ROOTED IN PLACE. GROWING WITH PURPOSE.
The Aranyani
Earth Grant
Supporting individuals at the intersection of ecology, community and culture helping their work take root and grow.
A GRANT FOR PEOPLE & PLACE
The Aranyani Earth Grant supports individuals working at the intersection of ecology, community, and culture, providing funding and mentorship to help their work take root and grow.
WHERE CHANGE
TAKES ROOT
WHERE CHANGE
TAKES ROOT
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The grant combines financial support with mentorship, training, and opportunities to share your work
CASH GRANT
INR 3–5 lakhs to support your work.
MENTORING
Guidance from practitioners, conservationists, and thought leaders.
COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT
Support in documenting and sharing your work.
THREE-DAY ONLINE TRAINING
A learning experience alongside fellow grantees.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ongoing guidance from a council convened by Aranyani.
ARANYANI PAVILION
An opportunity to present your work at the Aranyani Pavilion in Delhi.
FOCUS AREAS
The grant supports work across diverse landscapes, communities, and approaches, with a focus on Northeast India and West Bengal
01Water & Wetlands
Documenting, restoring, and protecting rivers, lakes, wetlands, and the knowledge systems connected to them.
01Water & Wetlands
Documenting, restoring, and protecting rivers, lakes, wetlands, and the knowledge systems connected to them.
02Urban Ecologies
Restoring nature within cities through urban forests, green corridors, waterways, and circular systems.
02Urban Ecologies
Restoring nature within cities through urban forests, green corridors, waterways, and circular systems.
03Land Restoration
Addressing land degradation through ecological restoration, community-led rewilding, and traditional land stewardship.
03Land Restoration
Addressing land degradation through ecological restoration, community-led rewilding, and traditional land stewardship.
04Agricultural Systems & Food Security
Supporting traditional crop diversity, seed sovereignty, ecological farming, and food systems rooted in community knowledge and culture.
04Agricultural Systems & Food Security
Supporting traditional crop diversity, seed sovereignty, ecological farming, and food systems rooted in community knowledge and culture.
APPROACHES & METHODOLOGIES
We welcome different ways of working and proposals that combine approaches or fall outside established categories.
RESEARCH &
OPEN KNOWLEDGE
Citizen science, community mapping, knowledge archives, open data, and the sharing of ecological knowledge.
AUDIO-VISUAL STORYTELLING & DOCUMENTARY
Film, photography, sound, radio, and podcasts that document ecological and community realities.
COMMUNITY-LED INITIATIVES
Grassroots conservation and restoration led by individuals working with communities, whether through informal collectives or registered organisations.
START-UPS & NEW INSTITUTIONAL FORMS
Social enterprises, cooperatives, community companies, and emerging models for conservation and restoration.
These approaches are indicative, not exhaustive. We are interested in what you do and why, rather than how it fits into a predefined category.
ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION
Grounded ideas. Open minds
WHO CAN APPLY
Indian citizens aged 18–35 working on ecology, community, or culture in Northeast India, or on projects directly connected to the region’s landscapes, ecosystems, or communities.
Applicants may work independently, within communities, or alongside organisations. The grant is awarded to individuals, not institutions.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- A clear understanding of the problem or opportunity.
- A grounded, specific approach.
- A connection to place, community, or lived experience.
- An openness to learning and collaboration.
GRANTEES
Four grantees will be selected across the focus areas.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Application
Submit the online application form.
Interview
Shortlisted applicants meet with the Aranyani team and the advisory panel selects the grantees.
Announcement
Winners are announced in April–May 2027.
APPLICATION AND TIMELINE
Let your work take root.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications open in November 2026. Apply through the online Google Form to share details about your work, the problem you’re addressing, and your proposed use of the grant.
Application open
November 2026
FAQs
Do I need to be registered as an NGO or organisation?
No. You can apply as an individual. If you are affiliated with an organisation, that’s fine—but the application must be in your name and the grant is awarded to you personally.
What kind of work can I apply with?
Any work connected to our themes: water and wetlands, urban ecologies, land restoration, agricultural systems. Your approach can be research, storytelling, community action, a start-up, or anything else—we are not prescriptive about method.
What is the grant amount?
The grant amount is INR 3–5 Lakhs. It includes a cash component, structured mentoring, communications support, a 3-day training, and access to the Advisory Council.
How long is the grant period?
The grant supports work over approximately 12 months, with a mid-point check-in and a final report and presentation at the end.
How many grants are awarded?
4 grants across the defined focus areas.
What are grantees expected to deliver?
Grantees are expected to submit a mid-point update, carry out the work outlined in their proposal, and submit a final report at the end of the grant period. The final report can take a form that suits the nature of your work—a written report, a film, a documented community process, a research paper, or another format agreed with Aranyani.
Can I apply if I am not based in Northeast India or West Bengal?
Yes, if your work is grounded in and connected to Northeast India/West Bengal. However, you must be a resident of India to apply. Aranyani will not support any visas.
When does the call for proposals open?
The call for proposals opens in November 2026. Attend our open house at the Aranyani Pavilion (February 2027) or email us to learn more before applying.
Will I get feedback if my application is not selected?
We will do our best to share brief feedback with applicants who are not selected. We recognise that the process of applying is itself an investment of time and thought.
Who can I contact with questions?
Come to our open house—this is the best place to ask questions and meet the team. Else, feel free to write to us at grants@aranyanilife.com.