Nature-Based Education Grants
Supports collaborative, systems-level, and direct initiatives to advance equitable, nature-based education in Maine, focusing on inclusion, policy change, and access for underrepresented groups.
Funder: Elmina B. Sewall Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Systems-level: $50,000–$200,000/year (1–4 years) | Direct programs: $10,000–$50,000/year (1–3 years) | Total annual pool: ~$285,000 (recent cycle)
Summary: Supports collaborative and organizational initiatives advancing equitable, systemic change in Maine’s nature-based education sector, with a focus on inclusion and transformational impact.
Key Information: Grantmaking is typically by invitation; eligibility prioritizes Maine-focused nonprofits and collaboratives.
Description
This grant program funds collaborative and organizational efforts to advance the field of nature-based education in Maine, focusing on building strong networks, driving systems and policy change, elevating diverse voices and leadership, and promoting equitable outcomes. The program supports both systems-level work (such as field building, network and movement building, data/evaluation, and advocacy/policy) and direct programming, with a priority for organizations led by historically underrepresented groups. The overarching goal is to create meaningful, accessible outdoor learning experiences for all Mainers, particularly school-aged children (pre-K–12).
