Rowell Fund for Tibet

Donate online to the Rowell Fund

Apply for a 2013 Fund Grant
The 2013 Rowell Fund Grant application will be made available in July 2013. Announcements will be made on the ICT website when the application is available for download. You can sign up for ICT alerts here >

Rowell Fund Grant Guidelines
In 2012, the Rowell Fund decided to give priority to projects that deal with impacts of climate change in Tibet. Nevertheless, applications relating to other following themes, which were issues of importance to the late Galen and Barbara Rowell, are welcome:

  • Environment/Conservation;
  • Photography;
  • Humanitarian Projects;
  • Journalism/Literature; or
  • Women’s projects.

Tibetans from any country are eligible to apply. Tibetans working for organizations may apply on behalf of the organization, provided that the applicant is central to the implementation of the project’s work. Non-Tibetans are ineligible for grants from the Rowell Fund for Tibet.

The Rowell Fund for Tibet seeks to support Tibetans who can make a significant contribution to their community and/or an international audience in the fields of visual arts and media, and environmental and women’s rights.

The Rowell Fund for Tibet was initiated in memory of late Galen and Barbara Rowell, who were longtime friends of Tibet. Galen and Barbara cooperated with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to produce My Tibet, a touching book that captured the natural essence of Tibet. Their love and passion for photography and writing introduced the beauty of Tibet and its threatened ecosystem and culture to countless people around the globe. Following their tragic passing, ICT’s Board of Directors, family and friends of the Rowell’s established the Rowell Fund to honor and perpetuate the goals and ideals of Galen and Barbara in the Tibetan community.

Rowell Fund Themes: The Rowell Fund sponsors projects that deal with the following themes: The environment/conservation, photography, humanitarian projects, journalism/literature, or women’s projects. (In previous years The Rowell Fund has given grants to produce film projects. These projects will be considered, but only if they focus on one or more of the above themes.)

Advisory Board: The advisory board, made up of friends and family of Galen and Barbara, currently consists of John Ackerly, Conrad Anker, Justin Black, David Breashears, Jimmy Chin, Bob and Beth Cushman, John Jancik, Bob Palais, Tony Rowell and Ray and Nicole Rowell Ryan. Learn more about the Board here.

Rowell Fund/ICT Pledge: We pledge that 85% of all donations to the Rowell Fund for Tibet will be distributed as grants in Tibet, India, Nepal and elsewhere. 15% of donations will cover expenses of the International Campaign for Tibet, which runs the Fund.

Find out more about donating to the Rowell Fund. All donations to the Rowell Fund are tax-deductible.

Questions? If you didn't find what you wanted on this page, please send an email to rowellfund@savetibet.org with the details of your question. For more information about Galen and Barbara Rowell, see www.mountainlight.com.

Rowell Fund for Tibet Grantees

*Caption: Barbara and Galen Rowell. Photo courtesy of Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph