Call for
Kindling Initiative Grants for Academic Researchers and Institutions
About Organisation
Tiny Beam Fund is a U.S.-based charitable foundation established in 2019, dedicated to supporting academic inquiry and societal awareness around the harmful effects of industrial food animal production, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Its flagship initiative, the Burning Questions Initiative, provides fellowships and research planning grants and has received positive recognition for its efforts. Building upon this success, the Kindling Initiative was introduced to further empower academic researchers and institutions.
The organization’s mission revolves around promoting deeper understanding and practical solutions to the complex problems posed by large-scale animal agriculture. By targeting both academic and frontline stakeholders, Tiny Beam Fund seeks to facilitate informed dialogue and create pathways for impactful change. It aims to strengthen academic capacities, encourage collaborative networks, and support communication beyond academia. Through its initiatives, Tiny Beam Fund emphasizes environmental, policy, economic, and ethical concerns associated with industrial animal farming, with a strong focus on LMICs. This work ensures that academic voices become central in shaping responses and guiding public understanding of one of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
About the Grant
The Kindling Initiative Grant is designed to empower academic institutions and researchers by enhancing institutional capacities and facilitating the communication of research findings beyond the academic community. Unlike traditional research funding, this grant does not support research activities directly. Instead, it covers administrative, outreach, and organizational expenses associated with two main areas: building institutional capacity and disseminating academic knowledge to wider audiences.
The grant encourages efforts to develop academic hubs with a strong focus on the negative impacts of industrial food animal production, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It aims to make such issues more prominent in university teaching, academic discussions, and student engagement. Activities may include organizing events, creating academic networks, supporting student initiatives, and forming international collaborations.
Additionally, the grant supports dissemination and communication efforts, enabling researchers to reach policy-makers, NGOs, media, and the general public with accessible, evidence-based insights. This includes writing for public platforms, participating in expert panels, and mentoring organizations in evidence-backed strategies. The grant acknowledges the value of academics acting as thought leaders and aims to support them in engaging with society in meaningful ways.
Who can Apply?
Kindling Initiative Grants are open to universities, academic researchers affiliated with universities, and academic-led organizations globally. Independent scholars may also apply, provided they can partner with an eligible organization to act as a pass-through agency for grant management.
Applicants must hold a PhD or an equivalent terminal degree and should be actively engaged in the academic study of issues related to industrial food animal production. While the grant focuses primarily on academic capacity building and communication, applicants from any discipline are welcome as long as their proposed work aligns with the grant’s mission—particularly emphasizing the impacts of industrial animal agriculture on low- and middle-income countries.
Institutions and individuals applying should have a clear vision to either build networks and raise awareness within the academic ecosystem or engage with society outside academia by translating complex research into accessible knowledge. Eligible proposals may include activities such as academic workshops, student engagement programs, public writing initiatives, communication training, collaborations with journalism departments, or advisory roles to NGOs and policy-makers.
The grant particularly values efforts that can establish long-term academic interest and leadership in the field, encouraging the creation of durable structures and outreach practices.
How to Apply?
Applicants must begin the process by submitting a Concept Note outlining their proposed work. This note should follow the specific instructions provided by the fund. Concept Notes and related inquiries are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and must be sent via email. Detailed guidance and the contact address for submissions are available upon request.
Application Deadline
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
