Nature-Based Education Grants

The Nature-Based Education Grants program is offered by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, a private philanthropic organization focused on supporting initiatives that advance equity, environmental stewardship, and community well-being in the state of Maine. The foundation emphasizes addressing systemic inequities, including those rooted in racism, and works to ensure that all individuals have fair access to meaningful outdoor experiences. Through its Nature-Based Education funding, the foundation seeks to strengthen both individuals and communities by fostering deeper connections to the natural environment and supporting organizations that advance inclusive and equitable outdoor education systems. The primary purpose of this grant program is to support initiatives that expand access to nature-based education while addressing systemic barriers that prevent equitable participation. The program is designed to fund both systems-level efforts and direct programming. Systems-level funding focuses on strengthening the broader ecosystem of nature-based education through activities such as field building, network and movement development, data collection and evaluation, and advocacy and policy work. Direct programming funding, on the other hand, supports organizations delivering on-the-ground programs, particularly those led by historically underrepresented groups, with the goal of creating transformative and equitable opportunities for Maine residents. Funding under this program is distributed across two primary tracks. Systems-level grants may be awarded as multi-year commitments with funding amounts reaching up to 200,000 dollars. Direct programming grants typically range from 10,000 to 50,000 dollars and may also be considered for multi-year support. The total available funding for the 2026 cycle is 285,000 dollars. However, a significant portion of the program budget has already been committed to multi-year awards made in prior years, limiting the availability of new funding for the current cycle. As a result, the foundation has restricted the 2026 grantmaking process to an invitation-only model. Eligibility for this program is limited to organizations operating within Maine, as the program explicitly focuses on improving access and equity for “all Mainers.” While specific organizational eligibility criteria are not exhaustively detailed, the program prioritizes collaborative initiatives and organizations working to elevate diverse leadership and voices within the nature-based education sector. Particular emphasis is placed on supporting organizations led by groups historically underrepresented in this field. The program appears to favor nonprofit and mission-driven entities engaged in education, environmental work, or community development, although final eligibility is determined through the invitation process. The application process for the 2026 cycle is not open to the general public and is conducted strictly by invitation. The foundation may invite both existing grantees and new organizations, including those not previously funded, to submit applications or modify existing grants. For invited applicants, proposals were due by February 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The submission process likely involves completing required application materials through the foundation’s online system, though specific components are not detailed in the available information. Because the process is invitation-only, initial engagement and eligibility screening are handled directly by the foundation. Grant decisions for the 2026 cycle are expected to be announced in early May 2026. While the performance period is not explicitly stated, the presence of multi-year funding options indicates that funded projects may extend across multiple years depending on the grant type and scope. The program does not specify any cost-sharing or matching requirements, suggesting that funding may be provided without a required financial contribution from grantees. For additional information or inquiries, the foundation provides a program-specific contact email at naturebasededucation@sewallfoundation.org. This funding opportunity appears to be part of an ongoing grantmaking program rather than a one-time initiative, with annual or periodic funding cycles implied by the structured application deadlines and recurring program updates. However, due to the limited availability of funds in 2026 and the invitation-only approach, future cycles may vary in accessibility and funding levels. Organizations interested in future opportunities are encouraged to establish relationships with the foundation and align their work with its stated priorities in equity, environmental education, and systems-level change.

Prioritize equity and systems change; focus on Maine-based programs; support from underrepresented leadership is valued.