Apply Now: Rowell Fund for Tibet Grant Program

Deadline: 18-Oct-2026

The Rowell Fund for Tibet provides grants of up to USD $7,500 to Tibetans worldwide for projects in environmental conservation, climate change, photography, humanitarian work, journalism, literature, and women’s empowerment. Priority is given to projects addressing the impacts of climate change in Tibet, while proposals in other eligible areas are also considered.

About the Rowell Fund for Tibet

The Rowell Fund for Tibet was established in memory of Galen and Barbara Rowell, whose photography and writing helped bring international attention to Tibet’s landscapes, environment, culture, and communities. The fund supports projects that reflect the Rowells’ commitment to environmental awareness, cultural understanding, creative expression, and community impact. Funding is intended to help Tibetans develop and implement projects that make a meaningful contribution to their communities or communicate important issues related to Tibet to wider audiences. What Does the Rowell Fund for Tibet Support? The fund supports projects that fall within its core areas of interest, including:

- Environment and conservation: Projects focused on protecting Tibet’s natural environment, ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources.

- Climate change: Initiatives addressing the effects of climate change in Tibet receive particular priority.

- Photography: Photography projects that document Tibet, its people, culture, environment, or related issues may be considered.

- Humanitarian projects: Initiatives addressing humanitarian needs and improving conditions for Tibetan communities.

- Journalism: Projects involving reporting, documentation, and communication of issues relevant to Tibet and Tibetans.

- Literature: Literary projects that contribute to Tibetan culture, storytelling, communication, or public understanding.

- Women’s empowerment: Projects supporting the participation, opportunities, leadership, or well-being of Tibetan women.

- Film and visual arts: Creative projects may also be considered when they are clearly connected to the fund’s broader areas of interest.

Grant Amount Applicants may request up to USD $7,500 for an eligible project. Grant funding is intended to cover reasonable and necessary expenses that are directly related to carrying out the proposed project. Applicants should provide a clear and realistic budget explaining how the requested funds will be used. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The Rowell Fund for Tibet is intended specifically for Tibetans, regardless of their country of residence.

Eligible applicants can apply:

- As an individual Tibetan applicant. - On behalf of an organization, provided the applicant has a central role in implementing the proposed project. - From any country, provided they meet the fund’s Tibetan eligibility requirement. Non-Tibetans are not eligible to apply. The applicant should be directly involved in carrying out the proposed activities rather than serving only as an external supporter or administrator. What Projects Are Not Eligible? The fund does not support every type of activity. Applicants should not submit proposals primarily focused on: - Conference attendance. - Academic research conducted as part of a degree program. - Thesis research. - Dissertation research. - PhD research undertaken as part of an academic degree. Projects should have a clear connection to the fund’s stated areas of interest and demonstrate practical relevance or meaningful impact. Why It Matters The Rowell Fund for Tibet provides targeted financial support for Tibetans working on environmental, cultural, humanitarian, creative, and communication-related projects. Its focus is particularly relevant to projects addressing environmental challenges in Tibet, including the impacts of climate change. The funding can also help individuals and organizations document Tibetan communities, culture, environmental issues, and experiences through photography, journalism, literature, film, and other creative forms. What Does the Selection Process Consider? Applications are considered based on several important factors, including:

- Relevance: How closely the proposed project fits the fund’s focus areas and priorities.

- Impact: The potential contribution of the project to Tibetan communities, the environment, culture, or wider public understanding.

- Feasibility: Whether the project can realistically be completed using the proposed resources.

- Budget: Whether the requested funding is reasonable and directly connected to project activities.

- Applicant involvement: Whether the applicant has a meaningful and central role in implementing the project.

- Clarity: Whether the proposal clearly explains its objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and funding requirements.

Projects addressing the impacts of climate change in Tibet receive particular priority. How to Prepare an Application Applicants should develop their proposal around a clearly defined project rather than submitting a general request for financial support. A strong application should clearly explain:

- Project idea: Describe what you want to do and the issue or opportunity the project addresses.

- Objectives: Clearly state what the project aims to achieve.

- Activities: Explain the main activities that will be carried out using the grant.

- Target community or audience: Identify who will benefit from or engage with the project.

- Expected impact: Describe the practical, cultural, environmental, humanitarian, or communication-related results expected from the project.

- Applicant’s role: Explain your personal or organizational involvement in implementing the project.

- Timeline: Provide a realistic timeframe for completing the proposed activities.

- Budget: List the expected expenses and explain how the requested grant will be used.

- Relevance to the fund: Clearly connect the project to the Rowell Fund for Tibet’s focus areas.

How the Grant Can Be Used Grant funding should be connected directly to reasonable p