VegFund is an international organization dedicated to providing assistance to vegan advocates around the world. They hope to promote a vegan lifestyle, with no animal products or exploitation, to all people on Earth. They do this through grants such as the Special Projects Grant, which is intended for long term projects that reach a wider audience over a specific timeline.
Past awards have varied greatly in size and there is no maximum or minimum request. Awards are based on the type of project and number of people impact. Applicants are encouraged to make a strong case for their project and the amount requested, but to also know that they may not receive the full amount.
There is likewise no limit to the number of grants an applicant can apply for. In 2023, applications are due through the web portal by April 14th, July 14th, or October 13th at 11:59 PM ET.
Eligibility
Applicant
Applicants must be either non-profit organizations or individuals 18 years of age or older. They may come from anywhere in the world, but applicants outside the United States should expect their review time to be longer due to U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control requirements. Following a vegan lifestyle is not required.
Project
Projects must be focused on promoting or educating on a vegan/plant-based lifestyle. All aspects must be vegan with no animal exploitation. Events or programs must also be open to the public. Private events will not be funded.
Grant-Making Priorities
VegFund has identified the following priorities for 2023.
- Educational programs on plant-based nutrition for medical and/or health professionals and students
- Partnerships with organizations such as schools hospitals, and other places of business to offer plant-based options in cafeterias
- Vegan challenges and mentorship programs that gather information through pre- and post-activity surveys
- Education and outreach in institutional settings
- Educational programs and curriculum that concentrate on the impacts of animal agriculture on environmental issues including climate change
Allowable Expenses
- General Operating Support – organizations may receive a single, one time grant to pay for staff, websites, and other organizational needs.
- Educational Programs and Curriculum – An outline of the curriculum must be included in your application and you must have at least one year of experience working with the target population.
- Mentored Campaigns and Vegan Challenges – Such projects must have a well developed marketing strategy to reach a unique audience.
- Video Production and Other Content – Funding for any kind of content is very limited, but proposals for new and different products with well developed marketing strategies may be considered.
- Marketing – Approval may be given for well developed plans that will reach a large audience.
- Food – In general, food should be sample-sized; some exceptions made be made for larger meals. Grant funds may not be used to purchase alcohol.
Evaluation
When assessing your application, reviewers will ask the following questions:
- Is there a well developed plan already in place?
- Is there a full budget?
- Is there a specific timeline?
- Is there a team in place to carry out the project?
- Is there a well-defined, non-vegan target audience?
- Does the project convey a powerful message on the benefits of a vegan lifestyle?
- Are there well defined goals and a plan for evaluating success?
