Lisle International is pleased to announce the availability of Global Seed Grants aimed at supporting innovative projects that foster intercultural understanding and contribute to the creation of a more just social order.
Whether your project seeks to bridge divides between ethnic, cultural, religious, racial, or gender groups, Lisle’s funding can help bring your vision to life.
About Lisle International
Lisle International has a long history of promoting intercultural education. The organization began its efforts in 1936 with projects focused on the United States and expanded internationally in 1952. Since 2004, Lisle has been providing small “seed grants” to support initiatives that advance intercultural understanding.
These grants have enabled numerous programs to foster dialogue, understanding, and shared learning among diverse communities across the globe.
What Are the Global Seed Grants?
The Global Seed Grants program offers grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to innovative projects that aim to bring people of diverse backgrounds together. The projects should focus on shared experiences and the promotion of intercultural understanding. Lisle International awards between three and eight grants each year in regions including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
These grants are designed to help kickstart initiatives that address a variety of community divides, including but not limited to ethnic, cultural, religious, racial, and gender perspectives. The goal is to encourage and support projects that lead to a more inclusive, understanding, and just world.
Eligibility and Application Process
Lisle International invites organizations and individuals with a project idea that aligns with their mission of fostering intercultural understanding to apply.
Key Dates for the 2025 Cycle:
- April 1, 2025 – The Request to Apply (RTA) portal opens. Applicants can begin their applications online.
- July 31, 2025 – The RTA portal closes.
- September 1, 2025 – Deadline for submitting Completed Application Forms for Phase Two for applicants whose RTAs are accepted.
- November 30, 2025 – Global Seed Grants will be selected at the annual Lisle Meeting and announced.
- January 1 – December 31, 2026 – The expected timeline for projects to be conducted.
Interested applicants can start by reviewing the Eligibility Criteria and submitting their Request to Apply (RTA). If selected, applicants will proceed to Phase Two, which includes completing detailed application forms. Successful applicants will be notified and grants will be awarded at the annual Lisle Meeting.
Project Focus and Scope
Lisle International is particularly interested in projects that aim to bridge divides in the following areas:
- Ethnic Diversity: Fostering understanding and collaboration between different ethnic groups.
- Cultural Exchanges: Encouraging dialogue and shared learning between communities from various cultural backgrounds.
- Religious Tolerance: Promoting mutual respect and understanding between different religious communities.
- Gender Equality: Supporting initiatives that address and promote gender equality across cultures and regions.
Grants can be used to support a wide range of activities, including community events, educational workshops, intercultural dialogues, and joint cultural or educational programs. The goal is to create opportunities for individuals from different backgrounds to learn from each other and work together for the common good.
What Lisle International Offers
In addition to providing funding, Lisle International offers mentorship for grantees, helping them refine their projects and strategies. Grantees will have access to valuable resources and support, ensuring their projects are effective and sustainable.
Grantee Reporting and Expectations
Once projects are completed, grantees are required to report on the outcomes of their projects. This feedback is an essential part of Lisle’s commitment to tracking the impact of funded initiatives and ensuring that they lead to tangible, lasting change in the communities they serve.
How to Apply
To learn more about the application process and how to apply for a Global Seed Grant, applicants are encouraged to visit Lisle International’s official website. The portal for submitting Request to Apply (RTA) opens on April 1, 2025, and closes on July 31, 2025. Be sure to follow the application guidelines and meet the deadlines to ensure your project is considered.
Lisle International is excited to support new ideas and initiatives that contribute to intercultural understanding, and they look forward to helping innovative projects find success in creating a more just, inclusive world.
For further information on how to apply, check the detailed Grant Mentors section and Grantee Reporting Requirements: Learn More & Apply Here
Call to Action
The Global Seed Grants program is a valuable opportunity for individuals and organizations dedicated to fostering intercultural understanding and building bridges across divides.
With financial support, mentorship, and the backing of a prestigious organization, your project could make a meaningful impact on the world. Apply now and join Lisle International in creating a more just and interconnected global community.
