Empowering Visionary Changemakers with Seed Funding for Global Transformation.
$1000
GRANTED EVERY DAY
CHANGEMAKERS
COUNTRIES ACROSS THE GLOBE
Seeding a community
of #changemakers
The Pollination Project is a collaborative Foundation that offers seed funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Our network of sixty five grant advisors and five country coordinators, each an expert in their respective fields, leads our funding decisions.
This participatory grantmaking process aligns with our ethos of empowering individuals on the front lines to effect positive change within their communities, cultures, and countries.
Beyond financial support, The Pollination Project Foundation assists grantees in taking their initial steps towards fundraising and offers first belief in their mission. Additionally, we offer capacity-building workshops, mindfulness retreats to prevent burnout, and resource navigation to ensure that our grantees’ work achieves tangible goals.
At TPP, we believe in people, so we invest in people.
#Heartivist
of the week:
Christelle Dreyer: Unmute the Spirit
Location: SOUTH AFRICA
“Unmute the Spirit” is a book project launched by Christelle Dreyer and Silva Laukkanen of Tractus Arts to change perceptions and increase representation in popular literature for people with disabilities, especially children, by sharing a story of dreams and resilience.
“With this colorful and dynamically illustrated children’s book we aim to lift the voices of people with disabilities, and to show students that having a disability doesn’t have to stop you from dreaming, and achieving those dreams. With The Pollination Project support for creation of the audio and Sign Language versions, Tumi’s story can become accessible to and enjoyed by all children of South Africa, and beyond.”
ShiftHappens: Our Blog:
The stories behind the grants
Working Towards Universal Protection for Animals
No country received the best grade on the Voiceless Animal Cruelty Index or the World Animal Protection Index. “The better we treat the animals, the better this world will be,” Maida Šabeta-Lemajić, Animal Advocate, Lawyer, Campaigner, and Fundraising Manager for the...
Empowering 1 Million Women Entrepreneurs in Africa
1 out of every 3 Sub-Saharan African women are unemployed, UN. “When women are empowered the entire community and the entire world benefits,” Oluwaseyi Tolulope Kehinde-Peters, Entrepreneur and Founder of PAWEN.There is nothing more noble than to work to provide our...
Teaching Children to Care for the Environment in Uganda
50% of deaths from stroke and ischaemic heart disease in Uganda are caused by air pollution, WHO. “Engaging future generations in environmental care gives me hope. Climate action is something we all have to look for and work together,” Rachel Nakimuli, Founder of...
“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
🎉✨ We are thrilled to celebrate our incredible grantee and advisor, Chimwemwe Chitambala, and her amazing organization, Embrace Her, as they launch the "Young Women Startup Boot Camp"! 💼🔥
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This inspiring initiative has brought together innovative and ambitious young women startup entrepreneurs, all working to create impactful solutions with their products and services. From energizing brainstorming sessions to invaluable networking opportunities, every moment was charged with passion and drive.
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Founded with support from The Pollination Project in 2017, Embrace Her provides microloans, financial literacy, and business support to young women in Zambia.
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Chimwemwe`s impact so far:
🌟 Funded 97+ young women
🌟 Mentored 100+ young women
🌟 Reached 800+ young people
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Join us in celebrating Chimwemwe and the incredible young women of Embrace Her who are shaping the future! 🚀👩💼💖
@embrace_her_zm
#womenempowerment #girlsempowerment #microloans #microeconomy #womenInbusiness #startupbootcamp #empowerher #ThePollinationProject #youngentrepreneurs #zambiarising #heartivist
Lakshman Molleti’s work seems simple enough at first glance: he gives away earth-friendly water bowls throughout India to ensure that the millions of stray dogs, cows, monkeys, birds, and other animals have access to clean water.
"It Began with a Water Bowl," is the movie adaptation of the book "The Journey of Bunty and Chinku,", written by Lakshman.
This story is meticulously crafted with the primary goal of inspiring, motivating, and instilling a sense of responsibility across all age groups towards community building, particularly in the often neglected realms of animal welfare and the environment.
The Pollination Project partnered with Lakshman since the very beginning of Lakshman’s project Animals Water Bowl Project Trust.
To date, Lakshman Molleti:
🐶 distributed 5500+ water bowls
🐶 organized 120 educational events
🐶 educated 35,000 people on animal welfare both in person and online
🐶 impacted 15000+ animals /day.
You can follow Laksham and his organization AWBP Trust on
Instagram at @awbptrust
YouTube at @AWBPTrust
Facebook at @awbptrust
Website https://awbptrust.org/
#animalrights #animalwelfare #vegan #plantbased #veganlifestyle #nocruelty #crueltyfree #heartivism #grants #animaladvocacy #straydogsindia #straydogs #seedgrants #animalactivist
Stories of #Heartivism: "Break the Bias" is a transformative initiative crafted to bridge the gap experienced by visually impaired women in Lagos (Nigeria) in acquiring fundamental digital and communication skills necessary for navigating today`s world.
Thanks to the support of the TPP grant, Oluwakemi empowered 25 women with newfound confidence in communication!
🌍 "A Good Cage is an Empty Cage" 🐔
Meet Sanele Ndlovu from Zimbabwe, a passionate advocate for animal welfare! 🌟 She founded Nurture Imvelo Trust to challenge and change the harsh realities of animal farming. 🚜
Did you know chickens are some of the most abused animals globally? 🐣 They`re often kept in tiny cages, barely larger than an A4 sheet of paper, unable to spread their wings. 🚫 Sanele`s mission with her campaign "A Good Cage is an Empty Cage" aims to end the use of these cruel battery cages.
📢 Join her in spreading awareness and promoting a cage-free life for chickens. Let`s support compassionate treatment that respects all sentient beings! 🕊️ Together, we can make a difference.
👉 Swipe up to learn more and see how you can help!
@nurtureimvelotrust
@animalchangemakers
#animalrights #cagefree #animaladvocacy #freehens #zimbabwe #animalactivism
CONGRATULATIONS to our grantee and Lead Advisor in Health and Wholeness, Ben Kilama!
He has just taken on the role of "Disability Inclusion Facilitator" (DIF) with Light for the World, a non governmental organization with a vision to build an inclusive world where people with disabilities fully engage and participate in economic development and enjoy equal rights.
In this role, he`s going to be supporting the "We Are Able! Project" which is a partnership project with five partners (Light For The World, ZOA International, NUDIPU-Uganda Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda, VNGI and The Hague Academy for Local Governance in Northern Uganda) to achieve two main outcome: inclusive land rights and inclusive food security.
"I want to appreciate TPP for making this happen. This success is traceable from the grant that we got from TPP which exposed me, my work, and my cause to the community and other organizations which are committed to the same cause.
Seriously, from Health and Wholeness to inclusive land rights and inclusive food security, I envision the sky to be the limit."
We are very proud of you, Ben!
#foodsecurity #health #inclusivity #uganda
Our seed grants often provide crucial initial funding, allowing changemakers to kickstart projects, conduct research, or implement innovative ideas.
Our grantees` words of gratitude are the best reward 🧡
#philanthropy #grantmaking #grants #heartivism #changemakers #activism #nonprofit #volunteer
🔸🔸🔸"Legal action against animal slaughterhouse in Uberaba" 🔸🔸🔸
We recently supported the project of the Animal Rights Lawyer, Giseli Cheim, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Giseli Cheim and the organization @anaa_associacaoadvanimalista aim to initiate a Popular Action urging the municipality, Minas Gerais state, and the Federal Government to enforce international animal welfare standards. This entails continuous municipal inspection and ultimately, the closure of the facility. The strategy involves legal measures to compel authorities, including the federal government, to address inhumane practices, with proposed meetings aimed at enhancing inspection protocols to alleviate animal suffering.
#animalrights #animalwelfare #vegan #animallawyer #nocruelty #crueltyfree #heartivism #grants #animaladvocacy
#direitosanimais #abolicionismoanimal #direitoanimal #bioetica #filosofia #etica #crueldade #pecuaria #entretenimentohumano #brazil #violacaodedireitofundamental #veganismo #vegan #protecaoanimal
🌟 Refugee Women are Creating Their Own Incomes and Opportunities in Uganda 🌟
Last year we supported Clay Cosmo`s project addressing the pressing financial challenges faced by refugee women, who constitute a significant 81% of Uganda`s refugee population.
Thanks to our grant, the project has achieved important milestones in fostering the empowerment of refugee women through skill development and entrepreneurship. 30 resilient women from Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda were carefully selected to participate in an intensive training program focused on organic skincare production.
With access to crucial resources provided by the grant, including training materials, safety equipment, and transportation support, these women started a transformative journey. They not only acquired practical skills in soap and shampoo making but also developed their entrepreneurial acumen, laying the foundation for their own businesses.
Despite challenges such as weather disruptions, the project persevered, ensuring the success of the training program. Now, 65% of refugee women have emerged as confident entrepreneurs, poised to make meaningful contributions to their communities while securing sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.
Moreover, the project has extended its impact to include younger participants, with 35% of individuals aged 18 to 25 joining innovation classes, fostering a culture of creativity and resourcefulness among the youth.
The TPP grant has played a pivotal role in catalyzing this positive change, empowering refugee women to chart their paths toward self-reliance and economic independence. Their success stories serve as powerful examples, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and embrace opportunities for growth.
@claycosmo
#refugeewomen #empoweredwomen #skincare #entrepreneurship #supportwomen #uganda
#heartivism #philanthropy
Meet Stefania Prandi, an Italian journalist and photographer. Recently honored with the third prize in the "Outstanding Investigative Reporting" category at the Fetisov Journalism Award in Geneva, Stefania’s groundbreaking work titled “The Bitter Taste of Kiwis” exposes the exploitation of Indian workers in the kiwi supply chain of Italy`s Lazio region.
This achievement is just one highlight in Stefania’s career, marked by a relentless pursuit of justice. Since 2016, she’s been uncovering social injustices, particularly those affecting women.
In her early project, “Oro Rosso, The Other Side of Farmland” (2016), Stefania shed light on immigrant female workers facing exploitation and harassment in Italian agriculture. Supported by a TPP grants, her work expanded internationally, addressing similar issues in Morocco and Spain.
In “The Consequences” (2019) - also supported by a TPP grant - Stefania confronted Italy’s alarming rate of femicide, revealing the profound impact on families and communities. Through intimate portraits and stories, she brought attention to the lasting effects of gender-based violence.
Continuing her advocacy, Stefania’s 2021 report “Bitter Strawberries” exposed the exploitation of migrant women in Spanish strawberry fields. And in 2022, “The Distant Mothers” highlighted the human cost of intensive agriculture in Eastern countries.
Stefania’s tireless commitment to social justice has earned her international acclaim. Through her work, she challenges norms, amplifies marginalized voices, and inspires change worldwide. Her impact in investigative journalism resonates globally, leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment and awareness.
#investigativejournalism #genderbasedviolence #femicide #stefaniaprandi #workexploitation #ororosso #theconsequences #socialjustice #heartivism #photography #fetisovjournalismaward #womensupportingwomen
This month we reflect on the incredible projects we supported empowering women worldwide. Since 2012, The Pollination Project has been a catalyst for change, funding over 2,300 projects led by women, with nearly 1,000 projects specifically aimed at empowering women and girls.
Spanning across 77 countries, these projects form a vibrant mosaic of initiatives, each contributing to the greater goal of gender equality. Despite the diversity of backgrounds and cultures represented, there is a common thread of resilience and determination woven through the stories of these women. Whether they are mothers, daughters, activists, journalists, doctors, or teachers, they share a commitment to lifting each other up and effecting positive change in their communities and society at large.
Heartivists like Saba Khalid, an award-winning social entrepreneur, public speaker, activist and journalist from Karachi, Pakistan. She`s the creator of Raaji, an animated series by a Pakistani women`s empowerment digital platform Aurat Raaj. Saba uses animated characters and powerful storytelling to tackle a taboo topic. From honour killing to child marriages, the series educates, empowers and entertains young Pakistani adolescent girls with content that can save their lives and reduce shame surrounding gender issues. The platform came into existence in response to the rising number of honour-based-violence in South East Asia. Besides the TPP seed grant, the series has been also supported, appreciated and shared by The Do School, UNICEF and UN Women Pakistan.
#genderbasedviolence #gbv #honourkilling #childmarriage #womenempowerment #socialjustice #heartivism #womensupportingwomen
@unwomenpakistan
@unicef
@raaji_menstrual_chatbot
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.
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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