The Pollination Project: Propagating Extremism

A version of this article was previously published. Most of the information provided still holds true today. Western Justice is sharing to help reveal the manner in which extremist groups operate, their ties to and cooperation with other extremist groups, and the continued threat they pose to our lifestyles and livelihoods.

The animal extremist movement has grown bolder in recent years. Groups like Direct Action Everywhere (DXE) and their affiliate Project Counterglow openly engage in aggressive tactics under the banner of “activism.” As their motives and goals are increasingly exposed, these groups resort to more convoluted methods to push their agenda.

A Misleading Name

One such example is The Pollination Project (TPP), a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2012. Despite its benign-sounding name, TPP has nothing to do with bees or the environment in a traditional sense. Instead, it exists to funnel support to radical organizations.

On its website, TPP describes itself as “a global community of over 4,000 grassroots changemakers in 116 countries,” offering seed funding and support for leaders working toward “a kinder, more compassionate world.” But in practice, “aligned changemakers” often means animal-rights and environmental extremists, many of whom vilify agriculture and label livestock simply as “non-human animals.”

Funding Extremism Under the Guise of Compassion

TPP distributes $1,000 micro-grants daily across seven focus areas: animal rights, education, environmental conservation, health, human rights, arts, and women’s empowerment. The broad, feel-good framing masks its true priorities.

A closer look reveals direct links to groups like PETA International and Project Counterglow, often through intermediaries like Vegan Bootcamp and Vegan Hacktivists. These networks ensure recipients are ideologically aligned before funding is granted.

TPP’s own “Animal Welfare Grants” page states bluntly: “We are a vegan organization.” Projects eligible for funding include:

• Vegan advocacy campaigns

• Corporate or legislative efforts targeting animal agriculture

• “Meat-free” challenges

• School and restaurant vegan initiatives

This makes clear that TPP’s primary mission is not broad social good, but the advancement of veganism and animal extremism.

Ulterior Motives in Developing Nations

Many TPP-funded initiatives abroad appear noble—supporting education, health, or the arts. But beneath the surface lies a concerted push to impose veganism on vulnerable communities. This is especially troubling in regions where livestock is essential for survival.

Research published by the National Library of Medicine confirms that livestock provides income, employment, and nutrition for billions, particularly benefiting women and marginalized groups. Eliminating these resources in the name of “compassion” reveals a deep disconnect from reality.

Further, TPP’s claim to empower women contradicts the fact that 60% of the world’s hungry are women. Denying them access to animal-derived foods undermines both health and economic opportunity.

Targeting Children in the U.S.

Even more concerning is TPP’s influence inside the U.S., where several grantees use funds to target children with animal-rights messaging.

- One project launched a “special day camp” based on the idea that children can influence their families’ eating habits.

- Another uses a colorful, kid-focused website about a “rescued rooster,” claiming to have already reached 5,000 children. Its founder also markets school programs and a forthcoming children’s book.

- Still another blends vegan advocacy with social-emotional learning (SEL), raising concerns about indoctrination in schools.

When children become the focus of ideological campaigns, parents must be vigilant. These programs are designed to normalize extremist views under the guise of compassion and education.

Vigilance is Key

The Pollination Project cloaks itself in inspiring language, but beneath the surface lies a coordinated agenda of animal extremism. By funding projects that undermine agriculture, pressure corporations, and influence children, TPP advances a radical vision out of step with reality.

Donors must ask: Are my contributions truly supporting compassion—or are they fueling hidden agendas designed to weaken food security and reshape society under extremist ideals?