44 survey respondents
Location: 1569 Solano Avenue, #643, Berkeley, 94707 CA
EIN: 46-0675457
94%
6%
7 hours
Median
84%
16%
85%
15%
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:
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
Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
I need a microgrant for less than $500 to fund my ongoing social justice project. I don't have a 501(c)(3) so I'm ineligible for many grants. This is just the right size for me. This organization asks questions that can be answered in short paragraphs. They don't ask for unreasonable information.
Michigan
Grant currently pending
Other
2025
Bad
The application process was straightforward.
Average
I don't know.
I appreciate the opportunity to apply.
Grant currently pending
They are clear about who they will and will not fund, so you don't waste your time.
5 to 10 hours
Reviewer 1352 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
They know that this funder value authenticity,and clear Heartfelt missions. It's important to communicate not just what you do,but what it matters - especially how it connects to locals needs and lived experience. This funder is more likely to support initiatives that are people powered rather than polished. Patience and persistence matters to relationship -building goes and a long way, even if the first request is not successful.
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Friendly, Builds relationships, Openminded, Responsive
North Carolina
Applied and not funded
Funded for lesser amount
2025
Good
Good
My advice to the funder is instead of funding pre-designed solutions, consider flexible grant that allow actors to adapt to changing realities on the ground.
This funder is deeply values-driven they priorities impact over publicity and often support underrepresented courses that larger donors overlook. They appreciate honest communication, even when things don't go as planned, and are more likely to continue supporting who shows learning and transparency. They also value innovation but expect it to be grounded in community needs, not just flashy concepts.
Funded Soo much in wildlife animals and environmental conservation in different countries in Africa and other parts of the globe.
1
Reviewer 6191 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
The Pollination Project is very open to grassroots and first-time applicants. You don’t need to be part of a big organization. Just be clear about your project, keep the budget honest, and speak from your lived experience. It helps to read all instructions carefully and don’t be afraid of the English — I used translation tools.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Openminded, Responsive
Wyoming
Grant currently pending
Other
2025
Good
Very accessible — their website is clear, the process is open to individuals, and the application guidance is well-structured. No need for inside connections.
Good
TPP focuses on the impact of compassion-driven action. They care more about real stories than formalities, and that’s very rare and beautiful in global philanthropy.
Maybe in the future, TPP can add language support or simple translation tools to include even more voices from non-English speaking communities.
TPP is sincere. They will not ask you to be perfect — they just want to see that your project matters to you and your community. You don’t need to pretend or overstate anything.
I am a grant applicant, and my application is currently pending review.
They make it possible for people from remote or rural areas to access global funding — without discrimination, without bureaucracy, just with sincerity and clear intention.
5
Reviewer 5673 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
is best to know that this is a microfunding for a specific program and this can make big impact on your mission.
Texas
Grant currently pending
Funded for amount requested
2025
Good
Good
feedback on what you think of our mission.
Less than 5
Grant Applicant - applied in 2025
Review all the application questions regarding the grant and your company. Gather the information you'll need to complete the grant. I had to find some of the information, resulting in the application taking two hours.
Positive leader in the field, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, Openminded, Responsive
California
Grant currently pending
Other
2025
Good
Good
Waiting for grant determination (pending).
5 to 10 hours
