The Alliance of Non-Himalayan Nuns is committed to supporting women ordained as Tibetan Buddhist nuns from outside traditional Tibetan Buddhist regions. Support is given so that they can become exemplary examples of the monastic life well-lived in order to bring the greatest benefit to their communities across the world.

Who is eligible to apply for ANHN grants?

Non-Himalayan Tibetan Buddhist Nuns (ie. Nuns not from the traditional Himalayan Region where Tibetan Buddhism was historically practiced). Only nuns already ordained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition are eligible.  Only non-Himalayan nuns are eligible because nuns from Tibetan and Himalayan regions typically have access to nunneries in their home countries that provide them livelihood and training. Because such access is rare in non-Himalayan countries at this time, this grant program is designed to address this lack.

Which applications/applicants receive priority?

  • Applications for expenses associated with receiving bhikshuni ordination
  • Applications for expenses associated with attending ANHN gatherings
  • Applications for expenses associated with attending Sakyadhita Conference
  • Applicants that demonstrate efforts to cover a major portion of the total project expenses with personal money and/or funding from other sources and/or in-kind donations or have received little funding from ANHN before
  • Applications that plan concrete follow-up activities to bring benefit to their communities of practice.
  • Applicants who have not received funding from ANHN before.
  • Applications for other purposes may be considered if funds are available.

What types of expenses may be necessary for your project but are NOT eligible for ANHN funding?

  • Medical expenses/medical insurance
  • Supplies and electronic devices
  • Airline seat upgrades – funds are available for economy class travel only
  • Funding for follow-up activities for the benefit of the community

 Limits and Deadlines

  • The maximun amount in a single application is $US 2500.-
  • The maximum amount for an individual nun in general is $US 5000.- (either from 2 or more applications) once this limit is reached the applicant will have to wait for a period of 5 years before applying again.
  • Applications will be received every 2 months and results will be communicated 3 weeks after the deadline.
  • Next deadlines are as follows: 2024: December 1st. 2025: February 1st. April 1st. June 1st. August 1st. October 1st. December 1st.
  • Bare in mind: If you submit an application past the deadline, it will only be considered with the next batch. For example, if you submit an application on December 3rd, 2024, you will only get the results on February 21st, 2025.