Best Environmental Education Grants in Florida

Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation

Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Inc., is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Founded by Ron and Lynne DiMenna, who hope that through education and public engagement, the programs and activities the Foundation supports will sustain the surfing lifestyle and protect Florida’s beaches for generations to come.

The Foundation’s Charitable Mission Is:

• Fund the proposed Surfing’s Evolution Experience™
• Supporting programs and events of likeminded organizations for the benefit of ocean and shoreline health
• Promote education on beach safety
• Support and promote lectures and board sports events
• Promote education and action in coastal pollution and beach ecology
• Provide funding for needed beach enhancements
• Allocate resources for safety needs such as lifeguards on high-risk beaches
• Fund and promote community activities such as beach clean-up events, educational materials, and conservation initiatives

Requests and Grants 

Each year we proudly work with community members, nonprofit organizations and event organizers to support their efforts to maintain healthy, safe, and sustainable coastal beaches in Florida.

Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation accepts sponsorship and grant requests for consideration.

Solicitations for Grants and/or Activities

Activities may include beach cleanups, shoreline and eco-system support, conservation initiatives and preservation, beach enhancements, public education programs on beach safety or ecology topics, lifeguard support (high-risk beaches) or surfing history.

Nonprofits and education partners developing environmental literacy and community resilience projects in Florida and other Gulf Coast states can request US $100,000 - US $750,000 for 12–36 month, place-based programs. Focused on environmental education, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and NOAA support initiatives that address local socio-environmental challenges and empower residents to take action.

Florida schools and civic or community organizations planning environmental education projects in Florida can apply for grants up to US $1,000. The Florida Association for Water Quality Control funds projects that foster awareness of water issues, use sound science, engage students or citizens, and enhance water resources or related habitats.

Nonprofits running water access, water safety, or STEM education programs in Florida and other priority regions can seek support that advances sustainable, inclusive communities. Focused on water, education, and community initiatives, Pentair Foundation invites organizations to discuss impactful environmental education or youth STEM projects that align with its mission before being considered for invitation-only grants.

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.

EEF Undergraduate College Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to college students to support their programs in environmentally-related fields of study. Prior EEF HS winners are encouraged to apply for continued financial support.

The EEF Undergraduate College scholarship award can be as much as $4,000 for a student's sophomore, junior, or senior year. The Foundation generally awards four Undergraduate College Scholarships each year.​ These scholarships were established to benefit students from the Geneva Lake area.

Students pursuing natural resources, environmental education, interpretation, parks and recreation, or environmental studies in Florida can seek scholarship support to advance their higher education goals. The Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley’s Melinda Henning Scholarship may benefit students focused on environmental education and related fields who need help covering college or university costs.

High school seniors pursuing environmentally related college programs can receive US $3,000 to support higher education through the EEF High School Graduate Scholarship. Focused on conservation and environmental protection careers, Environmental Education Foundation invites eligible students from the Geneva Lake area to apply; Florida environmental education organizations may share this with qualifying students in their networks.

High school students pursuing environmentally related college degrees can receive up to US $16,000 for higher education through scholarships benefiting the Geneva Lake area, including environmental education and conservation fields. The Environmental Education Foundation’s Thomas E. Reynolds Scholarship may interest Florida environmental education advocates seeking models or partners for student-focused support.

Students pursuing agricultural or environmental studies can receive support for post-secondary education through scholarships funded by Nebraska Community Foundation. Although based in Nebraska, this program may benefit environmental education students beyond the immediate area who meet the specified school and residency criteria and are enrolled at accredited institutions.

Florida high school seniors in Martin County pursuing an undergraduate degree in environmental studies can access funding through the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. This competitive scholarship supports college-bound students interested in environmental education and sustainability-focused fields who meet GPA requirements and seek to advance their academic goals.

Graduating high school seniors from Palm Beach County, Florida pursuing an environmental-related college degree can receive scholarships of US $10,000 for conservation and environmental studies. Grants from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties help Florida environmental education students who demonstrate extracurricular involvement in environmental projects and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Spokane County students pursuing environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, recreational management, or land management degrees can access scholarship funding through Innovia Foundation. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. Florida environmental education organizations may find this relevant for students with ties to Spokane County studying these fields.

Florida students pursuing environmental education or environmental engineering degrees can apply for the Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship, supporting study at accredited U.S. programs. Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin administers this award, and Douglas County high school seniors planning to major in environmental sciences or environmental engineering may be eligible.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in public health or environmental science studying full-time in the U.S., including those from Florida, can receive need-based tuition support through this scholarship. With a mission to support Indigenous scholars, Native Forward Scholars Fund provides awards of US $100 - US $30,000 per year for eligible members and descendants of recognized Tribes.

Graduate students, postdocs, and exceptional undergraduates conducting extended field research in organismal biology or related disciplines can receive US $2,000 to cover housing and research supplies at Hastings Natural History Reservation in California. Grants from Natural Reserve System- University of California help environmental education and science researchers, including those based in Florida, pursue multi-month projects using this long-term research site.

Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture may be eligible for this environmental education scholarship, though residency is restricted to certain Northeast counties. Focused on higher education, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region invites applicants who can demonstrate financial need and meet its geographic requirements.

High school seniors pursuing environmental sciences or related fields, especially marine sciences, and graduating from southern Beaufort County schools may receive scholarship support for post-secondary study. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship assists eligible Beaufort residents attending accredited colleges or technical colleges, which may benefit students interested in environmental education careers, including those from or studying in Florida.

High school seniors planning environmental science, marine biology, STEM, or related studies and living in Beaufort or Jasper County, South Carolina may be eligible for the Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry supports post-secondary education, with preference for students focused on marine biology and environmental sciences.

Students pursuing natural resource and environmental studies in Florida can apply for the Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship to support full-time enrollment at accredited two- or four-year institutions. With a mission to support natural resources careers, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois backs fields like ecology, conservation, hydrology, soil science, and related environmental disciplines.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Lee and Collier counties in Florida can seek project funding for environmental education, human services, arts access, and educational outcomes. Grants from The League Club help Florida organizations deliver sustainable, measurable programs, with separate small, medium, and large tiers and a Letter of Intent-based application process.

Florida students with cystic fibrosis pursuing higher education in environmental science can access funding through the United States Adult Cystic Fibrosis Association’s Stenzel Scholarship. This US $1,000 award supports degree programs at U.S. institutions and can cover tuition, fees, and other education-related costs for eligible environmental education studies.

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.

The Arkansas Audubon Society Trust Grants support conservation, research, and education projects focused on Arkansas bird species and their habitats. Established in 1972, the trust offers grants ranging from $100 to $1200, prioritizing projects within the state but considering broader initiatives as well. Eligible applicants include individuals, students, educators, and nonprofits. Proposals are accepted biannually, with meetings held to discuss funding decisions, fostering a community dedicated to avian conservation.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Healthy & Thriving Communities Grant aims to enhance health equity and well-being in Broward County by fostering a culture of health for all populations. This initiative addresses social determinants of health such as access to nutritious food and mental health resources, essential for reducing health disparities. It emphasizes community involvement and sustainable practices, promoting better health outcomes through education, environmental sustainability, and health literacy programs, ultimately striving for a resilient and thriving community.

The STEM Action Grants, offered by the Society for Science, support innovative nonprofit organizations with grants up to $5,000. Launched in 2016, this program has awarded $1.15 million to enhance public understanding of science and increase participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits focused on STEM education and outreach. Renewals for funding are allowed for up to three years, with additional capacity-building grants available to long-term recipients.