[New Hampshire Charitable Foundation](https://www.nhcf.org)

November 19, 2026

Up to $5,000 per project; larger amounts considered with pre-application consultation

Supports place-based ecology education for K-12 and early childhood in the Upper Valley, prioritizing underserved communities.

Projects must serve eligible Upper Valley towns; public schools, 501(c)(3)s, and government entities may apply.

--- ## Description The Wellborn Ecology Fund provides grants to expand access to place-based ecology education for children and youth in the Upper Valley region. The fund is dedicated to fostering hands-on, experiential learning, with a strong focus on K-12 students and early childhood education centers, especially in underserved communities. Supported projects may include launching or enhancing nature-based programs, professional development for educators, and increasing access to local natural environments. --- ## Due Dates - Full application deadline: November 19, 2026 (Thursday, 5:00 pm Eastern Time) Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with funding decisions typically made within three weeks of submission. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant size: Up to $5,000 per project - Larger requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis (require pre-application consultation) Recent grants have ranged from $3,500 to $5,000. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must serve the Upper Valley region; see the [eligible towns map](https://www.nhcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/UV_map_letter.pdf). - Eligible applicants include: - Tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) - Public schools - Municipalities or other subdivisions of government - Organizations without public charity status may apply with a [fiscal sponsor](https://www.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/fiscal-sponsorship-agreement/). - Projects must align with the fund’s mission of advancing place-based ecology education for children and youth in the Upper Valley. - The Foundation will not fund organizations whose mission or programs promote hate or conflict with principles of respect, justice, and equity. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review the [grant application instructions](https://www.nhcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Wellborn-Instructions-for-Grant-Applications-2024.pdf)** to ensure your project aligns with program priorities. 2. **Create or update your organization profile** in [GrantSource](http://nhcf.smartsimple.com/). 3. **Complete and submit the online application** via GrantSource by the deadline. - If requesting more than $5,000, a pre-application consultation is required (contact Meena Gyawali). 4. **Notification:** Applicants are typically notified of funding decisions within three weeks. 5. **Reporting:** Submit a final grant report through GrantSource upon project completion. --- ## Additional Information - The fund emphasizes projects that: - Engage underserved communities - Foster partnerships among schools, nonprofits, and community organizations - Support professional development in place-based ecology education - Enhance access to natural learning environments for all youth, including those with disabilities - For projects over $5,000, contact the program officer before applying. --- ## External Links - [Program page and application portal](https://www.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/wellborn/) - [Grant application instructions (PDF)](https://www.nhcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Wellborn-Instructions-for-Grant-Applications-2024.pdf) - [Eligible towns map (PDF)](https://www.nhcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/UV_map_letter.pdf) - [Fiscal sponsorship information](https://www.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/fiscal-sponsorship-agreement/) - [GrantSource application portal](http://nhcf.smartsimple.com/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Phone | Email | |----------------|-----------------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------| | Meena Gyawali | Initiative Leader, Environment | 603-225-6641 ext 219 | Meena.Gyawali@nhcf.org | | General Inquiries | New Hampshire Charitable Foundation | 603-225-6641 | [Contact Form](https://www.nhcf.org/about-us/contact-us/) | ---

The Wellborn Ecology Fund

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