The 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.
Donor Name: Elmina B. Sewall Foundation
State: Maine
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/13/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 5 Years
Details:
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. They believe that conservation efforts benefit from individuals that have a personal connection with nature.
Priorities
The 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 Information
- 2025 Available Funding: $1,305,000
- Systems Level: $50,000 to $200,000 per year
- 1–5-year proposals will be considered
- Direct Programs: $10,000 to $50,000 per year.
- Systems Level: $50,000 to $200,000 per year
Eligibility Criteria
- 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
- The Sewall Foundation accepts 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. If you are an organization that is fiscally sponsored, please answer the application questions as they pertain to the applicant organization or collaborative, not the fiscal sponsor.
- 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. They 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.
- The Sewall Foundation does not provide grant funding to private for-profit enterprises, cooperatives, or individuals.
- Eligible organizations may apply regardless of their funding history with Sewall Foundation.
For more information, visit EBSF.
