Grants Program
Friends of Nepal Small Grants Program
The Friends of Nepal Small Grants program provides grants to underserved areas of Nepal. Grants are sponsored and coordinated by our members and compete for funding in a specific thematic area. After the 2015 earthquake, the grant theme was Earthquake Recovery, and following the Covid pandemic, we raised money for health, sanitation, and vaccinations. We also funded projects under the Let Girls Learn theme that supported education programs addressing educational inequities in girls’ education. Now, the Grants Committee is considering proposals related to Climate Change, Conservation, and Sustainability initiatives.
Our grants program affords members continuing opportunities to contribute to community development efforts in Nepal through donations to the grant program, or by sponsoring and coordinating a grant on behalf of a community organization known to you. Our strength is in our experience in and connections to small towns and villages all over the country.
Money for grants is raised through a special Grants Fund separate from General Donations and Memberships. While there is no minimum-maximum grant size, grants usually average $5,000.
Some of the organizations funded in 2024 were:
Biodiversity Conservation Center – Promoting Moringa farming via a demonstration plot and developing the processing and marketing of Moringa-based products. Moringa is a fast-growing drought-resistant tree with positive health properties and a deep root system that aids in preventing erosion. Location: Saptakoshi Municipality in Sattari District.
EcoHimal – Constructing an accessible high-altitude greenhouse to support vocational instruction in sustainable vegetable agriculture for differentially-abled basic education students. Location: Dunai
Village in Dolpo District.
Karnali Resilience Initiative Nepal – Creating a school-managed, sustainable apple orchard in collaboration with the surrounding community. It will provide students with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture as well as an eventual income source for the school. Location: Tilagupha Municipality in Kalikot District.
Red Panda Network – Providing an alternative income source for women who otherwise rely on forest harvesting that destroys the Red Panda habitat. Women will be trained in crocheting red panda-
themed merchandise for sale to an existing enterprise that already markets such items. Location: Phedi and Patheka villages of Khotang District.
Sustainability and Environmental Studies – Training senior high school students to work locally in developing and implementing climate-regenerative strategies in agriculture, wetland preservation,
and eco-tourism. Students will gain hands-on experience. The project will be a model for local climate action. Location: Southern Kathmandu Valley and Panauti along the Nagaraj Trail.
Shree Shanti Secondary School – Creating a hands-on learning environment for plant biology and environmental science through the construction and use of a vegetable greenhouse by high school
students and teachers. The project will also promote the nutritional value of eating fresh organic vegetables. Location: Kunchha Municipality of Lamjung District.
If you are interested in applying for a grant, we announce opportunities here: https://www.friendsofnepal.com/cpages/announcements-opportunities