Call for
Lisle International Global Seed Grants
Application Deadline:
31 July 2025
About Organisation
Lisle International is a global community-driven organization dedicated to supporting changemakers through grants and a robust network of members. Since its inception, Lisle has championed grassroots educational programs that foster intercultural understanding, promote youth leadership, and nurture tolerance across diverse societies. By focusing on building improved relations among communities in conflict, Lisle plays a crucial role in bridging divisions rooted in class, caste, ethnicity, religion, and gender.
Through its flagship initiative—the Global Seed Fund—Lisle supports small-scale, innovative projects that emphasize intercultural learning and engagement. The organization believes in empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to collaborate meaningfully, exchange perspectives, and contribute to building a just social order. It emphasizes balancing idealism with practical solutions, promoting emotional growth, cultural appreciation, and social consciousness among emerging global leaders.
With a legacy beginning in 1936 and expanding globally in 1952, Lisle has continuously evolved to provide impactful support for projects across continents. Its emphasis on grassroots involvement and intercultural interaction stands at the heart of its mission, nurturing dialogue and understanding in a deeply interconnected world.
About the Grant
The Lisle Global Seed Grant is designed to support groundbreaking, small-scale initiatives that bring people from different cultural, ethnic, religious, and gender backgrounds together. The goal is to create shared experiences that foster mutual understanding, address societal divides, and contribute to a fairer world. Grants range from $500 to $5,000 and are awarded to projects that align with Lisle’s mission of intercultural engagement and communication.
Originally a pioneer in intercultural education since 1936, Lisle has focused since 2004 on funding projects that serve as seeds for long-term change. Preference is given to new, collaborative initiatives with high growth potential and innovative approaches. Lisle aims to support community-based efforts where intercultural dialogue is central—not just a by-product—of project activities.
Each year, Lisle awards three to eight grants to projects located across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Projects should prioritize community building, conflict resolution, and intercultural collaboration. The grant is not limited to U.S.-based nonprofits and is open to global applicants, making it inclusive and accessible to organizations working for inclusive and equitable change.
Who can Apply?
Lisle welcomes applications from projects and organizations that actively promote intercultural communication, understanding, and collaboration. While individuals may apply, they are encouraged to do so in partnership with an affiliated organization for project implementation. The emphasis is on projects that bring together people from diverse communities to engage in meaningful, shared learning experiences.
Eligible applicants should demonstrate how their project centers intercultural dialogue as a key outcome, achieved through thoughtfully designed and intentional program components. Lisle does not fund general awareness programs or those where intercultural interaction is secondary. Preference is given to new or emerging initiatives with the potential for long-term impact rather than ongoing or already well-funded projects.
The grant particularly supports young or small organizations where Lisle’s funding would serve as a significant contribution. Applicants from any country are welcome. Although U.S. nonprofit status is not required, having local certification or legal registration is preferred to ensure accountability and transparency.
Projects that are collaborative, promote peacebuilding, strengthen communities, and tackle social divisions are especially encouraged to apply. Overall, proposals must align clearly with Lisle’s vision of promoting a just social order through intercultural exchange.
How to Apply?
To apply, begin by submitting a Request to Apply (RTA) through the online portal available from April 1. Once accepted, applicants will be invited to complete the full grant application. This two-step process ensures alignment with Lisle’s mission and project criteria. Only proposals that demonstrate a clear focus on intercultural engagement will proceed to the next phase.
Application Deadline
The application window is open from April 1 to July 31, 2025. All required materials must be submitted within this time frame to be considered for funding.
Last Date To Apply
The final date to submit your Request to Apply and full grant application is July 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.
Grant Amount
Lisle International offers grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000 for selected intercultural projects. Funding supports innovative grassroots initiatives that promote shared learning and community connection across differences.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
