Open Call for Tibetan Settlement Matching Grants Program

The Tibet Fund (TTF) and the Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Home (DOHo) invite proposals for the 2026 Tibetan Settlement Matching Grants Program. The program supports settlement-based community projects by enabling overseas Tibetan settlement support organizations to raise funds that are then matched by TTF and DOHo, subject to program guidelines. The proposal submission deadline is 31 October 2026 (time zone not specified in the source). The Tibetan Settlement Matching Grants Program strengthens the sustainability, vitality, and cohesion of Tibetan settlements in India by connecting overseas Tibetan communities with development priorities identified by their home settlements. The program was established in 2021 and is jointly supported by The Tibet Fund (TTF) and DOHo. For this 2026 call, overseas settlement support organizations (OSSOs) are invited to propose projects that respond to locally identified needs and support community-led initiatives aimed at long-term resilience and cohesion. Selected overseas settlement support organizations (OSSOs) will undertake fundraising from December 2026 through March 2027. Funds raised during this period will be matched by TTF and DOHo in accordance with program guidelines.

Key matching details include:

Disbursement process (as described in the source):

Use restrictions (ineligible uses):

The program invites proposals from overseas settlement support organizations (OSSOs).

Eligible applicants:

Eligible projects:

Priority consideration (not the same as eligibility): Priority consideration will be given to proposals that align with one or more of the following:

Ineligible projects / applicants:

The source defines the core project focus and several restrictions, rather than listing detailed sectors. In summary, eligible projects must: Additionally, the source explicitly excludes certain spending categories: This matching grants opportunity is designed for overseas Tibetan organizations that can mobilize diaspora support and coordinate with home settlement priorities. By requiring projects to respond to needs identified by community members and supporting settlement cohesion and resilience, the program targets community-led outcomes rather than one-way overseas funding. The matching structure also means OSSOs may be able to multiply the impact of diaspora giving, provided funds are raised during the designated December 2026–March 2027 window and all program requirements are followed. A complete application must include the following: Submission method and official application link:

Contact for questions:

1) Who can apply for the 2026 Tibetan Settlement Matching Grants Program?

Any overseas Tibetan association or organization raising funds for projects in its respective home settlement may apply. Formal legal registration is not required.

2) What is the maximum matching amount available?

TTF and DOHo each provide a matching contribution of up to USD 10,000, based on the amount raised by the participating OSSO.

3) When must selected OSSOs raise funds?

Selected OSSOs must undertake fundraising from December 2026 through March 2027.

4) What documents are required for a complete application?

A complete application must include the TTF Grant Proposal Form and one letter of support from the relevant Settlement Officer recommending the proposed project.

5) What is the application deadline?

The deadline for submission is 31 October 2026. The source does not specify the submission time or time zone.

6) What uses are not allowed for matching grant funds?

Matching grant funds may not be used for scholarships or stipends, recurring salaries, public events, office renovation, or equipment purchases.

7) Are settlements that received grants in 2025 eligible again in 2026?

No. The source states that settlement camps that received matching grants in 2025 are not eligible for the 2026 funding cycle. Eligible overseas settlement support organizations should review the official 2026 Tibetan Settlement Matching Grants Program guidelines on The Tibet Fund website, complete the required TTF Grant Proposal Form, and obtain the required Settlement Officer letter of support before the 31 October 2026 deadline. If anything is unclear—such as the submission method—contact [contact details removed] or [contact details removed] for guidance.