By Susan Lutz
Small grants. Big visions. The Pollination Grant offers $1000 grants every day to those who desire to change the level in a big way. 
From lighting schools to shining hope on marginalized populations, winners of The Pollination Grant believe in big change through hard work and a solid vision at the ground level. Anyone, worldwide, can apply.
I know the impact a small grant can have on work. I was awarded The Pollination Grant in the fall of 2014 for my film, The Coffee Dance: Seeds of Empowerment, a documentary looking at the lives of women and children in dire poverty and how they find a way to rise above and give back to others.
Over the last year, I have watched amazing people receive these grants and have seen how this small change really does make a difference. The Pollination Grant originated from the ideals of Ari Nessel. In 1997, Nessel changed the way he thought about life, about how we treat each other and the planet. His dream became a vision to help others help others. He believed small change could make a big difference, planting seeds of consciousness through education, community involvement, and service to others. His idea lit up a corner of the world, and soon The Pollination Grant was on CBS Sunday Morning.
Applying for the grant takes serious planning and organization. Though not difficult, the online application requires a clear vision with obtainable goals in mind. Reading about the grant and the guidelines is important. For example, the grant does not allow any expenditure for food made from animals. Most costs must also be recycled materials and/or eco-friendly.
The grants fund projects such as art therapy for veterans, speech therapy for children in Afghanistan, and teaching empowerment through agriculture for women in Cameroon. What’s amazing is not only the vast amount of grants awarded but also that there are so many people and organizations out there truly trying to make a difference. The Pollination Grant joins the consciousness of care and community through it’s giving.
To learn more about The Pollination Grant, you can visit its website. There you’ll find photos and stories about how you can support and join in changing the world.