2011 GreenWorks! Grants

GreenWorks! is PLT's service-learning community action program that partners PLT's students, educators, and communities in environmental neighborhood improvement projects. GreenWorks! blends service activities with the academic curriculum and addresses real community needs as students learn by doing. Since 1992, PLT has distributed over $800,000 to fund environmental projects in communties across the country.

We're happy to announce that in 2011, GreenWorks! funding is back! A new grant proposal will be posted to the website in early May, regarding maximum grant awards of $1,000 and a deadline of September 30, 2011. Funds will be distributed to awarded projects in December for the completion of environmental service-learning projects throughout the 2012 calendar year.

 

Grant Opportunities

TogetherGreen Conservation Leadership Fellowships
Deadline: May 2, 2011

The National Audubon Society is looking for leaders who want to learn across disciplines and work with others to achieve results and engage new audiences in conservation for the TogetherGreen Conservation Leadership Fellowship Program. TogetherGreen Fellows will come from a variety of backgrounds, including the arts, education, communication, policy, science, research, and business. One of the goals of the program is to support projects that engage audiences traditionally underrepresented in the conservation movement. The program will offer 40 $10,000 fellowships in 2011.

Northrop Grumman Contributions Program 

Deadline: April 30

Northrup Northrop Grumman provides funds to accredited schools and nonprofit organizations for programs addressing education, the environment, and health and human services. For more details and to submit a grant application, visit the Northrop Grumman website.  

ING Unsung Heroes Awards

Deadline: April 30

Each year, 100 educators are selected to receive $2,000 to help fund innovative class projects. Three awardees are then chosen to receive the top awards of an additional $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000. Fulltime educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff members at an accredited K-12 public or private school may apply. Visit ING’s Unsung Heroes website to learn more and apply.

The Lawrence Foundation Grants  

Deadline: April 30

The Lawrence Foundation provides grants to support environmental, education, human services, and other causes. Funds go to after-school, arts, volunteerism, general education, math, reading, safe schools, science, and social studies projects. The average grant amount ranges from $5,000 to $100,000.

Intel Community Grants   

Deadline: May 1
Intel Corporation awards grants supporting K-12, higher education, and community inititatives. Programs advancing science, math, and technology education will be considered. Note that grant applications will only be considered for programs in areas where Intel has a presence. 

American Honda Foundation Grants

Deadline: May 1

The Honda Foundation awards grants of up to $60,0000 to K-12 schools, colleges, universities, trade schools, and others for programs benefiting youthy and scientific education, the physical and life sciences, mathetmatics, and the environmental sciences. Programs characterized as scientific, imaginative, creativie, humanistic, youthful, innovative, and forward thinking will receive preference.  

Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation Grants
Deadline: March 31
The Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation funds environmental education programs fostering connections among individuals, communities, and the environment, and the world at large. Grant amounts range from $500 to $30,000. The foundation is most interested in projects requiring or inspiring those directly benefiting from the project to give back to their communities both during the project and into the future.

NiSource Charitable Grants
Deadline: April 1
The NiSource Charitable Foundation funds nonprofit organizations focusing on learning and science education, community vitality and development, environmental and energy sustainability, and public safety and human services. Successful applicants demonstrate how their organizations make a difference in communities where NiSource companies operate or provide services.

Tommy Hilfiger Education Grants
Deadline: April 1
Tommy Hilfiger Education Grants support programs and partnerships promoting education opportunities for diverse populations in the United States. The maximum award is $25,000 and 501(c)(3) organizations may apply.

The Lawrence Foundation Grants
Deadline: April 30
The Lawrence Foundation provides grants to support environmental, education, human services, and other causes. Funds go to after-school, arts, volunteerism, general education, math, reading, safe schools, science, and social studies projects. The average grant amount ranges from $5,000 to $100,000.

Project Earth Contests

Deadlines: March 30 and May 15
Project Earth connects schools, educators, and K-12 students as they participate in global conversations on environmental topics and share action project ideas. This year, Project Earth will host two contests in conjunction with U.S. Earth Day (April 22nd) and World Environment Day (June 5th). Schools and teachers can showcase environmental projects, activities, and actions their school is taking to conserve resources, reduce the carbon footprints, and be better environmental stewards. Winners will receive $500 awards. For more information on various worldwide initiative, visit the Project Earth website. You can also sign up for the Project Earth newsletter to stay informed. In their March 2011 issue, PLT GreenSchools! is their “featured partner.”

Endangered Species Day Youth Art Contest
Deadline: March 15
The Youth Art Contest provides K-12 students with opportunities to learn about endangered species and express their knowledge and support through artwork. Winners will be selected categories organized by grade level and will receive plaques and art supply gift certificates. One grand prize winner will be honored at a reception in Washington, D.C. this May. For more information, including judging criteria and an entry form, visit http://www.endangeredspeciesday.org/.

Attention Classroom Teachers: $500 Mini-Grants Available

Strengthening Colorado’s Water & Forest Education Connections

Attention Classroom Teachers:  $500 Mini-Grants Available!

Do your students understand the connection between healthy forests and healthy watersheds?   Can they predict or explain the impact that forest fires or pine beetle infestations have at the faucet?  Can they model how forests control of the amount and timing of snowmelt, storm flow, water quality, and sedimentation?  If you have a great idea to help your students make the connection between forest conditions and water quality and quantity, the Colorado State Forest Service and the US Forest Service have funding available for you!

Ten $500 mini-grants will be awarded to Colorado K-12 classroom teachers to enhance forest watershed education experiences for their students.  To encourage getting kids outdoors for hands-on, inquiry-based environmental learning, this funding can be used for field trips, supplies (waders, test kits, etc.), and professional training.  Applications must be submitted online by 5:00pm on MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2011.  Eligibility requirements and details are listed on the application at https://mail.colostate.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=0f2084e8d9bd4b70aefbd1ea9793639a&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.surveymonkey.com%2fs%2fS7PW6TS.

NEA Foundation Sponsored Grants
Deadline: February 1, 2011
Throughout the year, the NEA Foundation awards close to 200 grants to support educators' efforts to close the achievement gaps, develop creative learning opportunities for students, and enhance their own professional development. There are two primary grant categories open to public education professionals: Student Achievement Grants and Learning & Leadership Grants. Applications for both can be completed online at the NEA Foundation website.

Toshiba America Foundation Large Grants
Deadline: February 1, 2011
Do you teach 6-12 science or math? Do you have a wish list of instructional equipment that will make learning more exciting for your students? If the answer is yes to these questions, Toshiba America Foundation would like to hear from you. Toshiba America Foundation contributes to science & math education by investing in teacher designed projects for 6-12 students. Applications for grants of more than $5,00 are due August 1st and February 1st each year. Visit the Toshiba website to download an application or review successful projects.

SFI Conservation & Community Partnerships Grant Program
Deadline: February 15, 2011
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) has announced the availability of Conservation and Community Partnerships Grants. SFI will fund cooperative projects that illustrate the tangible, on-the-ground benefits of the SFI Program. SFI is looking to fund projects that will support partnerships between organizations interested in improving forest management in the US and Canada and responsible procurement globally, or are working to strengthen communities through SFI related activities. In 2011, SFI will award 5-7 grants for forestry education programs for children in amounts up to $5,000. Visit the SFI website for additional details and information.

Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge
Deadline: March 15, 2011
The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education, and NSTA are partnering for the third year of this national sustainability challenge, which has expanded to include high school students. The challenge encourages K-12 students to team with their classmates to create replicable solutions to environmental issues in their schools (grades K-5), community (grades 6-8), and world (grades 9-12). Student and teacher prizes, which vary according to grade level, include savings bonds, school grants, and trips.

Braitmayer Foundation’s K-12 Education Grants
Deadline: March 15, 2011
The Braitmayer Foundation funds K-12 education programs with curricular reform initiatives and professional development opportunities for teachers. Of particular interest are programs encouraging people of high ability and diverse backgrounds to enter and remain in K-12 teaching. Visit the Braitmayer Foundation’s website for application details. Grant awards range between $10,000 and $35,000.

Enter to win a 2011 AF&PA Recycling Award!

(Entry deadline: Wednesday, February 10, 2011)
Schools, colleges/universities, businesses, and communities are invited to tell their recycling stories. Enter for the chance to win a $2,000 cash prize, original framed artwork, and recognition in local and national media. Winners and finalists will also be featured on the paperrecycles.org website. Award descriptions, criteria, and entry forms are available at http://www.paperrecycles.org/.

PLT’s GreenWorks! Pollinator Garden Grants
Deadline: December 1, 2010
In 2010, Project Learning Tree and the USDA Forest Service are offering grants to teachers and students participating in PollinatorLIVE: A Distance Learning Adventure. Participating teachers can apply for GreenWorks! funding to create pollinator gardens in their schoolyard or community. The maximum grant amount is $1,000. You can also visit the PollinatorLIVE website to view free webcasts and professional development training activities to learn about pollinators, gardening, and conservation practices.

State Farm Company Grants
Deadline: October 31, 2010
State Farm awards funding in three areas: Education Excellence (education), Safe Neighbors (safety), and Strong Neighborhoods (community development). Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, educational institutions, charitable organizations, and governmental entities may apply. Visit the State Farm website for additional details and application guidelines.

Intel Community Grants
Deadline: November 1, 2010
Intel Corporation awards grants for K-12 education, higher education and community education programs advancing science, math, and technology education, particularly for women and underserved populations. Funding for environmental programs are also considered.

Get to Know “This is My Forest” Video Contest
Deadline: November 30, 2010 and May 28, 2011
In celebration of 2011 International Year of Forests, the Get to Know Program, the U.S. Forest Service and Parks Canada, have announced a video contest. To enter, young people (18 and under) are invited to go outdoors and create a short video (30 or 60 seconds in length) that conveys the theme "This is My Forest". Whether it's a towering national forest or a tree in your backyard, tell us about your forest! There are two deadlines: November 30th, 2010 and May 28th, 2011. Prizes will be awarded, and the winning entries will be shown at International Year of Forests events across the country. Go to http://www.gettoknow.ca/ for more information.

Nominate Individuals for the 2011 NSTA Awards
Deadline: November 30, 2010
Excellence in education should be recognized, and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) continues to do so with awards for outstanding science educators and students. The NSTA Awards and Recognitions program honors educators, formal and informal, at every grade level, and at any career point. To nominate an educator or student, visit the NSTA Website.

Disney’s Planet Challenge
Deadline: December 18, 2010
This project-based environmental competition in two categories, grades 3-5 and 6-8, was developed in collaboration with NSTA and the WestEd K-12 Alliance. Students choose a project, manage it from start to finish, and develop decision-making skills and self esteem along the way. Past projects have ranged from school recycling programs to the protection of local habitats. Visit the Disney website for more details.

Northrop Grumman Contributions Program
Deadline: September 30, 2010 and April 30, 2011
Northrop Grumman provides funds to accredited schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for programs addressing education, the environment, health and human services, and services for veterans and the military. More specific details and application requirements can be found at the Northrop Grumman website.

Tommy Hilfiger Education Grants
Deadline: October 1, 2010
Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation awards education grants to programs and partnerships that promote educational opportunities for diverse populations in the United States. The maximum award is $25,000, and 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply. For grant guidelines and more information, email THCORP@tommy-usa.com.

Angela Award
Deadline: November 30, 2010
The Angela Award is a new NSTA award for middle school girls, honoring one young woman who is involved in or has a strong connection to science. Visit the NSTA website to submit a nomination or review the other award categories.

Nominate Individuals for the 2011 NSTA AwardsDeadline: November 30, 2010
Excellence in education should be recognized, and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) continues to do so with awards for outstanding science educators and students. The NSTA Awards and Recognitions program honors educators, formal and informal, at every grade level, and at any career point. To nominate an educator or student, visit the NSTA Website (hyperlink to: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx).

Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation Grants

Deadline: September 20, 2010
K-12 teachers are invited to apply for grants up to $1,500 to implement environmental curricula that integrate hands-on ecology exercises into the classroom. To facilitate learning and student empowerment, environmental curricula should be holistic and strive to synthesize multiple levels of learning (facts, concepts, and principles), including experiential integrated learning and problem solving. Visit the Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation website for more information and proposal submission details.

2010 Classroom Earth Professional Development Grants

Deadline: July 23

Classroom Earth's 2010 Professional Development Grants enable applicants to take two online courses, creating a strong foundation in environmental education. These courses are offered by the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point through the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP). With these courses, teachers are better equipped to bring the environment into the classroom and connect students with their natural surroundings. Teachers from all subject areas are eligible to apply.