Best Environmental Education Grants in Massachusetts

Accredited charities running environmental education or conservation projects in Massachusetts may be eligible for philanthropic support, including programs in youth STEM learning and sustainable community development. Roche supports innovative, high-quality initiatives worldwide in humanitarian and social development, science and education, community and environment, and arts and culture through its Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program.

Researchers and scholars conducting environmental education or related humanities and social science projects in Massachusetts can apply for grants from Harvard University’s New England Regional Consortium Fellowships, with awards of US $5,000. Grants support at least eight-week research itineraries using collections at three or more New England member institutions, including multiple Harvard libraries and archives.

Nonprofits and community organizations providing environmental education and related programs in Massachusetts can apply for US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support their work. With a mission to back environment, health and welfare, arts and culture, education, and church-based social services, the Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation prioritizes greater Boston and underserved rural and urban communities, especially immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities, low-income youth, and the elderly.

Academic, research, and educational institutions in Massachusetts can seek two-year project funding to address coastal and marine resource challenges, including environmental education and workforce development. Grants from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution support work on healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies, and related DEIJA and climate change themes, with awards up to US $250,000.

501(c)(3) educational, medical, and cultural organizations in Massachusetts and across New England can apply for Davis Family Foundation project grants to benefit Maine learners and communities. Funding supports innovative education, evidence-based medical initiatives, and unique cultural or arts projects, including environmental education efforts that meaningfully impact Maine students or residents.

Massachusetts institutions planning small environmental education, coastal research, or outreach projects can apply for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Sea Grant Program Development funds, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000. Funding supports projects that advance WHOI Sea Grant’s strategic focus areas, including healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and resilient coastal communities and economies.

Massachusetts municipalities, community groups, and other organizations working on biodiversity conservation and environmental education in Massachusetts can seek funding to protect, restore, and connect local habitats. The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Community Biodiversity Grants provide US $20,000 - US $150,000 for on-the-ground projects that advance statewide biodiversity goals and bring nature to every neighborhood.

Massachusetts students pursuing environmental education or related studies may be eligible for the Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship, which supports majors in environmental sciences or environmental engineering at accredited U.S. programs. Administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, this opportunity is open to graduating seniors from Douglas County high schools planning further environmental studies.

Massachusetts students will not be eligible; this scholarship is limited to Spokane County, Washington residents pursuing full-time college studies in environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, recreational management, or land management. Eligible students with financial need and at least a 2.5 GPA can apply to the Innovia Foundation’s Rika Ream Environmental Scholarship.

Massachusetts students interested in environmental education may be eligible for the Congressman Mark Foley Scholarship for Environmental Studies Fund, which supports aspiring college students pursuing undergraduate environmental studies. Administered by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, this scholarship is open to high school seniors meeting specific academic and location criteria.

Students pursuing agricultural or environmental studies can receive scholarship support for post-secondary education, with two awards of more than US $1,000 available annually. Nebraska Community Foundation, through the Butler County Area Foundation Fund, supports residents of specific Nebraska high schools; Massachusetts students in similar fields may look for comparable environmental education opportunities.

Students pursuing environmentally focused college degrees can receive up to US $16,000 for higher education through scholarships from the Environmental Education Foundation, including the Thomas E. Reynolds (TER) Foundation Scholarship. Applicants must be from the Geneva Lake area and committed to conservation or environmental protection, which may interest Massachusetts environmental education advocates seeking comparable opportunities.

High school seniors pursuing environmentally focused college programs can receive scholarship support for conservation or environmental protection studies, including environmental engineering and ecological or agricultural sciences. The Environmental Education Foundation offers $3,000 awards primarily for students from the Geneva Lake area; Massachusetts students may be eligible if they meet all location and program criteria.

Students pursuing natural resources, environmental education, parks and recreation, or environmental studies in Massachusetts can receive scholarship support for higher education through the Melinda Henning Scholarship. The Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley supports environmental education fields, so Massachusetts students in these majors may be eligible to fund their college or university studies.

Undergraduate students in environmentally oriented majors, including those from Massachusetts who have lived in or currently reside in the Geneva Lake area, can receive up to US $4,000 to support college studies. The Environmental Education Foundation funds sophomores, juniors, and seniors pursuing environmental education–related fields and preparing for environmentally focused careers.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to either a graduating senior pursuing a post-secondary degree, or a currently matriculating student already so enrolled, who lives in Lackawanna or Wayne county and who is pursuing a degree or certificate in environmental science or a related field.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Stanley and Stella Becker Environmental Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of Monroe County and intends to pursue a degree in a field related to environmental science in a school of higher education.

Ignite Philanthropy

Through intentional listening and co-creation, Ignite Philanthropy supports the philanthropic and non-profit sectors. Our mission is simple: Maximize the power of giving. Ignite Philanthropy connects people, ideas, and capital to fuel community solutions. 

Our four core values have been developed by our team with intentionality around equity and community and how these connect to each value and the work we do each day. We believe in the merit of diverse teams and perspectives, striving to empower every voice in the creation of solutions.

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Grant

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation was created in 1997 by Cincinnati native and Boston resident, Nellie Leaman Taft, who died on December 17, 2012. Ms. Taft was an accomplished artist and committed patron of fine arts who is remembered as an independent, progressive-minded woman of great spirit and mirth, an avid gardener, and a worldwide traveler. She also was the descendant of two United States presidents, a loving friend and family member.

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation supports Arts Education and Environmental Education programs serving geographic areas important to Ms. Taft and to her family:

• Greater Cincinnati, OH
• Los Angeles County, CA
• Boston, MA (inside the Route 495 beltway)
• Mid-Coast Maine (defined as the towns of Bath, Belfast, Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick, Camden, Cushing, Damariscotta, Lincolnville, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, Searsport, Thomaston, Topsham, and Union)

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in public health or environmental science studying full-time in the U.S., including those from Massachusetts, can receive need-based support through the Grace Wall Barreda Memorial Scholarship. With a mission to advance Native scholars, Native Forward Scholars Fund provides US $100 - US $30,000 annually based on financial need.

Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and exceptional undergraduates conducting extended field research in environmental education or related sciences can apply for the William Simes Research Fund; awards are US $2,000 for housing and research supplies. Grants from Natural Reserve System- University of California support work at Hastings Natural History Reservation, which may benefit Massachusetts-based scholars working in California.

Honors undergraduates in Massachusetts majoring in physical sciences, environmental science, or mathematics can receive tuition support for their studies through Northeastern University's Joseph A. Coolidge Award. Focused on STEM excellence and leadership, this award may benefit students pursuing environmental education–related majors and research within the John Martinson Honors Program.

Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture can access scholarship support through The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. Focused on environmental education fields, this award may benefit students from Massachusetts programs who meet the funder’s academic and financial-need criteria.

High school seniors pursuing environmental sciences or related fields can receive scholarship support for post-secondary study through the Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship, with preference for marine sciences. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry supports U.S. citizens graduating from southern Beaufort County high schools who meet GPA and admission requirements.

The Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The Stenzel Scholarship, established in 2023, awards $2,500 annually to individuals with cystic fibrosis enrolled in higher education programs in health or environmental sciences. This scholarship honors Isa and Ana Stenzel, who dedicated their lives to supporting others with CF. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment and can receive funding based on their enrollment status. This initiative aims to empower those affected by cystic fibrosis to pursue meaningful educational opportunities.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.