Empower Grassroots Solutions Across South Asia

Empower Grassroots Solutions Across South Asia

Empower Grassroots Solutions Across South Asia

Who can Apply?

We provide grants to small NGOs, indigenous groups, local schools, and grassroots initiatives working on conservation, sustainable land use, climate literacy, and poverty reduction projects. Our funding is specifically designed for organizations that face challenges in securing large-scale funding.

1

Local/Regional NGOs or Community-led Groups

We support grassroots organizations that are locally-rooted and are often overlooked by large donors. If you're a small NGO or a community-led group working on the ground, these grants are designed for you.

2

Based in South Asia

We prioritize projects that are located in or directly benefit communities and/or the natural environments across South Asia. Whether you’re restoring forests in Assam or supporting rural livelihoods in Nepal—these grants are for work rooted in the region.

3

Focused on: Conservation / Sustainable Livelihoods / Climate Literacy / Rural Poverty Reduction

We fund efforts focused on environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, climate literacy efforts, and rural poverty reduction. Your project should fall within one or more of these areas to qualify for support.

4

Proven Community/Environmental Involvement

Your NGO or community-led group should have a track record of work in one of the specified fields. We want to see that your efforts are real, rooted, and already making an impact on the ground. This helps us know your work is legitimate and built to last.

5

Willingness to Submit Progress & Final Reports

We keep things simple—but we do ask for brief quarterly updates and a detailed final report at the end of your project year. This helps us stay accountable, learn from your work, and share your impact with our broader network.

6

Short-term Projects (1-4 Years) with Measurable Results

If your project spans multiple years, we’ll review your year-end results with our Impact Advisors to determine continued funding. Renewals are based on demonstrated progress, community feedback, and alignment with our mission—ensuring impact stays strong, year after year.

1

Local/Regional NGOs or Community-led Groups

We support grassroots organizations that are locally-rooted and are often overlooked by large donors. If you're a small NGO or a community-led group working on the ground, these grants are designed for you.

2

Based in South Asia

We prioritize projects that are located in or directly benefit communities and/or the natural environments across South Asia. Whether you’re restoring forests in Assam or supporting rural livelihoods in Nepal—these grants are for work rooted in the region.

3

Focused on: Conservation / Sustainable Livelihoods / Climate Literacy / Rural Poverty Reduction

We fund efforts focused on environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, climate literacy efforts, and rural poverty reduction. Your project should fall within one or more of these areas to qualify for support.

4

Proven Community/Environmental Involvement

Your NGO or community-led group should have a track record of work in one of the specified fields. We want to see that your efforts are real, rooted, and already making an impact on the ground. This helps us know your work is legitimate and built to last.

5

Willingness to Submit Progress & Final Reports

We keep things simple—but we do ask for brief quarterly updates and a detailed final report at the end of your project year. This helps us stay accountable, learn from your work, and share your impact with our broader network.

6

Short-term Projects (1-4 Years) with Measurable Results

If your project spans multiple years, we’ll review your year-end results with our Impact Advisors to determine continued funding. Renewals are based on demonstrated progress, community feedback, and alignment with our mission—ensuring impact stays strong, year after year.

1

Local/Regional NGOs or Community-led Groups

We support grassroots organizations that are locally-rooted and are often overlooked by large donors. If you're a small NGO or a community-led group working on the ground, these grants are designed for you.

2

Based in South Asia

We prioritize projects that are located in or directly benefit communities and/or the natural environments across South Asia. Whether you’re restoring forests in Assam or supporting rural livelihoods in Nepal—these grants are for work rooted in the region.

3

Focused on: Conservation / Sustainable Livelihoods / Climate Literacy / Rural Poverty Reduction

We fund efforts focused on environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, climate literacy efforts, and rural poverty reduction. Your project should fall within one or more of these areas to qualify for support.

4

Proven Community/Environmental Involvement

Your NGO or community-led group should have a track record of work in one of the specified fields. We want to see that your efforts are real, rooted, and already making an impact on the ground. This helps us know your work is legitimate and built to last.

5

Willingness to Submit Progress & Final Reports

We keep things simple—but we do ask for brief quarterly updates and a detailed final report at the end of your project year. This helps us stay accountable, learn from your work, and share your impact with our broader network.

6

Short-term Projects (1-4 Years) with Measurable Results

If your project spans multiple years, we’ll review your year-end results with our Impact Advisors to determine continued funding. Renewals are based on demonstrated progress, community feedback, and alignment with our mission—ensuring impact stays strong, year after year.

how to apply

1

Read Our Priorities

Ensure your project aligns with one of our focus areas (Conservation, Sustainable Livelihoods, Climate Literacy, Rural Poverty Reduction).

1

Read Our Priorities

Ensure your project aligns with one of our focus areas (Conservation, Sustainable Livelihoods, Climate Literacy, Rural Poverty Reduction).

1

Read Our Priorities

Ensure your project aligns with one of our focus areas (Conservation, Sustainable Livelihoods, Climate Literacy, Rural Poverty Reduction).

2

Prepare Your Proposal

Download one of our grant proposal templates that is in the vertical you are applying for and complete.

2

Prepare Your Proposal

Download one of our grant proposal templates that is in the vertical you are applying for and complete.

2

Prepare Your Proposal

Download one of our grant proposal templates that is in the vertical you are applying for and complete.

3

Submit Application

Email your completed proposal to apply@matsya.org with the subject line: “Grant Application - [Project Name]”

3

Submit Application

Email your completed proposal to apply@matsya.org with the subject line: “Grant Application - [Project Name]”

3

Submit Application

Email your completed proposal to apply@matsya.org with the subject line: “Grant Application - [Project Name]”

4

Review Process

Our team, alongside Impact Advisors will review applications based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with our mission. This process typically takes 3-4 weeks.

4

Review Process

Our team, alongside Impact Advisors will review applications based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with our mission. This process typically takes 3-4 weeks.

4

Review Process

Our team, alongside Impact Advisors will review applications based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with our mission. This process typically takes 3-4 weeks.

5

Funding Agreement

If your project is selected, you’ll receive a funding agreement outlining: Project milestones Reporting expectations

5

Funding Agreement

If your project is selected, you’ll receive a funding agreement outlining: Project milestones Reporting expectations

5

Funding Agreement

If your project is selected, you’ll receive a funding agreement outlining: Project milestones Reporting expectations

6

Advisor Support

Once funded, you’ll be assigned an Impact Advisor to guide your project and provide support throughout the implementation process.

6

Advisor Support

Once funded, you’ll be assigned an Impact Advisor to guide your project and provide support throughout the implementation process.

6

Advisor Support

Once funded, you’ll be assigned an Impact Advisor to guide your project and provide support throughout the implementation process.

impact advisors

(Mentorship & Support)

(Mentorship & Support)

(Mentorship & Support)

Each grantee is matched with an Impact Advisor from our expert network. These mentors help you stay on track and grow your impact.

How Impact Advisors Help

Regular check-ins

(weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) to monitor progress.

Regular check-ins

(weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) to monitor progress.

Regular check-ins

(weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) to monitor progress.

Expert advice

on overcoming challenges during implementation.

Expert advice

on overcoming challenges during implementation.

Expert advice

on overcoming challenges during implementation.

access to network

of conservationists, researchers, and sustainability experts.

access to network

of conservationists, researchers, and sustainability experts.

access to network

of conservationists, researchers, and sustainability experts.

guidance on scaling

the project or ensuring long-term sustainability.

guidance on scaling

the project or ensuring long-term sustainability.

guidance on scaling

the project or ensuring long-term sustainability.

grant categories

grant categories

Conservation Grants

Funding for species conservation, habitat restoration, and biodiversity protection projects.

Conservation Grants

Funding for species conservation, habitat restoration, and biodiversity protection projects.

Conservation Grants

Funding for species conservation, habitat restoration, and biodiversity protection projects.

Sustainable Livelihoods Grants

Supporting projects in sustainable farming, pollution removal, and agroecology.

Sustainable Livelihoods Grants

Supporting projects in sustainable farming, pollution removal, and agroecology.

Sustainable Livelihoods Grants

Supporting projects in sustainable farming, pollution removal, and agroecology.

Climate Literacy Grants

Providing climate education materials, workshops, and sustainability training.

Climate Literacy Grants

Providing climate education materials, workshops, and sustainability training.

Climate Literacy Grants

Providing climate education materials, workshops, and sustainability training.

Rural Poverty Reduction Grants

Aiding grassroots efforts that uplift children and families facing poverty—through access to education, basic needs, and tools for long-term self-sufficiency.

Rural Poverty Reduction Grants

Aiding grassroots efforts that uplift children and families facing poverty—through access to education, basic needs, and tools for long-term self-sufficiency.

Rural Poverty Reduction Grants

Aiding grassroots efforts that uplift children and families facing poverty—through access to education, basic needs, and tools for long-term self-sufficiency.

The Matsya Foundation is a 501(c)(3) registered charitable organization.

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID: 39-3297316.

The Matsya Foundation is a 501(c)(3) registered charitable organization.

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID: 39-3297316.

The Matsya Foundation is a 501(c)(3) registered charitable organization.


Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID: 39-3297316.