Grants and Awards

Each year, Bonnie Plants distributes free cabbage plants to 3rd graders across the country to foster an interest in gardening and the environment. As part of the program, Bonnie gives a $1,000 award to one student in each state.

When children’s lives are filled with play, we all benefit: our communities will be healthier and happier today, and our society will be stronger and more resilient tomorrow. KaBOOM! offers a number of community-built playground grants to empower friends and neighbors to collaborate for a common cause – to bring play to their communities. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Project Hero is a project-based learning tool and framework from the Captain Planet Foundation that connects young heroes to information about threatened species and ecosystems, guiding them on a quest to uncover and implement solutions to help locally. Small grants may be available for some quests.

AmericanTrucks recognizes that pickups are the backbone of the American workforce, from job sites to disaster relief and everything in between, which is why we’re proud to launch the Positive Payload Program.

The Positive Payload Program is designed to benefit non-profit charitable organizations that use and rely on pickup trucks to better their community.

ExtremeTerrain's Clean Trail Grant Program provides eligible groups of five or more the opportunity to apply for a $250 grant to fund their next trail improvement-related project, including clean-up, restoration, or expansion. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

The Positive Payload Program is designed to benefit non-profit charitable organizations who use and rely on pickup trucks to better their community. Anyone who works with or volunteers for a charity that uses Ford F-150s, Chevrolet Silverados, GMC Sierras, or Dodge Rams may apply for a $2,000 donation. The person who nominates the selected charity will receive $200.

ExtremeTerrain strongly advocates for the responsible recreational use of off-road trails and is happy to launch the Clean Trail Grant Program.

Start your school's sustainable beekeeping project with Beepods and a fast-tracked grant.

Roots & Shoots want to support the work that you and your "young Jane Goodalls" are doing

in your community. U.S. educators are invited to apply for a $200 mini-grant to start, support, or celebrate their service campaigns.

The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Environment Program awards grants through invited proposals and the occasional funding competition. Funding opportunities may also be available through organizations administering re-granting programs supported by the foundation.

CSX provides non-profit assistance and support through a variety of programs, including grants that typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 for projects focusing on safety, community, wellness, and/or the environment. Applications accepted throughout the year.

The Laboratory Equipment Donation Program (LEDP), formerly the Energy-Related Laboratory Equipment (ERLE) Grant Program, was established by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to grant surplus and available used energy-related laboratory equipment to universities and colleges in the United States for use in energy oriented educational programs.

Each year, Seed Savers Exchange donates seeds to hundreds of organizations and gardens in need through its Herman's Garden Seed Donation Program.

Get "seed" money for your school through this fundraising program from Sow True Seed (STS). For every seed packet you buy through STS, they will donate 30% of the sale price to your organization.

Get "seed" money for your school through a fundraising program from Renee's Garden. When you sign up for the program, 25% of every order will be donated to your school or organization.

By planting milkweeds – the host plants for monarch caterpillars – and nectar plants for adult monarchs and pollinators, you can help maintain the monarch migration and sustain the pollinators. If your school or non-profit organization qualifies, Monarch Watch will provide a free flat of 32 milkweed seedlings as well as guidance on how to create a new habitat or enhance an existing garden.

EcoSolution Grants from the Captain Planet Foundation provide support for youth-led environmental projects in the form of cash grants ranging from $500-$2,500. The grants support purchase of materials and other expenses required to implement the project. Applications are accepted twice per year, each January and July.

The K4C Microgrant Program is the bridge between ideas and action. By providing microgrants in varying amounts up to $1,000, K4C helps young citizen leaders execute and magnify their initiatives to help repair our world. Whether it is turning a vacant lot into a community garden, rebuilding a school playground or helping senior citizens get their homes ready for winter, they want to hear what project you’re passionate about.

U.S. students ages 13-22 who are going abroad to volunteer or study in a developing country are encouraged to apply for an international service-learning mini-grant of up to $300. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

As part of Annie's commitment to school gardens, the company created the Annie's Garden Funder on CrowdRise to empower schools and like-minded friends to raise money for school gardens.

The RGK Foundation awards grants in the broad areas of education, community and health/medicine. Letters of inquiry are accepted year-round.

ShoeBox Recycling ensures that unwanted shoes are diverted from landfills and reach the feet of people in need around the world. It is also a fundraising program that will help you earn some extra funds for your organization or any charitable organization you support!

The Cornell Douglas Foundation provides grants to organizations that advocate for environmental health and justice, encourage stewardship of the environment, and further respect for sustainability of resources. The average grant amount is $10,000. Applications accepted year-round.

Walmart partners with organizations that operate on a national scale in communities throughout the country. They provide funds to organizations that have local affiliates around the country, and the majority of grants from this program include re-grants to implement programs in local communities. Grants funded at $250,000 or above.

The National Wildlife Federation's tree bank program provides free, native tree seedlings to schools, youth groups and nonprofit organizations. 

The National Wildlife Federation is no longer accepting applications for Spring 2021. Please check this website in late 2021 for information on how to apply for Spring 2022.

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation accepts proposals for research projects and educational initiatives for developing tools that promote awareness or increase knowledge of the solid waste industry. Awards are generally up to $500,000.

K-12 school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program that serve at least 100 reimbursable meals are eligible to receive a six-foot (five-well) salad bar package.

The Bush Fellowship is an opportunity for individuals to increase their capacity for and improve their practice of leadership, while working with others to solve tough problems in their communities. Applications accepted three times per year.

Westinghouse provides grants to nonprofit programs that support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, environmental sustainability, and community vitality. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for programs located not more than 50 miles from a Westinghouse site.

Costco Wholesale grants support programs focusing on children, education and health and human services. They look to achieve the greatest impact where Costco’s employees and members live and work. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, which meet their giving guidelines and focus areas, are considered. Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.

The current rate of funding for science proposals in the U.S. is about 20%. The #SciFund Challenge is an experiment – can scientists use crowdfunding to fund their research? It is also a way to get scientists to directly engage with the public. Crowdfunding forces scientists to build public interaction and outreach into their research from day one.

FundingFactory is a free program where schools, non-profits, and charities earn points that can be redeemed for cash or products by recycling their empty printer cartridges, cell phones, laptops, and other small electronics.

The NiSource Charitable Foundation funds nonprofit organizations focusing on learning and science education, environmental and energy sustainability, community vitality and development, and public safety and human services. Eligible organizations must have a direct impact in a NiSource service area.

The EarthEcho Water Planet Challenge Grants of $2,000 are available to middle and high school public educators to support service-learning programs that improve the health of the planet. Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed three times per year.

The Norcross Wildlife Foundation provides support to local grassroots organizations throughout the United States that work to protect wild land. Grants are available for public education and outreach materials. Grant applications are accepted throughout the year.

The Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation supports grassroots organizations and movements in the U.S. working to change environmental, social, economic and political conditions to bring about a more just, equitable and sustainable world. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Need some funding for your crazy brilliant idea? The Awesome Foundation awards $1,000 grants every month. It couldn't be simpler. Deadlines are rolling.

If your school has a Do Something Club that is working on social action projects in your community, you're eligible to apply for a $250 Do Something Clubs Grant. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on the last day of every month.

Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools is a grassroots public health effort to engage stakeholders at the local, state and national level to support salad bars in schools. The program's goal is to fund and award 6,000 salad bars over the next three years. Any K-12 school district participating in the National School Lunch Program is eligible. Applications accepted throughout the year.

Public school teachers who register their classroom at the Adopt-a-Classroom website can be adopted by an individual, business or foundation. Once adopted, teachers will receive credit to purchase items that enrich the learning environment, including classroom technology.

Get rewarded for the value of your school's ink/toner empties and small electronics. You can redeem at Office Depot's retail locations, or online at business.officedepot.com. Sign up today at myschoolrecycles.com.

The Cedar Tree Foundation makes grants in the areas of children's environmental health, sustainable agriculture, and other environmental priorities. It does not have a set budget for its grants or a pre-determined timeline. Grants most likely will be in the range of $20,000 to $100,000.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private, family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, education, human services and other causes. Applications are open to any organization that meets the grant guidelines. Grants are awarded every June and December.

Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas supports projects in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, environmental justice and environmental education. While proposals are accepted all year, ideal timing is during the first quarter of the calendar year.

Patagonia seeks proposals from organizations working on the root causes of environmental problems and approaching issues with a commitment to long-term change.

Youth Venture inspires and invests in teams of young people to design and launch their own lasting social ventures, enabling them to have a transformative experience of leading positive social change. When the team is ready to launch, Youth Venture offers seed funding up to $1,000, guidance, tools and support, and a supportive network of fellow Youth Venturers.

The Northrop Grumman Corporation supports communities, projects and organizations, particularly where its employees live and work, with financial, in-kind and volunteer resources. Grants are awarded to accredited schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for projects focused on education and the environment, among others. Northrop Grumman does not accept unsolicited requests for funding.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund provides grants in support of wildlife conservation projects - including conservation education. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $25,000. Applications are accepted twice per year: April 30 and November 30.

Young people age 25 and under who are working to start a community action project or program are eligible to apply for a $500 Do Something Seed Grant. One winner is chosen every week. No deadline.

The Verizon Foundation provides grants to eligible recipients. Funding priorities are aligned around Digital Inclusion, Climate Protection and Human Prosperity. 

Grant applications are by invitation only. You can contact your local community relations manager to see whether you are eligible to apply or learn other ways to get involved in your community.

The Kinder Morgan Foundation supports nonprofit youth programs focused on education, the arts, and the environment. Grants range from $1,000-$5,000. Application deadlines are the 10th of every other month, beginning in January.

The Voya Foundation awards grants of $2,500 to $100,000 and more to non-profit organizations. The Foundation focuses on financial literacy and STEM education.

Sponsored by Tennessee Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, The Outdoor Classroom Garden Mini-Grant Program is designed to show that agriculture is an integral part of our everyday environment. Farms, wildlife, forestry, people and cities are all interrelated with agriculture. As most of Tennessee’s wildlife resides on and feeds off of private property, including farms and timber lands, the gardens can demonstrate the connection between agriculture, food, fiber, conservation, wildlife, and the urban environment.

Recognizing that healthy, thriving communities depend on involved citizens, organizations, and corporate partners for momentum, Waste Management lends its support and services to programs related to environmental education, the environment and the community. Applications accepted year-round.

The BoatU.S. Foundation awards nonprofit organizations up to $10,000 for the promotion of safe and clean boating education. Past topics have ranged from public service announcements on the effects of boating under the influence to hands-on education about the effects of marine debris. Letters of intent accepted year-round.

The USDA has programs throughout its operations that can assist farmers, help consumers access nutritious foods, and support rural community development. This page lists several programs and grants to assist those involved in local food systems, food and nutrition-related community development and farm to school programs.

The Norcross Wildlife Foundation supports grassroots organizations in the U.S. working to protect wild land. Grants averaging $5,000 are provided primarily for program-related office and field equipment and public education and outreach materials. The Foundation also provides no-interest loans to acquire land prioritized for conservation. Applications may be submitted at any time.

The Wal-mart State Giving Program seeks to support organizations with programs that align with its mission to create opportunities so people can live better. The Foundation has four areas of focus: Education, Workforce Development / Economic Opportunity, Health & Wellness, and Environmental Sustainability. Minimum grants are $25,000. The submission deadlines are April 17 and September 18 each year.

Toyota seeks to expand access to opportunities that improve people’s lives and create a culture of inclusion—strengthening the communities where we live, work and play. To have meaningful, sustainable impact, Toyota takes a holistic approach to community investment.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports organizations that improve the quality of life in communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Grants are awarded for educational efforts, community enrichment, environmental programs, and entrepreneurship initiatives. Requests are reviewed on a rolling cycle throughout the year. Due to year-end limited funding, early submission is encouraged.

Open Meadows Foundation is a grant-making organization for projects that are led by and benefit women and girls. The maximum award is $2,000. Only 501(c)3 organizations with an organizational budget no larger than $150,000 are eligible. The deadlines for submission are February 15 and August 15 each year.

The Annenberg Foundation focuses its grantmaking on education and youth development; arts, culture, and humanities; civic and community; animal services and the environment; and health and human services. Letters of inquiry that address these interests are accepted throughout the year.

Each business day, 4imprint gives a worthy organization $500 in promotional products to spread the word, recruit volunteers, thank donors, offer comfort to someone in need or in some other way turns one thing into something much more.

Environmental Education Centers may be eligible for a grant from The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). (Federal Agencies and for-profit institutions are not elegible.) The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation's grant categories are: Adult Literacy, Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program, Family Literacy, Summer Reading, and Youth Literacy.

National Wildlife Federation EcoLeader Graduate Student Fellows help to educate and engage the EcoLeaders community through dedicated research projects. Monetary fellowship grants are awarded to graduate students working with National Wildlife Federation staff on research that helps to expand the content and development of the EcoLeaders program to help college students and recent graduates to use project-based learning to develop their environmental leadership and sustainable career goals. EcoLeaders Fellows join a national network of current and alumni fellows, many of whom have gone on to lead new businesses, agencies, and programs for sustainability all across the U.S.

Digital Wish offers over 50 different grants for digital camera hardware and software. To apply, register your classroom at Digital Wish and enter a lesson plan. All teachers who submit a lesson plan will be automatically entered to win a mobile digital camera lab, plus as many as 50 technology grants.

Grants from Toshiba America Foundation fund projects, ideas and materials math and science teachers need to innovate in their classrooms, specifically projects designed by one teacher or a small team of teachers to use in their own school. Application deadlines are based on grant amount.

The Outdoor Industry Association and Outdoor Foundation have launched a fundraising mechanism to help schools implement outdoors projects, including plans to take fourth grade classes to federal lands and waters as part of the Every Kid in a Park initiative. The first 100 schools to sign up will receive $100.