Wild Wonder Micro Grant Program

The Wild Wonder Foundation’s 2026 Project Micro Grant program is a key initiative designed to promote nature journaling as a practice that fosters curiosity, art, science, and environmental connection. As a private foundation rooted in community support, the Wild Wonder Foundation uses funds raised primarily through donations, including classes taught by notable figures such as John Muir Laws, to offer small but impactful grants to individuals leading innovative outreach and educational projects. Their mission emphasizes amplifying the reach of nature journaling, particularly in underserved communities, by supporting creative, inclusive, and practical initiatives. The Project Micro Grant category supports a broad range of eligible activities, provided they focus centrally on nature journaling. These can include events, training programs, classes, publications, websites, and other tools or experiences that expand awareness and practice of nature journaling. Projects that train educators to teach nature journaling are particularly encouraged, as they have a multiplier effect by equipping others to extend the practice. Funds may be used to purchase or create materials, buy necessary equipment, support planning and teaching time, and cover other costs directly related to implementing the project. Applicants are required to follow a structured submission process. They must first download a worksheet (in either PDF or DOC format) to prepare their responses offline. Once finalized, the information must be submitted via an online form. Applicants are asked to provide details about the geographic scope of their project, their relevant background and qualifications, a short project summary, a full narrative including audience and publicity plans, a timeline aligned to the required nine-month implementation period, outreach metrics, references, budget, and any in-kind contributions. A specific question asks applicants to reflect on their personal motivation, expected growth, and community impact. The grant review process is carried out by a selection team composed of board and community members. Applications are anonymized for fairness. Reviewers assess submissions based on clarity and capacity. Clarity refers to the originality and feasibility of the project idea, the articulation of goals and deliverables, and the applicant’s connection to nature journaling. Capacity includes realistic budgeting, timeline alignment, outreach potential, and the applicant’s relevant experience. Approximately 12 to 15 Project Micro Grants are awarded each year. Grants range from $300 to $1,250 USD. Recipients receive half the funds upon award announcement and the other half upon submission of a final report, which must include documentation of expenditures, receipts, and visuals such as photos or videos. The award period for 2026 begins March 5, 2026, with a firm reporting deadline of December 4, 2026. All proposed projects must be completed within nine months of award. Any project costs exceeding the grant amount will not be reimbursed by the foundation. Applications for the 2026 Project Micro Grant open on January 1, 2026, and are due by January 29, 2026, at 5 PM Pacific Time. Grant recipients will be notified by March 5. The program does not allow simultaneous application to the Club Micro Grant, which opens later in the year. Additionally, the funder encourages promotion of awarded projects by both the recipients and the foundation itself, through various media and community channels.

The review is anonymous—focus on clarity, detailed deliverables, and realistic budgeting to strengthen your application.