I wrote about The Pollination Project and its dedication to daily giving in February of 2014. (Read: Philanthropy Friday: Daily Giving and The Pollination Project)
The Pollination Project seeds $1,000 grants to “individual change makers” every single day of the year. Founder Ariel Nessel and executive director Alissa Hauser shared with me how The Pollination Project is about believing in people. How Ariel, who funds majority of the grants himself, nourishes his soul by funding the people who are doing good work in the world.
As I was thinking about what I wanted to share for Philanthropy Friday this week, an email came across my inbox about The Pollination Project’s upcoming milestone. They are about to award their 1,000th grant. It seems appropriate to celebrate with them, as they exemplify simple giving.
From the email:
Two and a half years ago, when I announced my intention to give away $1000 a day, every day for the rest of my life, people thought I was nuts. But after awarding nearly $1,000,000 in grants to exceptional social change leaders in 57 countries, our impact continues to grow.
In celebration of this huge milestone, and to acknowledge the vision, courage and hard work it takes to start a social change project, The Pollination Project is giving THE VISIONARY AWARD to our 1000th grantee.
The 2015 Visionary Award will be given to “an up-and-coming social change leader whose vision and commitment inspires hope and reminds us that there is a groundswell of goodness in the world.”
The Pollination Project received 150 applications and has selected four finalists. These finalists are working on human rights, social justice, animal advocacy, environment, art and culture change, and women’s rights.
The 1,00th grant and Visionary Award will be handed out on July 29th, 2015. You can help select the winner by reading more about the finalists and voting for your favorite change maker on The Pollination Project’s website.
What would you do to change the world with $1,000?
Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. Read past stories here.
