Trace Foundation began in 1993 by awarding external grants to organizations and individuals undertaking sustainable development projects on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. While the Foundation began directly implementing its own projects in 2004, Trace remains deeply committed to supporting the work of others in Tibetan areas of China. We believe our new twofold approach allows us the flexibility to meet the unique needs and challenges facing local communities. External Grants fall into these main categories: