Nature-Based Education Program Grant

Overview

Nature-Based Education Program Grant

Meaningful experiences in nature demonstrably improve individual well-being and strengthen communities. However, current systems perpetuate inequities, including those rooted in systemic racism, and fail to fairly provide access to outdoor experiences and education for all Mainers. We believe that conservation efforts benefit from individuals that have a personal connection with nature. Our Nature-Based Education funding supports collaborative and organizational initiatives that advance the field, build strong networks that change systems and policy, include and elevate diverse voices and leadership, and result in equitable outcomes for all Mainers.

Priorities

Our focus is on two main areas: Systems Level Funding and direct Programming Funding.

* Systems Level Funding supports:
* Field Building
* Network & Movement Building
* Data & Evaluation
* Advocacy & Policy
* Direct Programming Funding provides general operating grants that prioritize organizations led by groups historically underrepresented in the nature-based education sector and working to create equitable opportunities that will have transformational impact for the field.

Funding

* Available Funding: $1,305,000
* We anticipate making multi-year systems funding grants of up to $200,000. Direct Programming grants will typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 and multi-year requests will be considered.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Applicants must be eligible to receive tax-deductible donations as outlined in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
* This includes:
* 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations; public schools; public agencies working for the State of Maine; Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior.
* We accept applications from organizations and groups who work through a fiscal sponsor.
* A fiscally sponsored organization does not need to be a legal entity, but it must have a signed fiscal sponsorship agreement with a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
* The Sewall Foundation has funded 501(C)(4) organizations in the past for specific nonpartisan and charitable work, however it requires additional considerations and expenditure responsibility.
* We ask that any 501(c)(4) organization contact program staff to explore potential grant support.
* Organizations with 501(C)(4) status should not start or submit a grant application before speaking with program staff.
* Eligible organizations may apply regardless of their funding history with Sewall Foundation.

Ineligibility

* The Sewall Foundation does not provide grant funding to private for-profit enterprises, cooperatives, or individuals.