Nature-Based Education Grants

Nature-Based Education Grants is sponsored by Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. Supports initiatives that advance nature-based education and equitable access to outdoor experiences in Maine.

Nature-Based Education — Elmina B. Sewall Foundation Nature-Based Education Grants 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.

2026 available funding: $285,000 A substantial portion of the Nature Based Education program area budget was dedicated to multi-year commitments in 2025. Our flexibility for new funding in 2026 is limited. As a result, grants will be offered by invitation only.

We may invite new applications, including from organizations not currently funded, or work with existing partners to amend their current grants. Program Contact: naturebasededucation@sewallfoundation. org Photo courtesy of Maine Environmental Education Association Our focus is on two main areas: Systems Level Funding and direct Programming Funding.

Systems Level Funding supports: Network & Movement Building 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. 2026 Available Funding: $285,000 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. 2026 Application Information Applications were due by February 25, at 5pm. Grant decisions will be announced by early May, 2026.

Because of the limited funding available this year, our grantmaking will be by invitation only. We may invite new applications, including from organizations not currently funded, or work with existing partners to amend their current grants. We’re pleased to present this series of articles on our inspiring grant partners .

Since 2020, the Sewall Foundation has supported MANA through two grants totaling $157,500, one for Covid-19 Response, and most recently to support their #WEOUTSIDE program. #WEOUTSIDE gives groups of youth, women and elders the opportunity to connect both with each other and the natural beauty of our state all year long. Nature Based Education Consortium (NBEC) has received five Healthy People Healthy Places grants since 2019.

Read to learn how NBEC’s collaborative, multi-generational network is dismantling systemic barriers so all Maine youth can learn outdoors.