24 survey respondents
Location: 1569 Solano Avenue, #643, Berkeley, 94707 CA
EIN: 46-0675457
90%
10%
8 hours
Median
83%
17%
80%
20%
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 9943 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2019
If you don't need the $1000, the process they put you through for the money is completely not worth it. Spend the time on creating a crowdfunding campaign and getting donors who will stick with you. This funder is also only a one time grant so it is exhausting to create relationships with them only to get $1000 one time.
Friendly
Florida
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2019
Bad
They assume everyone can work for free and has many hours to answer their questions.
Bad
They are very hard to work with and they don't really understand the startup needs of nonprofits. They are a better funder for people who are purely volunteering and are not trying to build anything lasting.
What is going on with their staff turnover? It seems like they churn through their staff a lot, and I've had three different contacts there already.
They are vegans so they will not fund anything that could harm animals. I respect that.
The idea of giving $1000 grants is a really good one if only they didn't require so much paperwork.
18
Professional in the field
The amount of hoops they make you jump through for a $1000 grant is pretty ridiculous. They don't give you more than one grant, so it is literally all that work and relationship building for $1000 max. So spend your time and energy on a foundation or on donors who will partner with you over the long term.
Gives more than money
California
Professional in the field
Other
2020
Average
Bad
Their goals are a bit confusing. it seems like they are focused on people who have the time and financial security to be volunteers and not get paid for their nonprofit work. So if their goal is to support people with financial means, I guess that's working.
Give people more money than $1000, and invest in the long term growth of the leaders you fund.
They seem to have some staffing problems which never bodes well. I've seen a lot of staff come and go and the circumstances around them leaving is always a little mysterious.
This foundation only provides $1000 of funding regardless of the need your organization has.
Promotes itself.
0
Grant Applicant - applied in 2015
Read their requirements first to see if you are a good fit.
(Unknown)
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2015
Good
Good
Providing ongoing support to grantees that take their work seriously.
5 to 10 hours
Reviewer 3716 - Professional in the field
This is a very transparent funder looking to fund seed stage projects. They have a very warm, but often very overworked, staff and their staff has limited impact on what gets selected. After the initial review process by the staff, portfolios of grants are sent to external reviewers with experience in the field to rank.
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Friendly, Builds relationships, Openminded
Louisiana
Professional in the field
Funded for amount requested
2014
Good
Good
It might be worthwhile to set criteria for specific areas that will help manage both the applicant expectations and the reviewer workload. There are a number of issue areas (like water, sanitation, education, etc.) where deeper guidelines could help both the applicant shape their project and reduce the number of unqualified applicants. For example, a risky idea for school children or a water project that is completely unsustainable should be weeded out more early in the process.
This is truly for grassroots and seed stage. Don't look too professionally polished in your work as they prefer to fund organizations that are less likely to be well received in philanthropy.
10 to 15 hours
Reviewer 574 - Professional in the field
This is one of the most open application processes in the foundation world, and The Pollination Project is a funder who looks at early stage projects that no one else in this field would even consider.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
California
Professional in the field
Other
2016
Good
I have never heard of a funder who accepts applications as freely as The Pollination Project. They are one of the most open and accessible foundations I know.
Good
They want to fund changemakers around the world and I think they do that very well.
Find ways to give ongoing support, not just one time grants.
This organization is run by people who come from the nonprofit field, not the foundation field. So they understand how hard it is to fundraise and get support for your work.
The decisions are made by grantees which is great. They also have a very open application process which is unusual in philanthropy.
0
Reviewer 964 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
The Pollination Project is an amazing organization and I have nothing but good to say about them/=,
Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Good
Less than 5
Wow, thank you so much for this review. We are really fortunate to be surrounded with such awesome cheerleaders and so happy we had a chance to support your work! Thanks for being part of the TPP Global Family!
Reviewer 3051 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2014
It will be best to study their website and then you start your application process.
Risk averse
(Unknown)
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2014
Bad
Very high.
Bad
This funder gives more than money.
To simplify their application process.
Passion.
Network and advice.
5 to 10 hours
Hi There, thank you so much for your review. We are wishing we could get more information about why we are not accomplishing our philanthropic goals in your view. And also your assessment that we are risk averse. We definitely want to learn more about these comments since it allows us to grow and do a better job for you, and for all of our grantees and applicants! Feel free to email us at the grantee email address you were given so we can hear more about these comments which will truly benefit our entire global family if we are able to get more information from you! Thank you!!
Reviewer 651 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2014
Fantastic organization, definitely apply if you have a strong seed idea.
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2014
Average
Due to the amount of applications they get for a daily award, it's better to engage after applying.
Good
The target is specific - giving $1000 a day to a noble person and cause. They have an incredible and long portfolio on their website.
Help make introductions to funders once good portfolio projects need scaling support!
Really great sources of capital for projects in developing countries - $1000 goes a long way.
Community empowerment, community driven development, grassroots projects
5
Thank you so much for the review and it is really helpful to us to know that more intros to other foundations would be useful to you. We are working on this and do sometimes have good follow up funders for certain grantees- but the more we have, the more it supports our network.
Reviewer 256 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2015
The Pollination Project is one of the few funders which will help new nonprofits get started. The grant is only $1,000 but it's a base. They are interested in broad range of issues, but enthusiastically fund environmental projects. There is a requirement that you use renewable sources, organic foods, etc. if that is included in your proposal. We needed to source a caterer that provided organic food and recyclable serving utensils. If you have questions, they are responsive and will help you meet your deliverables.
Arizona
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2015
Good
Good
If you are funded, your organization will receive mention in The Huffington Post, a huge benefit in applying for other grants.
They fund a $1,000 grant every day. Our first proposal was not funded. Keep trying.
Address human needs and creative ideas.
5 to 10 hours
Thanks for the feedback and glad to know the Huffington Post article is a good benefit! We work hard on that piece so it is always nice to hear it is useful.
Reviewer 767 - Grant Applicant - applied before 2014
Really look around the non profit world and see if you can find any alternatives for funding. Are the startup costs for a 501 worth it?i.e. Incorporation, attorney, accountant are just the start. The Pollination Project is really the easiest and best in helping start ups.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
Before 2014
Good
Super easy
Good
I get the reports of their funding activity, as I also contribute to their work. Am amazed at the breadth of their work. They are all over the world doing somethings really innovative.
Avoid the non profit world until you have some sort of track record. Grantors in general are a rather insecure group. The laws and rules need to be brought into the current world. Start with Crowdfunding, or some one like that. Try local close to home, like civic clubs.
They are "good people"
Is not limited in any way, except to the usual. Communicates - and treats everyone with respect.
10 to 15 hours
Wow, you are very kind. We take pride in supporting start up efforts and so glad that we were able to help you!
