Funding Resources for Educators 

The following grants and awards are organized by application deadline.

January

Pay It Forward Mini-Grants
Three times a year, the Pay It Forward Foundation provides these mini-grants to support one-time-only service-oriented projects identified by youth.  In order to be considered, applicants must demonstrate that their projects contain a "pay it forward" focus, based on the concept of one person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for others, with the results growing exponentially.  Mini-grants of up to $500 will be awarded.  Grant cycles also in April and October.

Toyota Tapestry Grants
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc., and the National Science Teachers Association are pleased to announce the Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers Program. The program is open to middle and high school science teachers who teach at least two science classes a day and to elementary classroom teachers who teach at least some science in the classroom.  A total of 50 large grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded, along with 20 to 32 mini grants of up to $2,500 each.

February

International Young Eco-Hero Awards
Action for Nature, a non-profit organization that encourages young people around the world to carry out environmental action projects, presents the International Young Eco-Hero Awards to recognize the individual accomplishments of young people ages 8-16 whose personal actions have significantly improved the environment.

More Kids in the Woods
This agency-wide Forest Service call for proposals for "More Kids in the Woods" projects is part of a continuing effort to improve children's health by reconnecting them to nature.  Projects need to engage non-federal partners with at least a 1:1 match of in-kind or cash contributions.  Educators, parents, land managers, physicians, and others who work with children are encouraged to apply.

NOAA Environmental Literacy Projects
NOAA's Office of Education requests applications for environmental literacy projects in K-12 education.  Funded projects will be 1-5 years in duration and will promote changes in K-12 education to expand the amount of Earth System Science taught in the classroom.

Project Orange Thumb
This grant is designed for gardens and/or gardening projects geared toward community involvement, neighborhood beautification, sustainable agriculture and/or horticultural education. Community garden groups, as well as schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, etc. are encouraged to apply. Only group applications will be considered; single individuals are not eligible for a Project Orange ThumbSM grant. Recipients will be given up to $1,500.00 in Fiskars® Garden Tools, a Project Orange Thumb t-Shirts for garden members/volunteers, and up to $800.00 for other materials such as plants, seeds, mulch, etc.

March

Captain Planet Foundation Grants
The Captain Planet Foundation accepts applications four times each year for funding projects that help students better grasp environmental issues.  Grants range from $250 to $2,500.  Projects must promote understanding of environmental issues, focus on hands-on activities, involve children and young adults ages 6 to 18, promote interaction and cooperation within a group, help young people develop planning and problem-solving skills, include adult supervision, and commit to follow-up communication with the Foundation.  Grant cycles also in June, September and December.

Christopher Columbus Awards
The Christopher Columbus Awards is a national, community-based science and technology program for middle school students. The program challenges the students to work in teams of three to four, with an adult coach, to identify a problem in their community and apply the scientific method to create an innovative solution to that problem. Four finalist teams and their coaches will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World® to attend National Championship Week and compete for valuable U.S. Savings Bonds plus a $200 development grant to further refine their idea.

Mantis Awards
The National Gardening Association Mantis Awards provide in-kind grants of Mantis gardening equipment to educational projects that actively engage kids in gardens and improve the quality of life for their communities.

Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Scienct Teaching
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.  Winners receive a paid trip to Washington, D.C., and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

April

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors outstanding young leaders who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. Each year, the Barron Prize selects ten winners nationwide. Nominations for the Prize should be made by adults who have solid knowledge of the nominee and his/her work, but who are not related to the nominee (e.g. teachers, librarians, civic or religious leaders, etc.).                   

Greenworks Grants
Grants of up to $5,000 are available to help fund neighborhood environmental improvement projects that partner Project Learning Tree educators and their students with local businesses or community organizations.   

Pay It Forward Mini-Grants
Three times a year, the Pay It Forward Foundation provides these mini-grants to support one-time-only service-oriented projects identified by youth.  In order to be considered, applicants must demonstrate that their projects contain a "pay it forward" focus, based on the concept of one person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for others, with the results growing exponentially.  Mini-grants of up to $500 will be awarded. Grant cycles also in January and October.                                                                                                             

May

Brower Youth Awards
The Brower Youth Awards is an annual national award recognizing six young people for their outstanding activism and achievements in the fields of environmental and environmental justice advocacy.  The winners of the award receive a $3,000 cash prize, a trip to California for the award ceremony and wilderness camping trip, and ongoing access to resources and opportunities to further their work at Earth Island Institute.  Young activist leaders ages 13-22 living in North America are eligible to apply.

June - July - August

Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award 
Do you know a teacher who stands out among the rest?  Someone who takes their passion for the environment and brings it into the classroom, inspiring students to learn and engage in environmental issues?  Consider nominating the outstanding teacher that you know for the 2008 Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award.  

The Bartlett Award was established in 2007 by the National Environmental Education Foundation to distinguish the teachers who best represent Richard C. Bartlett's passion for and leadership in environmental education.  For more than 40 years, Richard C. Bartlett has been inspiring environmental educators nationwide.    This year, the award will be given to an educator who can serve as an inspiration and model for others.  A $5,000 cash award will be provided for the recipient to continue their work in environmental education.  Nominations due June 30, 2008. 

Classroom Earth National High School Challenge
Are you looking for a way to spice up your curriculum with something new that will get your students excited about the environment?  The National High School Challenge could be the answer you're looking for.

The National Environmental Education Foundation, in partnership with The Weather Channel, have developed a new program called Classroom Earth that is designed to enhance and strengthen environmental education in high school classrooms. In April, Classroom Earth launched the first of many components: The National High School Challenge. The challenge asks high school teachers across the country to submit a proposal on how they would infuse environmental content into their existing classrooms. If chosen, you'll have the chance to secure $5,000 - $10,000 to bring more innovative environmental themes into your coursework!  Applications due June 20, 2008.

Captain Planet Foundation Grants
The Captain Planet Foundation accepts applications four times each year for funding projects that help students better grasp environmental issues.  Grants range from $250 to $2,500.  Projects must promote understanding of environmental issues, focus on hands-on activities, involve children and young adults ages 6 to 18, promote interaction and cooperation within a group, help young people develop planning and problem-solving skills, include adult supervision, and commit to follow-up communication with the Foundation.  Grant cycles also in March, September and December.

September

Captain Planet Foundation Grants
The Captain Planet Foundation accepts applications four times each year for funding projects that help students better grasp environmental issues.  Grants range from $250 to $2,500.  Projects must promote understanding of environmental issues, focus on hands-on activities, involve children and young adults ages 6 to 18, promote interaction and cooperation within a group, help young people develop planning and problem-solving skills, include adult supervision, and commit to follow-up communication with the Foundation.  Grant cycles also in March, June and December.

Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation Grants
The Foundation supports curricula that empower and encourage students to become involved in solving environmental and social problems as informed decision makers through the emphasis and application of basic ecological principles. Grants of up to $1500 are offered each year.

October

Back to School Go Organic! Contest
Earth Day Network's Go Organic! contest is a back-to-school opportunity for teachers to win a day of organic food for their entire school! Teachers are invited to submit their best curriculum or units (at least three lesson plans) on organic food and farming. EDN has partnered with OTA and MusicMatters to create the Go Organic! campaign in order to bring Organic Valley, R.W. Knudsen Family, Santa Cruz Organic, Earthbound Farm, Clif Kid, and others to your school.

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Awards
NSTA recognizes outstanding achievements in science education with a variety of science awards and monetary prizes.  Awards include Distinguished Teaching Award, Legacy Award, Vernier Technology Awards, and many others.  Awards range from $500-$10,000, and the application deadlines are in mid-October.

Pay It Forward Mini-Grants
Three times a year, the Pay It Forward Foundation provides these mini-grants to support one-time-only service-oriented projects identified by youth.  In order to be considered, applicants must demonstrate that their projects contain a "pay it forward" focus, based on the concept of one person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for others, with the results growing exponentially.  Mini-grants of up to $500 will be awarded.  Grant cycles also in January and April.

November

Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program
Wild Ones funds programs that encourage students to understand the effects of natural landscaping.  This grant is especially valuable for teachers wanting to step outside the classroom. Funds may be used to purchase native plants and seeds for a garden, trail, wetland, or research project.  Cash awards range from $100 to $500.

Sea World/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Awards
Since 1993 the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks have recognized the outstanding efforts of K-12th grade students and teachers who work at the grassroots level to protect and preserve the environment. The SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards provides school and community groups with a monetary award, national recognition, and some well-deserved fun at one of the adventure parks. Eight winning groups are selected each year to win $10,000. One environmental educator/leader each year receives $5,000.

December

Campus Climate Challenge
Are you taking initiatives to reduce your school's carbon footprint? How would you like an extra $500 to achieve your goal? Through the Campus Climate Challenge, the Earth Day Network is offering grants of $500 to teachers who are pursuing 100% clean energy policies in their schools.

Captain Planet Foundation Grants
The Captain Planet Foundation accepts applications four times each year for funding projects that help students better grasp environmental issues.  Grants range from $250 to $2,500.  Projects must promote understanding of environmental issues, focus on hands-on activities, involve children and young adults ages 6 to 18, promote interaction and cooperation within a group, help young people develop planning and problem-solving skills, include adult supervision, and commit to follow-up communication with the Foundation.  Grant cycles also in March, June, and September.

EPA Environmental Education Grants
The Grants Program sponsored by EPA's Environmental Education Division (EED), Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education, supports environmental education projects that enhance the public's awareness, knowledge, and skills to help people make informed decisions that affect environmental quality. EPA awards grants each year based on funding appropriated by Congress. Annual funding for the program ranges between $2 and $3 million. More than 75 percent of the grants awarded by this program receive less than $15,000.