Thrive Philanthropy Thrive Grant

The Thrive Philanthropy Thrive Grant gives US$10,000 to US$30,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh to ₹28.5 lakh) to mid-size or larger organisations outside the United States that have a track record of success in building plant-based food systems. Thrive Philanthropy is a US 501(c)(3) non-profit. The next deadline is 1 December 2026 at 11:59 pm GMT (5:29 am IST on 2 December), and there are four deadlines a year.

This grant is for established organisations, and Thrive says most of these grants go to organisations it has funded before. For-profit companies, including restaurants, cannot apply. Individuals are directed to the smaller Seed Grant. Applicants from any country except the USA are accepted, which includes India, and the page is available in Hindi. Africa-based applicants need an invitation or a previous Thrive grant.

What the program offers

The Thrive Grant is worth between US$10,000 and US$30,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh to ₹28.5 lakh). It funds initiatives outside the USA that accelerate alternatives to industrial animal agriculture, create plant-rich food systems, or increase access to or awareness of nutritious plant-based foods. Organisations that receive a grant are typically eligible for only one grant per year. The source does not say how the amount within the range is decided, and it does not describe mentoring or other non-cash support attached to this particular grant.

Who can apply

The grant targets mid-size or larger organisations with a track record of success. Applicants must be outside the United States and not an international chapter of a US-based organisation. The project must fit Thrive's Safespace Policy, and the applicant needs a consistently positive reputation with stakeholders and the community. Thrive encourages proposals led by, or meaningfully employing, women, people of color and other marginalised people.

The page also says Thrive is currently prioritising organisations with a budget under US$500,000. That sits a little unevenly with the "mid-size or larger" description, so read both statements together and, if unsure, ask Thrive which grant fits you.

Not funded are for-profit companies (including restaurants and other businesses), food banks, food giveaways and hunger relief, farmed animal welfare campaigns, animal farming or other animal use, projects using animal products such as animal-based food or leather, cellular agriculture, initiatives that benefit or are neutral toward the exploitation of animals, food aid to the military or police, political parties or candidate endorsements, tuition, student research or university fees, and gardening that is not part of a larger strategy to reduce demand for factory farming.

For an Indian applicant, this suits an established non-profit that has run plant-based food or awareness programs before and wants a larger grant. It does not suit a new group, an individual or any for-profit business. Newer groups should consider the Seed Grant first.

How to apply

Proposals must be submitted through Thrive's online application (thrive.smapply.io). Emailed proposals are not accepted. Read the eligibility and ineligible-project list on the grant page first, then submit before 11:59 pm GMT on the next quarterly deadline: 1 March, 1 June, 1 September or 1 December. The source does not list the application questions or required documents, so open the online application to see them. A practical tip: prepare evidence of your track record, such as past results and reports, because the grant is aimed at organisations that have already delivered.

How applications are judged and what happens next

Thrive responds within about eight weeks of each deadline. Funding is limited, and not every applicant will be awarded. The source does not publish scoring criteria beyond the eligibility rules and priorities above, nor does it say who reviews proposals.

About Thrive Philanthropy

Thrive Philanthropy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that funds work outside the United States. It says equity is central to its giving. Besides grants, it runs programs for Africa, Asia and Latin America, including accelerators, and offers fiscal sponsorship, workshops and fundraising and management support for the movement.

Things to check before you apply

• Amounts are in US dollars. The source does not say how grants are paid, so ask what bank details are needed. Indian organisations receiving foreign funds should check FCRA, FEMA and tax treatment with an adviser before applying.
• The source does not state an application fee.
• Africa-based organisations without an invitation or a previous grant are asked not to apply.
• Because most grants go to past grantees, a first-time applicant may find the Seed Grant a more realistic starting point.