Start-up Campaign

Inner Peace Yoga Therapy is committed to minimizing barriers to access and spreading the healing power of yoga. Through our partnership with the Give Back Yoga Foundation — a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization — we have created a start-up campaign fund to award grants to new and aspiring Yoga Therapists. These grants (also know as “seed money”) provide resources to Yoga Therapists who are initiating outreach projects to make yoga therapy accessible to historically marginalized individuals and communities. 

Please read the FAQs below to find additional information.

Who is eligible to apply?
The program is open to Inner Peace Yoga Therapy Certified Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT) or Yoga Therapists in training with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy.

How much money can I apply for?
Individuals may request up to $2,500 per calendar year. Applications are accepted during the following timeframes: March 1 – June 1 and September  1 – December 1.  Funds will be awarded 2x per year in July (for the June 1 closing application) and January (for the December 1 closing application.)

What types of projects are eligible for the Start-up Campaign?
Start-up Campaign projects must have the intention of bringing yoga services to a special population or marginalized community within the U.S. This can be any group or population that lacks access to yoga such as community shelters, recovery centers, or local jails, to name a few. This can also be an independent project done with a partner organization. Some previous experience with, or connection, to the special population or group will strengthen the application. 

What does “special population” or “marginalized community” mean?
Inner Peace Yoga Therapy recognizes that while yoga is meant for all, systemic injustice has created barriers to practice. Inner Peace Yoga Therapy seeks to provide yoga services to individuals and groups who have been historically under-represented or excluded in health, wellness and yoga spaces, including but not limited to:

• BIPOC individuals,
• LGBTQ+, non-binary, trans, and gender fluid folx,
• People who have challenges with hearing, visual, physical or cognitive abilities,
• Youth facing poverty, trauma, or abuse,
• Other vulnerable populations and communities such as people:
  • Living in low-income areas;
  • Experiencing homelessness; and
  • Experiencing or recovering from addiction, etc.  
  • Living with chronic illness

Are there other requirements outside of the application?
To support your application, you need at least one long-form recommendation letter, and at least two short testimonials. This can be from a teacher, mentor, or students who know you and your work personally. These will be uploaded on your application. 

What is the timeline for receiving funding?
Inner Peace Yoga Therapy will offer grant funding twice a year – July and January.

How soon do I need to use my funds?
You need to use your funds within 12 months of receiving the grant. 

Are there reporting requirements?
Yes. Inner Peace Yoga Therapy will ask you to complete an online project report 3 months after completing the project. Keep track of feedback, testimonials, photos, to help with reporting purposes. 

Can I apply for the funding more than once?
Yes. However you may only apply once per calendar year.

How would awarding be considered?
Inner Peace Yoga Therapy’s Advisory Board will look at each application thoroughly. We will evaluate and assess each application based on the information provided. 

If I have questions or special circumstances, may I contact you?
Yes, please email info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.com and put “Start-up Campaign” on the subject line. If you would like to make a donation, please click on the button below.