Fundraising inspiration from abroad:: The Pollination Project

cows Kartika Paramita

Kartika Paramita

Fundraising for small causes can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. Organisations need money to deliver their work, but attracting those funds often require more than simply explaining what an organisation does.

Successful fundraising depends on telling a compelling story, demonstrating meaningful impact and giving supporters a reason to believe their contribution makes a difference.

One organisation that offers useful inspiration is The Pollination Project, an international philanthrophic idea known for supporting grassroots projects and emerging changemakers. Its approach provides an interesting example of how relatively modest amounts of funding can be used to encouraging people to test ideas, build community projects and create social change.

It offers small grants (around $500) to tiny animal welfare non-profits worldwide. It has a dedicated team of 75 grant advisors and 5 country co-ordinators, all experts in their fields to guide funding decision.

For farmed animal advocates, it can offer larger capital, and follow-up funding of up to $10K. Examples of projects funded include:

  • An exam table for a pet mobile vaccine unit
  • Earth-friendly water bowls for stray animals in India
  • Campaigning for CCTV cameras in Spanish abattoirs
  • Funding a vegan food relief bank in Ukraine
  • Funding the monitoring of nesting sea turtles.

The Pollination Project has funded almost 7000 projects in 12 countries.

A different approach to funding

The Pollination Project was established around the idea that people with good ideas should have opportunities to put these ideas into practice, even when they don’t have access to a lot of funding. A project does not always need a huge budget, to demonstrate value and create change.

A grant of £1000 can sometimes provide all that’s needed to test an idea, and get it off the ground.

Example project: community food growing 

A local group wants to start a community garden. It might need funding for organic seeds and some no-dig gardening equipment (like raised beds). A relatively small grant could allow the group to establish the project and involve residents. Once it has produced early results, local businesses may sponsor the project after the seed funding.

Example project: helping an animal shelter

A community group wishes to help a local animal shelter that is danger of closing down due to an old building and lack of food, hay etc. The initial funding to keep it open (to pay for food and hay) may be modest short-term.

But then volunteers could get involved making repairs. And eventually it could grow into a larger project, that results in a new-build or purchase/rent of a better building nearby.

Example project: environmental education 

A group of volunteers want to teach children about biodiversity in the local area. This could include wildlife walks and tips on creating habitats. But they can’t do this, as they can’t afford the DBS safety checks.

Seed funding provides this, and the talks/walks are so popular, that people in the local area begin to donate to the organisation, and get involved in river and canal clean-ups, and book talks for local schools.

Make the first funding request concrete

Never just ‘ask for money’. It’s important to be specific about what is needed, and get three quotes beforehand to show you’re honest and have done your homework. For example:

  • £500 to provide materials for a community workshop
  • £1000 for an 8-week youth project
  • £2500 to establish a community garden
  • £5000 to set up a grassroots organisation

Don’t say ‘we need £500 to support community development’.

Instead say:

‘We need £5000 to turn an unused community space into a weekly program, where local residents can attend workshops, share meals and develop new skills’. The second description creates a picture. People can imagine the room and activities, and are more likely to help.

Ideas for seed funding requests

Many worthwhile projects can get off the ground with small seed funding. Here are a few ideas that could transform your community from the first few thousand pounds in donations:

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