Theory of Change #5: Shifting the Field

by | Jul 21, 2020 | ShiftHappens

A recent analysis by candid.org found that over half of grant dollars allocated by American foundations went to just 1% of recipient organizations.

This tracks with what we know about the philanthropic sector more generally; by and large, most foundation support is awarded to well-funded, established organizations.

The same report cited above found that the average grant size is currently $35,000.

At The Pollination Project, we’ve seen community transformation begin with a seed grant of what seems a small sum of money, $1,000.

Using a microgrant model, we’ve built a network of nearly 4,000 grassroots leaders in 115 countries working on projects spanning every major social issue. Most of these leaders would not have been able to access funding from traditional foundations; their work may be viewed as too diffuse, risky, or labor-intensive to monitor and evaluate.

Yet we know that a small grant placed in the right hands can have tremendous direct and indirect impact.

In terms of direct impact, a grant of this size can educate over 4,000 teenagers on teenage pregnancy and contraceptive use. It can screen and provide initial treatment to almost 350 diabetics. It can offer vocational training to 30 widows, as well as support in incubating their resulting small businesses. Indirectly, supporting grassroots work builds local leadership, independence and community resilience.

Embracing grassroots efforts offers a meaningful opportunity for intellectual diversity and lasting impact. Those who are closest to the problem itself are the ones who are the most invested in seeking solutions, and they are familiar with and able to mobilize local resources, relationships, and networks in a way that is out of reach for outside actors. Investments in grassroots work, free from constraints of administrative overhead and bureaucracy, often goes further than other interventions. Meaningfully, the authenticity behind these efforts garners community trust, creating networks and a critical nexus of alignment that anchors and amplifies the work itself.

As we live out our values through our work, we hope to share impact with the philanthropic community in ways that encourage others to implement or otherwise support the microgrant model. When we talk about “shifting the field of philanthropy,” this is our intention.

This is the fifth in a series of blogs highlighting The Pollination Project’s Theory of Change. Click here to read the introduction, here to read the first post on uplifting individual action, here to read the post about building capacity & collaboration, and here to read the post about inner transformation. The last post about inspiring action can be found here.

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"Sowing Change: Conversations about Seed Grant Impact," is designed to shed light on the transformative work of our grantees, made possible through the support of TPP's seed grants. 

In our first episode, our Natasha Reilly-Moynihan meets Tracy Glover of @sweetpeepsmicrosanctuary, a haven for chickens rescued from animal agriculture. Tracy shares the transformative journey of these sentient beings from being seen as mere food to recognized as unique individuals with their own stories. 

This series aims to showcase the ripple effect of TPP's seed grants through powerful narratives of change and compassion. Tune in to be inspired and to see the world from a new, hopeful perspective.

Watch it now and let us know iff you like it 🧡👇
Please, meet Maida Šabeta-Lemajić , our Heartivist of the Week!

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark document from 1948, marked a pivotal moment for humanity by acknowledging inherent rights for all individuals, regardless of origin or circumstance. However, while humans have seen progress in safeguarding their rights, the same cannot be said for other inhabitants of the planet. Maida Šabeta-Lemajić, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, is tirelessly working alongside the Global Animal Law GAL Association to extend universal protection to all sentient beings.

Born and raised in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Maida's journey into animal advocacy began during her college years when she discovered the pervasive issue of animal cruelty. Since then, she has been instrumental in shaping animal protection laws in her country, leading to significant reforms such as banning animals in circuses and curtailing animal experimentation.

Maida's dedication to animal welfare has taken her to various organizations, including PETA Germany and Cruelty Free International. However, it is her involvement with the Global Animal Law GAL Association that has allowed her to pursue her dream of enacting global animal protection laws. Under the leadership of figures like Dr. h.c. Antoine F. Goetschel, the association is working towards establishing the United Nations Convention on Animal Health and Protection (UNCAHP), a monumental initiative aimed at legally safeguarding animals worldwide. 

Maida and her team are spearheading efforts to raise awareness and garner support for the UNCAHP through initiatives like video production and outreach campaigns. With support from organizations like The Pollination Project, they aim to amplify their message and build a global coalition for animal rights. 

Read the interview on our website [https://thepollinationproject.org] 

@global_animal_law_gal
#Animalrights #animalprotection #animallaw #animalactivism #animalwelfare #AnimalHealth #HumanHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #OneHealth