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Ashoka Grants for Preserving and Promoting Dharma Worldwide

Deadline: 15-Feb-2026

The Khyentse Foundation offers Ashoka Grants to individuals and organizations supporting innovative and enduring Buddhist programs worldwide. Grants range from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000, typically for one-year projects, and aim to preserve and promote the dharma through community initiatives, research, text translations, and other meaningful Buddhist activities. Applications must demonstrate a clear project scope and a strong connection to Buddhism.

Overview

The Ashoka Grant program seeks to:

  • Preserve and promote the dharma

  • Increase Buddhist activity globally

  • Support innovative and enduring Buddhist programs and projects

  • Translate Buddhist texts into local languages

  • Conduct research on Buddhist topics

  • Strengthen community-based Buddhist initiatives

Purpose of the Grants

  • Serve as seed funding to start promising initiatives

  • Provide stimulus for established programs to expand and flourish

  • Support programs not eligible under other Khyentse Foundation categories such as Buddhist Studies Scholarships or Individual Practice Grants

Funding Details

  • Grant range: USD 1,000 – USD 5,000 (larger budgets may be reviewed but are less likely to be funded)

  • Funding duration: Usually 1 year; multi-year support may be considered in special cases

  • Partial funding: Possible if full funding is not feasible

  • Sustainability: Applicants are encouraged to seek additional support to ensure long-term viability

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be an individual or organization actively engaged in Buddhist-related projects

  • Demonstrate a clear scope and budget for the proposed project

  • Ensure that Buddhism is central to the proposed activity

  • Submit applications in English only

Ineligible Projects Include:

  • Building or construction projects

  • Film projects

  • Incomplete or unrelated proposals

  • Unfinished Buddhist educational publications for children

Application Guidelines

  • Clearly explain the project’s scope, objectives, and budget

  • Highlight how the project will preserve, promote, or expand Buddhist activities

  • Ensure alignment with the mission of the Khyentse Foundation and the goals of the Ashoka Grant

Evaluation and Decision Process

  • Applications are reviewed by the Khyentse Foundation

  • Partial funding may be offered if full funding is not possible

  • Decisions are communicated approximately four months after the application deadline

Why Ashoka Grants Matter

  • Encourage innovative and meaningful Buddhist programs worldwide

  • Strengthen community engagement and grassroots Buddhist initiatives

  • Facilitate the preservation, dissemination, and understanding of the dharma

  • Provide vital seed funding to enable projects to start, expand, and achieve long-term impact

Conclusion

The Ashoka Grant program by the Khyentse Foundation offers essential support to individuals and organizations dedicated to Buddhist practice, education, and community initiatives. By providing seed funding, the grants help promising projects flourish, increase global dharma activity, and ensure the long-term preservation and promotion of Buddhism.

For more information, visit Khyentse Foundation.