June 30, 2025
We’ve officially signed the Grant Agreements for our Small Grants Program 2025!
The Bhutan Foundation’s Small Grants Program plays a vital role in nurturing grassroots initiatives that create real, lasting change across Bhutan. Designed to be responsive, flexible, locally driven, and accessible, this program empowers community leaders, educators, innovators, and civil society groups to lead meaningful change from the ground up.
This year, 8 incredible projects are set to make a real impact, helping local communities and driving positive change across Bhutan.
The grantees include:
Empowering Women through Sustainable Production of Local Jangbali and Puta Noodles:
In Beethang village, 13 women are transforming their heritage of making Jangbali and Puta noodles into a sustainable business. With support from the Small Grants Program, Beethang Aumtshu Throedhen Tshogpa is combining traditional techniques with modern innovations. Energy-efficient drying methods, noodle-making machines, and support from the local government have paved the way for their success.
Enhancing SAMJONG Products to Strengthen Market Competitiveness and Farmer’s Income
In Samdrup Jongkhar, farmers and youth of the Samjong Cooperatives are transforming traditional agricultural products into high-value market-ready goods. From spices to grains, these local treasures are being elevated through improved packaging, certification, and branding.
Enhancing Dairy Value Chain for Economic Empowerment of Women Dairy Farmers.
In Tshelungna, near Thimphu, the Tshelungna Dairy Cooperative, comprising 36 members (mostly women), produces 120 gallons of milk daily, with plans to increase to 160 gallons by 2025. To meet growing demand, the cooperative aims to upgrade to modern pasteurization equipment, ensuring food safety and enabling value-added products like skimmed and flavored milk. Co-financed by the Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration Office and internal savings, the initiative also includes member training and sustainability measures.
Enhance Peanut Product Development : Scaling up Peanut Processing
Established in 2022 in Doksum, Trashiyangtse, the Druk Arachis Peanut Processing Facility aims to become a hub for value-added peanut products like coated peanuts, peanut butter, and roasted salted peanuts. By addressing the lack of local processing capabilities, the project seeks to boost farmer incomes, create jobs for women and youth, and promote rural economic growth. Through cooperative governance and innovative marketing strategies, the facility aspires to anchor Eastern Bhutan’s peanut value chain and foster a resilient agri-processing model.
Project Dra=Nyam; Equality through Empowering Persons with Disabilities through Inclusive Handicraft Enterprise
Artisans with disabilities in Bhutan possess exceptional skills but face challenges like limited market access and societal stigma. To address this, the Disabled People’s Organization of Bhutan plans to establish an inclusive handicraft outlet in Paro, showcasing the talents of over 50 artisans with disabilities. Co-located with the Wheelchair Centre, the initiative includes a physical store, an e-commerce platform, training in product design, and connections to ethical buyers.
Inclusive Smiles: Oral Health Advocacy and Screening for Students with Disabilities at Draktsho Institute
Bhutan Mountain Dentistry (BMD) is extending its mission to improve oral health by focusing on children with disabilities at Draktsho Institute in Trashigang. Serving 60–80 students, the project provides on-site dental screenings, treatments, and tailored hygiene education for children with diverse learning needs. Led by Dr. Tenzin Dorji, a Chevening Scholar, BMD combines innovative tools like interactive games, visual aids, and music with mobile outreach to ensure accessibility.
Sustainable Beekeeping through Smart Technology to Enhance Livelihood and Environmental Conservation
In Chhumig Gewog, Bumthang, women farmers are transforming traditional beekeeping into a sustainable, efficient enterprise. By introducing smart technologies like Flow Hives and digital monitoring systems, the project enhances hive productivity, bee health, and operational ease. Led by RnR-Livestock, Chhumig Gewog and Chhumig Druk Mo Sepjam Detshen, the initiative includes modern hive distribution, training in smart practices, and cooperative resource-sharing to boost market access.
Towards a Healthier and Sustainable Workforce through Local Action for Occupational Cancer Risk Prevention
In Bhutan’s industrial zones like Pasakha and Nganglam, workers often face carcinogenic exposure due to limited safety protocols and awareness. To address this, the Bhutan Cancer Society aims to engage 600 industry leaders, safety officers, and workers through tailored education, training, and on-site awareness campaigns. By creating industry-specific materials and collaborating with factories to integrate safety protocols, the project seeks to foster healthier workplaces and long-term policy improvements, ensuring safe environments for Bhutan’s industrial workforce.
