Nature-Based Education Grants
This funding opportunity supports organizations in Maine that promote equitable access to outdoor education and environmental experiences, particularly those led by historically underrepresented groups.
The Nature-Based Education Grants program, offered by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, is designed to ensure that all Mainers have equitable opportunities to experience and connect with the outdoors. The foundation believes that such experiences strengthen personal well-being, foster environmental stewardship, and build healthier, more resilient communities. This grant program prioritizes work serving school-aged children from pre-K through 12th grade, with a particular emphasis on reaching historically underrepresented groups. The program supports both systems-level initiatives and direct programming. Systems-level funding is intended for organizations engaging in capacity-building, professional development, network and movement building, data collection and evaluation, and advocacy and policy change. These efforts aim to transform inequitable systems and establish lasting frameworks that expand access to outdoor education for Maine’s students. Direct programming support is provided as general operating grants. The foundation places priority on organizations led by communities historically underrepresented in the nature-based education sector. It also welcomes proposals that test, replicate, or scale effective models that can generate transformational impact within the field. Funding for 2025 totals $1,305,000. Systems-level grants may range from $50,000 to $200,000 per year and can span one to five years. Direct programming grants typically fall between $10,000 and $50,000 per year, with multi-year proposals accepted. All grantmaking will occur through an open application process. Applications for the 2025 cycle were due by February 13 at 5:00 p.m. Decisions will be announced by the end of April 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to the program contact for discussion prior to submission. For inquiries or to discuss proposals, applicants may contact Amie Hutchison at [email protected]. Further details about the opportunity and requirements can be found in the program’s official fact sheet.
Award Range
$10,000 - $200,000
Total Program Funding
$1,305,000
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Systems Level: $50,000–$200,000/year for 1–5 years. Direct Programs: $10,000–$50,000/year. Multi-year requests accepted.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Nonprofits and organizations led by historically underrepresented groups are prioritized. Programs should serve Maine and expand equitable access to outdoor education. Multi-year grants are available for systems-level work or direct programming. Fiscal sponsorship is not discussed, and there is no stated exclusion of other types.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Prioritize equity and systems change; focus on Maine-based programs; support from underrepresented leadership is valued.
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
Not specified
Grantor
Amie Hutchison
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