Purpose Earth

Charity Number: CUSTOM_DA694ED3

Annual Expenditure: £0.5M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $475,000+ (cumulative total to 54 projects)
  • Success Rate: Approximately 27% (54 awards from 200 application slots)
  • Decision Time: 4-5 months (autumn review, early year notification)
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $10,000
  • Geographic Focus: Global (31 countries funded to date)

Contact Details

Overview

Founded through a 2020 merger between Global Purpose Movement and Unity Earth, Purpose Earth is a Chicago-based grant and mentorship program that empowers leaders and their transformative solutions to global challenges. Co-founded by Emanuel Kuntzelman (entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Evolutionary Leaders Circle member) and Laura Rose (youth empowerment specialist and former CEO of Greenheart International), the organization has awarded over $475,000 to 54 projects across 31 countries. Purpose Earth operates on a unique model where co-founders personally cover operational costs, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to grant recipients. The organization focuses on supporting grassroots, purpose-driven projects that provide creative solutions to communities' greatest challenges. In 2021, Kuntzelman and Rose received Unity Earth Champions' “Keeper of the Flame” Award for their outstanding service in transformational generosity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Annual Grant and Mentorship Program: $2,000 - $10,000

  • Open to both organizations and individuals worldwide
  • Limited to first 200 complete applications per cycle
  • Includes both funding and mentorship support
  • Application deadline typically mid-August (August 15, 2025 for next cycle)
  • Recipients announced early in the following year

Priority Areas

Purpose Earth funds projects addressing solutions in three key areas:

  1. Environmental Protection: Projects that alleviate environmental degradation, restore/protect natural resources, or address climate change solutions
  2. Community Activation: Projects creating positive and thriving community networks while engaging in transformative change for the good of the whole
  3. Cultural Collaboration: Projects empowering creative expression and connection while strengthening values of compassion and collaboration across communities and sectors

What They Don't Fund

  • Operational support, including salaries, wages, or compensation to consultants, contractors, or advisors
  • Travel support
  • Capital campaigns
  • Sponsorships, conferences, or prizes
  • Projects that are already completed
  • Applications from individuals/organizations in sanctioned countries (Russia, Iran, Syria, etc.)
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Governance and Leadership

Co-Founders

  • Emanuel Kuntzelman: Entrepreneur, writer, philosopher, and philanthropist. Founding co-creator of Global Purpose Movement and Purpose Earth. Member of Evolutionary Leaders Circle. Developing the “Holomovement” theory focused on awakening interconnectedness and catalyzing shifts in human consciousness.
  • Laura Rose: Co-founder overseeing business strategy and grant application review. Youth empowerment specialist dedicated to supporting budding global leaders. Former CEO of Greenheart International. Personal mission: “to support young people in becoming global leaders.”

Key Staff

  • Sarvin Haghighi: Vice President of Outreach & Operations
  • Hera Barrameda: Financial Synergist with extensive humanitarian work experience
  • Jill Robinson: Lead Writer
  • Vanessa Palmer: Creative Brand Director
  • Rhiannon Catalyst: Event and Programs Creative Director
  • Laurence Singer: Executive Producer

Grant Selection Council

  • Dr. Peter Blaze Corcoran: Professor Emeritus of Environmental Studies
  • Dr. Akpezi Ogbuigwi: UN Environmental Programme advisor
  • Dr. Marty K. Casey: Community activist and arts advocate
  • Dr. Kevin Chiteri: Sustainable development expert

Mission Statement: “Empowering Extraordinary People. Activating World-Changing Projects.”

Emanuel Kuntzelman has stated: “Now is the time—this singular moment in history—when evolutionary leaders converge so a new culture of higher purpose can emerge.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through Purpose Earth's online portal at www.purposeearth.org/apply-for-a-grant. The application cannot be saved and returned to, so applicants must complete it in one session.

Required Materials:

  1. Completed Application Form: Must be in English; AI-generated applications will not be accepted
  2. Detailed Budget: Including budget description outlining how funds would be allocated and spent
  3. 1-Minute Video: Explaining project vision and mission
  4. Professional Reference Letter(s): At least one reference from someone with professional connection to the applicant, endorsing qualifications and project mission

Eligibility:

  • Open to both organizations and individuals
  • Only one application per organization/individual
  • Projects must not be already completed
  • Cannot accept applications from sanctioned countries

Decision Timeline

  • Application Opens: Typically July
  • Application Deadline: Mid-August (August 15, 2025 at 11:59pm Central Time for 2026 grants)
  • Application Limit: First 200 fully-completed submissions only
  • Review Period: Autumn (Grant Selection Council thorough review)
  • Notification: Early in the following year (early 2026 for current cycle)
  • Total Timeline: Approximately 4-5 months from submission to decision

Success Rates

  • Application Cap: 200 complete applications per cycle
  • Total Awards to Date: 54 grants across 31 countries
  • Estimated Success Rate: Approximately 27% (based on 54 awards distributed through similar application cycles)
  • Competitive Nature: Highly competitive given the 200-application limit and global applicant pool

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication information is not explicitly stated on the Purpose Earth website. Interested parties should contact hello@purposeearth.org for guidance on reapplication policies.

Application Success Factors

Purpose Earth evaluates applications based on specific criteria outlined by the Grant Selection Council:

  1. Mission Alignment: Projects must clearly address solutions within environmental protection, community activation, or cultural collaboration
  2. Project Sustainability: Grant Selection Council assesses the long-term viability and sustainability of proposed projects
  3. Predicted Community Impact: Clear demonstration of how the project will positively affect the target community
  4. Implementation Timeline: Clear, realistic timeline for project execution
  5. Individual/Team Expertise: Demonstrated qualifications and expertise of the leadership team or individual

Recent Funded Projects (examples demonstrating funding priorities):

  • Amani-Kiladeda Farm Project (Tanzania): Providing food and education to vulnerable children
  • FLOW - Food Liberation for Opportunities and Wellness (USA, Minnesota): Nurturing people through Urban Food Hubs
  • Chigubhu Lantern Initiative (Zimbabwe): Solar-powered light for every child
  • Bio Planet Fertilizer Project (Benin): Recycling waste into organic fertilizer
  • #IAmBrave: The Girls Shelter (Guinea): Ending gender-based violence
  • Tsavo Conservation Education Program (Kenya): Engaging youth in environmental conservation

Critical Application Notes:

  • Applications must be authentic and personally written—AI-generated content will be rejected
  • The 200-application cap means early submission is advantageous
  • The budget must be detailed and clearly justify fund allocation
  • The 1-minute video is an opportunity to convey passion and vision beyond written text
  • Strong professional references that speak to both personal qualifications and project merit strengthen applications

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Act Fast: Only the first 200 complete applications are considered—submit early in the application window to secure a spot
  • Think Global, Start Local: Purpose Earth funds grassroots projects worldwide; projects don't need to be large-scale but should demonstrate clear community impact
  • Budget Transparency: Provide detailed, justified budgets since operational costs and salaries are excluded; focus on direct project expenses
  • Show Dual Value: Applications should demonstrate both immediate project impact and alignment with broader themes of environmental protection, community activation, or cultural collaboration
  • Leverage Mentorship: Remember this is a grant AND mentorship program—articulate how mentorship could enhance project success
  • Personal Touch Required: AI-generated applications are rejected; authentic, personally-written applications that convey genuine passion are essential
  • Small Grants, Big Impact: With grants ranging $2,000-$10,000, emphasize how modest funding can achieve significant outcomes in your context

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References