Wellborn Ecology Fund- School-based Project Grants

Wellborn Ecology Fund- School-based Project Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Amount: Up to US $5,000
Last Updated: January 06, 2026

Summary

The Wellborn Ecology Fund supports school-based projects that enhance environmental and ecological science knowledge in the Upper Valley. Established in 2013, it focuses on K-12 and early childhood education, especially in underserved communities. With over $5.5 million awarded since 2001, the fund promotes place-based ecology education, professional development for teachers, and initiatives like farm-to-school projects. This initiative aims to instill a deep understanding of local ecosystems and foster environmental stewardship among students.

Overview

The Wellborn Ecology Fund  is dedicated to using “the power of place” to increase environmental and ecological science knowledge in the Upper Valley. Since 2013, the Foundation has been focusing Wellborn resources to increase access to place-based ecology education for children and youth, with particular emphasis on K-12 and early childhood education centers in underserved communities. Marguerite Wellborn was a naturalist and a writer who believed that knowledge was the key to environmental preservation. In her will, she left nearly $10 million to create the Wellborn Ecology Fund at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, “to be used for public awareness of environmental and ecological issues in the Upper Valley.” What we’re funding Since its inception in 2001, the fund has awarded grants totaling more than $5.5 million to more than 125 organizations and programs. Place-based ecology education has been implemented in schools across the region. Students are tracking wildlife, studying vernal pools and stream ecology, measuring climate – and much more.Teachers get significant professional development and resources through the Wellborn Institute.Farm-to-school projects have kids learning about local farms, local food production and good nutrition.“The Outside Story,” a weekly essay series, appears in Northern Woodlands magazine and in newspapers, spreading environmental education to a general audience.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Funding limited to the Foundation’s Upper Valley Region. See a map of eligible towns.Applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public school, municipality or other subdivision of government. Organizations that do not have public charity status may apply for grants if another public charity acts as a fiscal sponsor.