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2025 Fact Sheet
Meaningful experiences in nature demonstrably improve individual well-being and strengthen communities. However, current systems perpetuate inequities, including those rooted in systemic racism, and fail to fairly provide access to outdoor experiences and education for all Mainers. We believe that conservation efforts benefit from individuals that have a personal connection with nature. Our Nature-Based Education funding supports collaborative and organizational initiatives that advance the field, build strong networks that change systems and policy, include and elevate diverse voices and leadership, and result in equitable outcomes for all Mainers.
2025 available funding: $1,305,000
Program Contact: Amie Hutchison, Community Partner
Photo courtesy of Maine Environmental Education Association
Priorities
Our focus is on two main areas: Systems Level Funding and direct Programming Funding.
Systems Level Funding supports:
Field Building
Network & Movement Building
Data & Evaluation
Advocacy & Policy
Direct Programming Funding provides general operating grants that prioritize organizations led by groups historically underrepresented in the nature-based education sector and working to create equitable opportunities that will have transformational impact for the field.
Grantmaking
2025 Available Funding: $1,305,000
We anticipate making multi-year systems funding grants of up to $200,000. Direct Programming grants will typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 and multi-year requests will be considered.
2025 Application Information
Applications were due February 13, at 5pm. Grant decisions will be announced by the end of April, 2025.
Grantee Story
We’re pleased to present this series of articles on our inspiring grant partners.
Nature Based Education Consortium (NBEC) has received five Healthy People Healthy Places grants since 2019. Read to learn how NBEC’s collaborative, multi-generational network is dismantling systemic barriers so all Maine youth can learn outdoors.