This week, The Pollination Project honors projects that dive deep into the heart of a problem and provide the inner and outer tools to address it. Our grantees this week are doing the truly hard work. From Fremma's efforts to bring meditation and conflict resolution to the Nakivale Refugee Camps in Uganda, to the volunteers behind the People's Community Medics project based in Oakland, CA who teach communities how to tend to immediate medical needs on the streets. These amazing grantees are rolling up their sleeves and getting the job done.
Street Medicine in Seattle, WA. Through their Oakland, CA-based organization, the People's Community Medics, Emily Zisette and her team are traveling to Seattle to conduct unique first responder workshops where they train residents how to treat gunshot wounds, seizures, and other common ailments. 
At their workshops, volunteers hand out free first-aid packets, informational pamphlets, and "know your rights" pocket cards. In addition to basic first aid training, Emily and the PCM team also teach community organizers how to treat the effects of chemical weapons commonly used in law enforcement, such as tear gas and pepper spray.
Inner Peace for Refugees in Uganda. Fraide Emmanuel (Fremma) has worked as a peace activist and humanitarian aid provider in Uganda for more than 8 years. 
Recently, Fremma started the Nakivale Refugee Rescue Project to help displaced persons in the Nakivale Refugee Camp combat feelings of isolation, anger, neglect, and desperation through therapeutic interventions. Together with a team of volunteers, Fremma provides the camp's most vulnerable members with basic supplies, meditation classes, peer-counseling sessions, and leadership development training in order to help them find a sense of inner peace in spite of their circumstances.
Reforestation in Cameroon. Through her project, the Green Community Program (GCP), Lum Julliet is promoting sustainable development in rural communities near Mount Cameroon National Park. Over the course of the next year, Lum and her team of volunteers at the GCP will work collaboratively with traditional councils in order to organize reforestation campaigns in three local villages. Additionally, the GCP will provide environmental educational outreach sessions and fruit tree cultivation programs to children at schools throughout the region.
Women Artisans in Kenya.
Lilian Nyakio's project Rise Up in Githurai, Kenya helps impoverished single mothers become successful artisans and craft-makers. Through the Rise Up program, Lilian provides local women with professional jewelry making classes and mentorship programs on women's rights and business development. After completing the program, participants are linked with local micro-finance institutions in order to help them start their own artisan jewelry businesses.
Anti-Tribalism in Kenya. Churchill Saoke is the founder of Peace and Unity International, a Kenya-based non-profit working to promote international peace and security. In his newest project with Peace and Unity, Churchill is helping students at universities throughout the country organize Anti-Tribal Clubs in order to bridge the gaps between different tribal and ethnic groups. Over the next 12 months Churchill will help AT Club students establish Peace Barazas (community centers) across the country where they can work with community members to promote grassroots development and inter-ethnic cooperation.
Animations and Animals in Bourbonnais, IL. Caitlin Cove's Sharktopia- Animation Education project is a series of entertaining and educational animations that teach children and adults about the ecological importance of marine ecosystems. 
The Animations use a lighthearted approach to tackle tough subjects like the effects of plastic waste on marine ecosystems, dwindling marine wildlife populations, oil spills and habitat destruction, and the need for shark conservation efforts. Sharktopia will be available in animated clips and full-length videos scheduled for worldwide release on YouTube later this year.
Young Women and Self Esteem in Sacramento, CA. Gloria Manchester is the co-founder of the STARR Teen Esteem Leadership Experience based in Sacramento, CA. STARR is an experiential learning course designed to give "at-risk" female youth a stronger sense of self-worth while equipping them with life skills that will help them thrive both academically and socially. Through the STARR program, Gloria and her team (mostly comprised of former program participants) provide group counseling sessions, peer-to-peer support, and leadership development training to young women between the ages of 14-18.
Do you know someone who would be a candidate for a seed grant? We welcome grant applications from anyone, anywhere, at any time!