In addition to the funding sources listed, schools receive generous donations of funds, equipment, materials, expertise and labor from their local communities. Community involvement leads to strong local ownership which is key to developing a sustainable project. Most types of local assistance, including time and expertise, can be used as a match to obtain grants. See Assistance page for more ideas.

If you know of other reliable funding sources and would like them listed here, please email us the name, phone number and web site of the funding source.

Albert Schweitzer Environmental Youth Award: presented annually to individuals or groups of students between the ages of 12 and 18, who have worked in the community to effect positive environmental change. Phone (203) 697-2741, e-mail asih1@aol.com, or write to: Albert Schweitzer Institute for the Humanities, P. O. Box 550, Wallingford, CT 06492-0550.

Captain Planet Foundation. The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation is to fund and support hands-on, environmental projects for children and youths. Our objective is to encourage innovative programs that empower children and youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Through environmental education, we believe that children can achieve a better understanding and appreciation for the world in which they live.

National Gardening Association. Each year the National Gardening Association awards 300 Youth Garden Grants that include an assortment of quality tools, seeds, garden products and more.

Natural Resource Conservation Service, Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program. (WHIP) This is a US Department of Agriculture program administered through county Soil Conservation District Field Offices. The program funds up to 75% of costs for grassland, wetland or reforestation projects. Visit the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program page:

Toyota Tapestry Grants. Offer grants for K-12 science projects.


Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental Education Grants.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Most state offices have a “Partners” program and while each office has slightly different priorities, many can assist schools with wetland, stream, riparian or grassland habitat projects. Contact your local office. (Click here for a list of FWS offices by state)

Environmental Protection Agency, Chesapeake Bay Program. The Bay Program has several different grants available throughout the year for projects in the Chesapapeake Bay watershed.

Delaware

Delaware Natural Resource Conservation Service. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). See National Sources above.

Maryland

Chesapeake Bay Trust. Provides grants for school and community based education and restoration projects to improve the Chesapeake Bay and its Watershed. Phone: 410-974-2941. Chesapeake Bay Trust Grants

Forest Conservancy District Boards. County boards provide funds for school reforestation/tree planting projects. Certain boards, such as Baltimore have very active programs to assist schools.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Aquatic Resources Education Grant provides up to $1,000/school or $4,000/school system for aquatic education including wetland, stream or Chesapeake Bay habitat projects. Call 410-260-8716. for a copy of the application.

Maryland State Department of Education, School Facilities Branch. This branch strongly encourages school systems to include environmental enhancement on school grounds as part of major school renovations and new school construction projects. Therefore, if major renovations or a new building is planned for your school, work with the education specifications committee to incorporate habitat features and other environmental enhancement on the architect’s plan. Call MSDE for a copy of their new manual addressing this issue. Phone: 410-767-0098

Maryland Department of the Environment. Periodically, wetland mitigation funds are available for wetland restoration/creation projects of 1 acre or more. Up to 100% funding may be available. Contact George Beston at MDE for more information 410-758-5020.
Maryland Student Service Alliance. Funding may be available for habitat projects that incorporate a service learning component. Contact the Maryland State Coordinator at 410-767-0356 or your school system coordinator for more information.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. This program has limited funds for school wetland, riparian or grassland projects each year. For information call 410-573-4584 or email Rich Mason.

Natural Resource Conservation Service. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). See National Sources. The Maryland program is designed so that schools compete favorably for these funds.

Pennsylvania

Natural Resource Conservation Service. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). See National Sources.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The Envrionmental Education Grants Program provides funds for curriculum development and enhancement. Phone: 717-772-1828.

Virginia

Environmental Finance Center.This site has a list of local funding sources for stream corridor and watershed restoration projects. http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/EFC/Info/vawq.html
Natural Resource Conservation Service. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). See National Sources.

Dominion Virginia Power awards grants of up to $5,000 to schools; mini grants for up to $500 are also available. Call their classroom hotline at 1-800-730-7217.