Do you know a local school, nature center, after-school program, community center, or youth group in need of funding for a native garden or habitat? If so, please invite them to apply for a Seeds for Education (SFE) Program grant.
Donor Name: Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, Ltd.
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/15/2025
Size of the Grant: Less than $1000
Grant Duration: More than 10 Years
Details:
The SFE program provides meaningful learning opportunities that connect youth to nature and the Wild Ones mission. For more than 25 years, this vital Wild Ones donor-funded program has provided grants ranging from $100 to $500 for native plant gardens and landscaping projects throughout the United States. The funds are designated for acquiring native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that engage youth (preschool to high school) directly in planning, planting and caring for native plant gardens. Examples include:
- pollinator gardens,
- rain gardens to improve water quality,
- tallgrass prairies,
- native plant monarch waystations featuring community science activities,
- and sensory and natural playgrounds.
Criteria
All public and private schools, non-profits such as nature centers, youth organizations and community youth centers in the US are welcome to apply so long as the project uses native plants or seeds to educate youth. Please note SFE grants do not fund vegetable gardens.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Project Relevance
- Alignment with Wild Ones Mission: How well does the project promote native plants and natural landscapes?
- Youth Engagement and Educational Value
- Youth Involvement: How meaningfully are youth involved in research, plant selection, and project design?
- Educational Benefits: How will the project be used for youth learning (e.g., public tours, STEM activities)?
- Planning, Sustainability and Maintenance
- Project Planning: Does the garden description and its objectives demonstrate thorough and effective planning?
- Maintenance Plan: Is there a solid plan for ongoing garden maintenance and sustainability?
- Designated Personnel: Does the proposal demonstrate that the project coordinator and designated staff are skilled and knowledgeable about building and maintaining native plant gardens? Does this project collaborate with a local Wild Ones Chapter?
- Native Garden and Plant Selection
- Plant Community: Does the plant list ensure an aesthetic, sustainable garden? Do the plants fit with the ecoregion and project objectives? Applications are disqualified for including invasive species, non-native plants, and non-native food plants in the project budget.
- Community Impact and Need
- Community Importance: Why is this project important to the organization and community?
- Need: How well does the application demonstrate the population’s need for this project?
For more information, visit Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, Ltd.
