About

The Tibetan Settlement Matching Grants Program (TSMGP) 2026) is a joint initiative of The Tibet Fund (TTF) and the Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Home (DOHo) designed to strengthen the sustainability, vitality, and social cohesion of Tibetan settlements in India and Nepal. The program supports community-led development projects that address locally identified priorities and promote long-term resilience through active community participation in project planning and decision-making. Through a matching grant mechanism, overseas settlement support organizations are encouraged to mobilize resources from Tibetan diaspora communities to support their home settlements. TTF and DOHo will each provide matching contributions of up to USD 10,000, based on funds raised by the participating organization, allowing projects to reach a total budget of up to USD 30,000. Supported initiatives must be settlement-based and focused on community development needs, particularly in underserved or remote settlements. Eligible activities include projects that enhance the long-term sustainability, vitality, and cohesion of Tibetan communities; however, grant funds cannot be used for scholarships or stipends, recurring salaries, public events, office renovations, equipment purchases, or settlement camps that received matching grants in 2025.

Eligibility

Applicants must be overseas Tibetan associations or organizations raising funds for development projects within their respective home settlements in India or Nepal. Formal legal registration is not required. Proposed projects must be based within a Tibetan settlement, respond to needs identified by community members, and demonstrate clear contributions to the settlement’s sustainability, vitality, or cohesion. Applications should reflect meaningful community engagement in project identification and planning, including the use of participatory consultations or community assessment processes where appropriate. Priority consideration will be given to first-time applicant overseas settlement support organizations (OSSOs), settlements participating in the Bringing Back Compact Community (BBCC) initiative, and settlements that are remote, underserved, or face greater development challenges.

Post Date: September 28, 2026