49 survey respondents
Location: 1569 Solano Avenue, #643, Berkeley, 94707 CA
EIN: 46-0675457
94%
6%
8 hours
Median
86%
14%
87%
13%
2017 Deadlines:
Types of Grants Awarded:
Geographic Focus:
For Fiscal Year
Total Assets:
Total Grants:
Change in Assets FY :
Amount of Grants to Minnesota Nonprofits:
Largest Grant:
Smallest Grant:
Average Grant:
Reviewer 5222 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
Everything is about trying but with positive determination that you will succeed due to experience of the work you have done.
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Insightful, Friendly, Openminded, Responsive
South Carolina
Grant currently pending
Funded for amount requested
2026
Good
Good
the goal to increase women's participation in peace and conflict resolution, the foundation could also support long term leadership for women not only training.
Funding should not support only immediately services but also consider long term solutions.
Yes, through networking and feedback
Timely communication and transparent process of application.
25
Reviewer 6297 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
They should know that the Pollination Project is a small, mission-driven funder with tight eligibility rules: it funds volunteer-led charitable projects, usually up to $500, and the project budget must stay under $10,000 USD. It does not fund animal farming, research, political activity, discrimination, or faith-based coercion, and recipients must be able to receive a wire transfer.
What matters most
The strongest applications are usually clear, practical, and community-focused. Since this funder emphasizes grassroots impact, the colleague should show exactly who benefits, what problem is being solved, and how a small grant will help the project move forward.
Before applying
They should check that the project is not already funded by TPP, that there is no paid staff on the organization side if applying as an organization, and that the annual budget stays under $50,000 if that rule applies. They should also avoid mentioning expenses or activities the funder excludes, such as synthetic pesticides or disposable plastic products.
How to approach it
A good approach is to keep the first message simple: one sentence on the mission, one sentence on the community served, one sentence on the amount requested, and one sentence on why this is a good fit. A short, concrete story about the need often works better than broad language or long technical descriptions.
Practical advice
If the colleague is asking for strategic guidance, I’d tell them to focus on fit, clarity, and readiness rather than trying to “sell” the idea. The funder’s own review process also suggests that experiences and interactions matter, so being organized, respectful, and easy to understand is part of the relationship-building.
California
Grant currently pending
Funded for amount requested
2026
Good
I’d rate The Pollination Project funder’s accessibility as high. He accepts applications from individuals, groups, and startup nonprofits worldwide, uses a rolling process, and says the application is designed to be simple and transparent.
Why it scores high
It funds volunteer-led projects based anywhere in the world.
It allows requests up to $500, with a relatively small total project budget cap of under $10,000.
It emphasizes a simple, transparent, relational application process.
It also provides support beyond money, including capacity-building and resource navigation.
Practical rating
If you want a quick rating scale, I’d place it around 8.5/10 for accessibility, especially for grassroots or early-stage projects.
The main barrier is that applicants must be able to receive a wire transfer, which can reduce access for some groups.
For a project like yours
For community, youth, environment, or livestock-related initiatives, this funder is generally more accessible than many larger grantmakers because it is open to volunteers and informal groups. A small, clearly charitable project with a modest budget would fit its model best.
The single best advice is: fund the project, not just the idea. Prioritize applicants who show a clear community need, a realistic plan, local support, and a path to continue after the grant ends. The Pollination Project’s own guidance emphasizes alignment with project goals, community partnerships, sustainability, and resourcefulness in the budget. For the funder, that means asking one simple question before approving support: will this grant help a committed local team turn momentum into lasting change? If the answer is yes, it is probably a strong grant.
My experience with The Pollination Project has been that of a respectful, professional partnership in the making, built around a shared commitment to grassroots, community-led environmental action. In developing our “Community Green Action” project, I learned that they look for clear community benefit, realistic plans, and projects that are volunteer-driven rather than profit-oriented, with modest, practical budgets and a pathway for the work to continue after the small grant ends. They value simple, honest communication and project titles that directly reflect community service, and they pay close attention to eligibility and appropriate use of funds. Beyond funding, they also see themselves as supporting the capacity and growth of grassroots change makers, which makes the relationship feel less transactional and more like joining a wider community of practice.
The funder is doing it's accomplishing its current philanthropic goals very successfully for organizations and individuals got their projects fully funded.
One thing The funder does well is support grassroots changemakers with more than just money: it also offers capacity-building, guidance, and connections to other leaders.
7
Reviewer 8565 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
The application is simple and straight forward with clear details. We can see their funding is small, but impact can be big. It will be a moral boost for us to take the work for the humanity forward.
New Jersey
Grant currently pending
2026
Good
Good
5 to 10 hours
Reviewer 3955 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
The Pollination Project is highly supportive of small, volunteer-led community initiatives. Keep your application clear, specific, and focused on direct community impact. Provide concrete objectives and an itemized budget, and show strong personal and community connection to your project.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Openminded, Responsive
Arkansas
Applied and not funded
Other
2026
Good
Good
The Pollination Project has a strong focus on enabling individuals and small groups to take action on pressing local issues. Their funding approach is accessible and inclusive, encouraging innovation and community engagement. By providing rapid, small grants with minimal bureaucracy and clear guidelines, they empower changemakers to implement practical solutions that strengthen resilience, awareness, and collaboration at the community level. And their support helps projects that might otherwise lack access to funding, making meaningful contributions to social and environmental well‑being in diverse settings.
One piece of advice for The Pollination Project would be to consider offering optional mentorship or guidance alongside the grant, helping grantees maximize their impact and sustainability, especially for first-time applicants with innovative but small-scale community projects.
Not yet funded
One thing The Pollination Project does really well is supporting grassroots, volunteer-led initiatives with quick, accessible funding, enabling individuals and small groups to take meaningful action in their communities without bureaucratic barriers.
5 to 10 hours
Reviewer 8364 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
apply you can be lucky
Friendly
Rhode Island
Grant currently pending
Other
2025
Good
Good
be open too funding similar courses in different parts of the world
not yet approved
detailed application process
48
Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
1. Know the Funder’s Language and Priorities
Before anything else, study their mission statements, past grantees, and funding themes.
• Do they prioritize economic mobility, youth development, food security, or racial equity?
• Use their own language in your proposal — echo their values without sounding scripted.
2. Lead with Community Impact, Not Just Need
Funders want to see transformation, not just gaps.
• Frame Franklin Hill as a model of grassroots innovation and resilience.
• Highlight how your programs build dignity, unity, and long-term change — not just one-time giveaways.
3. Show Scale and Specificity
They’ll ask: How many people? What outcomes? What’s the plan?
• Be ready with numbers: 266 apartments, 800+ residents, 300 bookbags, 200 turkeys, etc.
• Break down your budget with clarity and purpose — every dollar should feel intentional.
4. Demonstrate Collaboration and Sustainability
Funders love partnerships.
• Name your allies: Sharing Excess, Cradles to Crayons, local universities, city officials.
• Show how their grant will unlock other support — matching funds, volunteer power, or media visibility.
5. Be Ready to Tell a Story
Facts matter, but stories move hearts.
• Share a moment: a child receiving their first bookbag, a family picking up groceries with pride.
• Use quotes, photos, or short videos if possible — funders want to feel the impact.
6. Respect Their Process, But Stay Persistent
Some funders are slow-moving or bureaucratic.
• Follow their guidelines to the letter — but don’t be afraid to follow up, clarify, or reapply.
• If rejected, ask for feedback. Sometimes a “no” is just a “not yet.”
"Gets" nonprofits and issues
Massachusetts
Applied and not funded
2025
Good
Good
access
Less than 5
Reviewer 2688 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
The application process was simple and provided clear information about the qualifications and mission that allowed me to make an informed decision. I felt supported when working with them and have greatly appreciated their services.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded
Pennsylvania
Grant currently pending
2025
Good
There were very clear instructions.
Good
This foundation has a great mission that should be supported and utilized more.
I would suggest more information on eligibility for grant funding.
No
This funder provides a very manageable process to efficiently receive funding.
10 to 15 hours
Reviewer 7586 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
The instructions on the application are easy to follow
Insightful, Openminded
Missouri
Grant currently pending
Other
2025
Keep up being open about what you fund
No
I have not yet gotten any funding from them, so difficult to comment
Funding applied for
98%
Organized
More than 15
Reviewer 5089 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
I have not interacted personally with any staff or volunteers at The Pollination Project, but their values and communication through the website reflect a thoughtful and community-oriented team. If you reach out, you may connect with a program officer or grant coordinator please be respectful and understand they are handling many applications.
Culturally sensitive, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded
New York
Grant currently pending
2025
Good
The application process was straightforward and accessible, even for international applicants. Although I haven’t received a decision yet, I found the information clear and easy to follow.
Good
While I have not yet received funding, I believe The Pollination Project is doing meaningful work by supporting grassroots changemakers around the world. Their focus on compassion, justice, and community empowerment aligns strongly with their stated philanthropic goals. From what I’ve seen, they are reaching underserved communities and uplifting voices that are often overlooked by traditional funders.
I would recommend providing clearer updates or estimated timelines after the application is submitted, especially for international applicants. Even an automatic acknowledgment or general status update would help applicants feel more informed and respected during the waiting period.
The Pollination Project truly focuses on small-scale changemakers and community-driven projects. You don’t need to be a registered nonprofit to apply. They value sincerity, clarity, and local impact more than flashy proposals. If you're coming from a rural or underserved area, don’t hesitate to apply your voice matters here.
The Pollination Project does an excellent job at making small grassroots changemakers feel seen and valued. Their open, accessible application process empowers individuals not just formal organizations and encourages projects based on compassion, justice, and community healing.
6
Reviewer 5018 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
First before you approach the funder, you should know these important condition that will help you..... 1, Understand the funder mission deeply; i.e research the founder's value, mission, and past funded projects. Make sure your projects clearly aligns with what they care about -especially grassroots impact, community-led change and sustainability. 2, Start small and specific; i.e Begin with focused, clearly defined project with measurable outcomes that can be implemented by small budget. 3, Demonstrate local Ownership and urgency; i.e by showing how the project is rooted in your communities is real needs. 4, Be honest and transparent; i.e founder value honesty and r more likely to support if they see your dedication and clear plan for over coming challenges. 5, Plan for impact and follow-up; i.e be ready to explain not only what you will do but how you will truck success and share your learnings. Funders went to invest in projects that creates lasting change and inspire others.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, Builds relationships, Openminded, Responsive
North Carolina
Grant currently pending
Funded for greater amount
2025
Good
1,Ease of application. 2, Clarity of Guidelines. 3, Communication/ Response time. 4, Respect and applicant support. 5, Inclusivity and Reach. 6, Overall Accessibility.
Good
1, Global scale. 2, Deep community impact. 3, Crisis response effectiveness. 4, Funding philosophy cohesion. 5, Supporting underserved activists.
Implement structured feedback and capacity - building for rejected applicants.
Yess exactly; 1, Reporting requirements and learning culture. 2, Inclusive+ clear eligibility guidelines. Peer-review and advisory model. 3, Takeaway. 4, Beyond funding network and fiscal sponsorship support.
1, Empowering grassroots leaders with Micro-grants. 2, Equity and accessibility. 3, Efficiency and trust.
5
