Best Environmental Education Grants in Washington

Local clean air agencies and Washington Ecology regional offices can apply for the Department of Ecology’s Local Partner Core Operations Grants to support ongoing air quality programs. Funding supports enforcement, permitting, monitoring, public education, planning, technical assistance, and administration that advance state and federal Clean Air Act goals in Washington communities.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing environmental education can access funding through Snoqualmie Tribal Organization to increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues, including climate change. Grants up to US $50,000 support programs that educate communities about nature, ecology, and sustainable human-environment interactions across Washington State.

Public schools and partners providing environmental and outdoor education in Washington can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $175,000 to support outdoor learning experiences. Grants from Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office fund projects like experiential outdoor education, STEAM activities, habitat restoration, field studies, and natural resources career-connected learning for K–12 students.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations in Washington supporting children, youth, and families through education, social services, or health-related programs can apply for Korum for Kids Foundation grants. Grants from Korum for Kids Foundation help South Puget Sound groups provide environmental education, early learning, arts, STEM, sports, mental health, and basic needs services that directly improve quality of life for local residents.

Washington programs serving underserved youth with outdoor education, recreation, and environmental learning can access funding through Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for No Child Left Inside projects. Grants of US $5,000 - US $150,000 support activities like environmental education camps, leadership development, and outdoor adventure experiences that build youth health, confidence, and connection to nature.

Local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, and nonprofits in Washington can fund environmental education projects that promote trail safety and environmental protection messages for recreational trails. Grants from Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office support backcountry trail programs, including multi-use and motorized trails, with awards up to US $10,000 and a required 20 percent match.

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.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Established in memory of Melinda “Mindy” Henning.

High school seniors pursuing environmentally focused college studies, including those in Washington, can seek support for conservation or environmental protection careers through the Environmental Education Foundation’s EEF High School Graduate Scholarship, with awards of US $3,000. Students must plan to attend an accredited four-year college in an environmental field and demonstrate passion for related projects or research.

High school students pursuing environmentally related college degrees and needing tuition support can receive up to US $16,000 for higher education through this scholarship. The Environmental Education Foundation offers the Thomas E. Reynolds Scholarship for students from the Geneva Lake area, which may interest Washington environmental education advocates seeking models or partnerships.

Students pursuing agricultural or environmental studies can receive more than US $1,000 in scholarship support, including those interested in environmental education careers. Focused on higher education, Nebraska Community Foundation invites eligible Butler County, Nebraska–area high school graduates and residents to apply; this may benefit Washington students researching comparable opportunities elsewhere.

High school seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in environmental studies can seek scholarship support for college costs; applicants must attend a public or private high school in Martin County and have a 3.0+ GPA. With a mission to uplift students, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties offers this aid, which may interest future environmental educators in Washington researching options.

Students pursuing environmental sciences, ecology, or related fields in Washington can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. Innovia Foundation’s Rika Ream Environmental Scholarship is open to Spokane County residents enrolled full time in eligible majors who demonstrate financial need and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA; previous recipients may reapply.

Washington students pursuing environmental education or environmental engineering can receive scholarship support for accredited U.S. programs. The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin offers the Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship to graduating seniors from any Douglas County high school planning to major in environmental sciences and/or environmental engineering.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in Washington studying public health or environmental science/studies can access funding through the Grace Wall Barreda Memorial Scholarship. This need-based award from Native Forward Scholars Fund offers US $100 - US $30,000 per year for full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions, with Tribal affiliation verified by a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Washington graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and exceptional undergraduates conducting environmental or organismal field research can access funding through the Natural Reserve System for extended work at Hastings Natural History Reservation in California. The William Simes Research Fund provides US $2,000 to help cover housing and research supply costs for several months of field-based environmental education and related studies.

Washington environmental education students can access funding through the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region if they are third- or fourth-year undergraduates or graduate students majoring in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and reside in designated Greater Capital Region counties to qualify.

High school seniors pursuing environmental sciences or related fields can receive scholarship support for post-secondary study, with a preference for marine sciences. With a mission to strengthen community, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry provides Washington environmental education seekers with insight into this Beaufort County-based opportunity for academically strong students committed to environmental studies.

High school seniors pursuing environmental sciences, marine biology, STEM, or education degrees can access scholarship support through Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Focused on post-secondary environmental and related studies, this fund may benefit students interested in environmental education who live in Beaufort or Jasper County, South Carolina, and meet strong academic and admission requirements.

Students pursuing environmental and natural resources fields in Washington may be eligible for the Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, which supports full-time study in areas like conservation, ecology, hydrology, and environmental education. Focused on academic achievement and leadership in resource stewardship, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois–affiliated program may benefit future environmental educators and specialists.

Students with cystic fibrosis pursuing degrees in fields like environmental science or environmental education at U.S. institutions can apply for the Stenzel Scholarship, a US $1,000 award for education-related costs. Washington students meeting these criteria may be eligible if enrolled during the covered academic term.

The Emerging Climate Champions Award supports youth-led climate initiatives by providing funding for organizations with at least two years of community-led operation. This award aims to empower young leaders aged 15-35, particularly from under-represented groups, to tackle climate challenges. With global funding for youth-driven climate solutions being scarce, the award encourages innovative approaches across various climate issues, including education, advocacy, and sustainable agriculture, thereby promoting resilience and social justice.

The MMS Giving Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of individuals and communities in the Pacific Northwest through support for education, arts, and community programs. Focused on the Puget Sound region, the Foundation prioritizes funding specific tasks or projects that address pressing needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing that are located in King County or neighboring areas. The Foundation does not fund religious or political activities.

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 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.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Kelley Phillips Cox Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue degrees in Environmental Science or Marine Biology