therightgreen
@climateinteractive
#climatechange #activism #heartivism #supportactivists #climateactivist #heartivism #advisors #grantmaking #grants #volunteerweek
Sowing Change: Episode #2!!!
In this episode Natasha interviews Patrick Arnold, the founder of @10billionstrong , a leadership development organization focused on environmental sustainability. Patrick received the seed grant at the very beginning of his initiative, that is now an amazing 501(c) organization, helping and empowering thousands of activists all over the world.
Since 2019, 10 Billion Strong
🌱 Has worked with emerging leaders in 93 countries across 6 continents.
🌱 Has guided 155 master trainers to utilize their curriculum to catalyze leaders in their local communities.
🌱 Has assured their 7,555 Green Leaders Academy participants are trained to address environmental challenges.
🌱 These leaders have inspired over 30,234+ environmental actions including community cleanups, advocacy campaigns, and tree plantings.
▶▶▶
Tune in to be inspired and to see the incredible impact of a seed grant!
#environmentalprotection #earthday #environment #climateactivists #climatechange #10billionstrong #sowingchange #seedgrants #heartivism #leadership #kenya #ghana #namibia #thailand #indonesia
🧡 Happy Sunday 🧡
#kindness #compassion #heartivism
Call for our Spanish speaking followers 👇
🐮🐷🐔🐣 ¡Te invitamos a unirte a la octava edición del Retiro de Meditación para Activistas por los Animales! 🧘🏻♀️ Este evento gratuito, dirigido a activistas hispanohablantes, se llevará a cabo los días 4 y 5 de mayo de 2024 a través de Zoom, y estará guiado por nuestro facilitador, Tashi Nyima.
❔ ¿Por qué participar? Sabemos que muchos activistas por los animales enfrentan desafíos emocionales que pueden afectar su capacidad para seguir adelante. 📣🆘
✅ En este retiro, aprenderás valiosas estrategias de autocuidado para fortalecer tu mundo interior y hacer que tu activismo sea más compasivo y efectivo. 🫶🏼✊🏼
INSCRIPCIONES GRATUITAS EN: https://lu.ma/retiromayo2024
¡Ayúdanos a difundir esta invitación entre tus contactos comprometidos con la causa! 🌱💚
#activistas #animalistas #meditacion #derechosanimales #animalrights #animalactivism #heartivism
🌟 Empowering Through Play! 🌟
Nature Trust (Tamilnadu, India) launched the project, "Enhance the Skills of Children with Disabilities through Play," supported by one of our seed grants 🎉✨ Timed with World Autism Awareness Day 2024, this initiative resonates with the theme of "Empowering the Autistic Voices."
In particular, the grant allowed Nature Trust to provide specially curated play materials to 20 remarkable children with diverse disabilities. These tools were thoughtfully selected to ignite their development and unlock their potential. 🧩🎨
At the distribution event held on March 31st, the atmosphere was filled with joy as children and parents expressed gratitude for the newfound importance of play in their lives. 💖👦👧 The presence of local leaders underscored the significance of inclusive initiatives like this one.
Beyond distribution, Nature Trust volunteers engaged with the children, creating lasting connections and memories. 🤝
Through the power of play, Nature Trust is fostering a more inclusive world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. 🌈
Let`s continue spreading joy and empowerment through play!
#EmpowerThroughPlay #InclusiveCommunities 🌟
#childrenwithdisabilities #autism #supportchildren #kindness #heartivism #India
It`s Volunteer Month! 🌟 🌟 🌟 Today we celebrate our grant advisors working on Economic Development focus area.
By meticulously selecting projects for our seed grants, they`re not just funding ideas—they`re empowering communities and sparking transformative change.
Join us in celebrating their invaluable efforts and the positive impact they`re creating together!
🔸 Eric Anorrey (Ghana)
🔸 Mariam Nakiryowa (Uganda)
🔸 Jean-Marie Zihalirwa (DRC)
🔸 Emily Logiron Asekon (Kenya)
🔸 Georgia Bernbaum (USA)
🔸 Herve Tsoala Kuete (Cameroon)
🔸 Jackson Bizimungu (Rwanda)
🔸 Okumu Dickson (Uganda)
🔸 Samuel Litunya (Kenya)
@ericanorrey
@mayanja_mariam
@g.bernbaum
#volunteermonth #volunteer #heartivism #economicdevelopment #change #empoweringcommunities
The Green Earth Initiative (#Cameroon) is a project dedicated to educating and empowering students about climate change, sustainable development, and environmental challenges, that has received a seed grant from The Pollination Project in 2023. With a focus on fostering environmental protection and conservation, the initiative establishes Eco-clubs and Environment Clubs in schools, providing students with the tools to learn, engage, and take action in their communities.
Since receiving the grant from TPP, the Green Earth Initiative has expanded its reach, now encompassing 9 additional schools across two regions/cities, surpassing its initial goal of 5.
This expansion was made possible by the overwhelming interest from school authorities and the growing number of volunteers and team members.
Through the support of TPP and other partners, the project`s environmental education programs, awareness campaigns, and initiatives have impacted over 8000 students in two cities of Cameroon. Additionally, the initiative has planted over 600 trees, launched 5 Environment/Eco Clubs, and distributed over 150 adapted waste bins produced from recycled plastics, contributing to proper waste management practices.
The seed grant from The Pollination Project has been instrumental in catalyzing the growth and success of the Green Earth Initiative, enabling it to make a tangible difference in the lives of students and communities, while fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
@isec_cameroon
#environmentprotection #seedgrant #heartivism #environmentaleducation
"For the Love of the Ocean" 🌊
Holly Hummel is our HEARTIVIST OF THE WEEK! Her project "For the Love of the Ocean" - integrates sports with environmental education to mobilize community involvement in climate action, focusing on ocean conservation.
👇🏽 👇🏽 👇🏽
Scheduled for April 21, 2024, at Las Cabañas Beach in Bocas del Toro, the event will encompass a series of activities including beach cleaning, yoga sessions, recycled art workshops, water sports, and a cultural dance showcase. These activities are designed not only to entertain but also to educate participants on sustainability and the importance of preserving our oceanic environments.
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Post-event, Holly plans to amplify the reach of her message through a bilingual podcast series that will explore ocean habitats, climate action, and ongoing conservation efforts. The Pollination Project has provided funding for the necessary equipment to facilitate this impactful project. We are excited to see the positive change "For the Love of the Ocean" will bring to the community and beyond.
#heartivist #oceanprotection #environmentalconservation #beachcleaning #takeaction #loveocean #panama #community
It`s Volunteer`s Month!!! 🌟 Celebrating our family of Grant Advisors 🌟
With 80 grant advisors, all experts in their respective fields and many of them former grantees, The Pollination Project is powered by a wealth of knowledge and experience. Their service is not only precious but also essential, as they bring unique insights and understanding to the application process, ensuring that resources are allocated where they can have the greatest impact.
🎉 Today we celebrate our incredible grant advisors in the HEALTH & WHOLENESS focus area!
🔸 Ben Kilama (Uganda)
🔸 Kosa Jimmy (Uganda)
🔸 Marina Haque (USA)
🔸 John Ebong (Nigeria)
🔸 Nzayisenga Emmanuel (Canada)
🔸 Rodger Mwanza (Zambia)
🔸 Emmanuel Dushimimana (Rwanda)
🔸 Nelly Hellen Onditi (Kenya)
🔸 Daniel Ayodele Femi (Nigeria)
🔸 Christopher Nwafor (South Africa)
Our heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated individuals for their invaluable contributions 🙏
@jim.kosa.5 @manud05 @duemmanuel @nelly.hellen1 @daniel_ayodele_femi
#health #wholeness #grantmaking #grantadvisor #volunteermonth #volunteers #grants #heartivism #volunteersweek #nigeria #southafrica #uganda #rwanda #zambia #canada
🌟 April, National Volunteer Month 🌟 Celebrating our family of Grant Advisors 🌟
+++ ART & CULTURE +++
At The Pollination Project, we believe in the transformative power of artistic and cultural expression to drive positive change in communities worldwide. Behind every successful project and impactful changemaker lies the guidance and expertise of our esteemed grant advisors in the Art & Culture focus area.
Their dedication and insight have been instrumental in helping us support artistic and cultural endeavors across the globe.
Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our grant advisors for their invaluable contributions in fostering creativity, diversity, and innovation in the realm of art and culture. Together, we continue to empower changemakers who are shaping a more vibrant and inclusive world through their creative endeavors.
🔸 Liza Villegas (Mexico)
🔸 Rachel Gunther (USA
🔸 Fred Batale (Uganda)
🔸 Ernest Alphonso Olayemise Allen (UK)
🔸 Rachelle Gray (USA)
🔸 Laicey Gibby-Brown (USA)
🔸 Monika Pozek (Spain)
🔸 Yuki Jackson (USA)
🔸 Maulidi Hamisi Winyaiki (Kenya)
@lizadigeorgina
@madkolektiv
@yukijacksonpoet
@kishokayouthorg
@maestro_music_services
@ladygraysgarden
@batalefred
@uckylaicem
🧡 Empowering Change Through Creative Kids Crafts & Art: A Story of Transformation in Gidan-Kwano 🧡
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The project "Creative Kids Crafts & Art" is an after-school program based in Gidan-Kwano, Nigeria, tailored to foster creativity and instigate change among 50 children aged 5 to 12 from an underprivileged community. Led by seasoned artists and educators, the program offers a platform for creative exploration, hands-on activities, mentorship, and personal growth. The primary objective is to empower children by providing a secure and encouraging environment equipped with all the essential resources.
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🌟 Thanks to the support from the TPP grant, "Creative Kids Crafts & Art" has made significant strides in its mission. By engaging the children in creative arts exploration, hands-on activities, mentorship, and personal development sessions, the program has facilitated the cultivation of artistic and problem-solving skills among its participants. Furthermore, it has underscored the transformative potential of art as a catalyst for societal change.
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🌟 The program has not only empowered the children to express themselves innovatively but has also enabled them to participate in community exhibitions, fostering newfound confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, by involving educators from nearby schools, the project has extended its impact, enhancing local teaching capacities.
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In essence, the TPP grant has been instrumental in enabling "Creative Kids Crafts & Art" to make a positive and enduring impact on the lives of these children, bridging educational disparities and advocating for the transformative power of art within Gidan-Kwano and beyond.
#art #education #creativity #thepowerofart #change #heartivism #seedgrants
🌟 April, National Volunteer Month 🌟 Celebrating our family of Grant Advisors 🌟
EDUCATION & SCHOOL 📚
🎉 Today we celebrate our incredible grant advisors in the Education & School focus area! 📚 With their invaluable guidance, we`ve been able to support students and education initiatives spanning the globe, nurturing innovation and fostering positive change.
👉🏽 Join us in expressing gratitude to these dedicated individuals whose expertise propels our efforts forward and enriches the lives of countless learners worldwide! 🌍🌟
Michael Abdullahi (Nigeria)
Gihana Jackson (Rwanda)
Dan Jetter (USA)
Agbor Solomon Eneke (Cameroon)
Sophia Hanson (USA)
Joseph Obore (Uganda)
Frank Rimler (USA)
Stephanie Scott (Ecuador)
Logan McFadden (USA)
Aaron Kapesa (Malawi)
Shenika Jackson (USA)
Emmanuel Nuvalga (Nigeria)
Benson Onyango (Uganda)
Kennedy Onyango Odera (Kenya)
@abdull_michael @aaronkapesa @enuvalga @jacksongihana @joseph_obore @myfssgs @NationalYouthFoundation @build_repair_grow
#education #schools #grantmaking #grantadvisors #volunteerwork #empoweringstudents
🌱 Empowering Indigenous Women through Regenerative Farming: Give Back to the Source.
Give Back to the Source is a transformative project aimed at supporting regenerative farming practices in Suchitepequez, Guatemala, while establishing a dedicated women`s eco-artisan center. Thanks to a TPP seed grant, they were able to take the first steps towards establishing the center and convened with a group of indigenous women to plan the next phase of their bamboo craft program. They are dedicated to empowering these women economically, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to thrive independently. With a lined-up order of bamboo curtains, the women will receive mentorship to complete their first collective sale, marking a significant step towards sustainable self-sufficiency.
@givebacktothesource
#indigenouswomen #womenempowerment #Guatemala #mentorship #grantmaking #artisan #heartivism
Aanchal Raturi is an animal advocate with a postgraduate diploma in Animal Protection Law from India. At 18, she turned vegan after learning about dairy cruelty. Seeking to broaden her advocacy, she founded Project Re-Learn, conducting workshops in Uttaranchal colleges to sensitize future agriculturists about ethical practices. Her aim is to inspire a shift towards plant-based industries, impacting over 150 students per university through workshops and field trips to animal sanctuaries.
“I applied but I thought it would be hard for someone else to understand my project because it is a very personal vision. But, when I got the approval email, I was very surprised. I was more than happy because I would be able to make it happen. I felt like I was seen.”
She`s our Heartivist of The Week. Read more on our website [link in bio]
#compassion #heartivism #India #animalrights #animalwelfare #vegan #plantbased #veganlifestyle #nocruelty #crueltyfree #heartivism #grants #animaladvocacy
