Act Green

STEM Seed Grants

STEM Seed Grants support our ongoing efforts to engage and inform youth about STEM, environmental literacy, and science-based truth

NatGen STEM Seed Grants - How They Work

Could you use a mini grant of up to $1,000.00 to support an environmental project? NatGen STEM Seed Grants are mini grants that can be used to fund small-scale start-up or ongoing environmental education projects.


Step 1: If you are an interested nonprofit, individual, school, library, museum, community organization, faith-based entity, or military group move to Step 2. We have a special focus on SEDI and seek projects that address those individuals. 


Step 2: Review our full list of Green Earth Book Award (GEBA) books and select a book or books to incorporate in the project. This may include purchasing and donating books with the grant or utilizing the book's message or theme in the project. There are hundreds of books to choose from on topics from recycling to conservation to animals to environmental stewardship. Be creative: We love seeing how GEBA books can inspire new projects or supplement existing work.


Step 3: Apply 


Seed Grant Submission Period 1 - WINTER SEEDS

  • Submissions accepted from December 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024
  • Awards made by May 31, 2024
  • Period of performance is 12 months from award


Seed Grant Submission Period 2 - SUMMER SEEDS

  • Submissions accepted from June 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024
  • Awards made by November 30, 2024
  • Period of performance is 12 months from award


Read about the work past Seed Grantees accomplished with their grants and stay informed about the award cycle by joining our mailing list.

Project Tips


  • Grants can support efforts from start-up to ongoing projects
  • Think about originality and how your project impacts the environment and/or education
  • We love hands-on opportunities for youth and adults alike
  • Projects should inspire and engage children and young adults
  • Incorporating a GEBA book is a must, but it is up to you to figure out how
  • Grant awards range from $250 to $1,000, and are awarded based on jury review


Current Seed Grant Grantees


Current grantees represent projects across the country that used Green Earth winning books in innovative ways. Through these projects, NatGen planted seeds across the nation; seeds that continue take root and grow. All these original projects use Green Earth Books in creative ways.

  • Traveling with Pollinator Passports: The Museum of Science & History, The Pink Palace in Memphis, TN created two copies of a new ‘Pollinator Passport’ for use at the museum. The Pollinator Passports can be checked out by Memphis area classrooms to educate students about pollination and butterflies.


  • Meeting a GEBA Winning Author: This project allowed for GEBA-award winning author, Mary Knight, to engage directly with students participating in the Bluegrass Greensource KEY program. Students received a copy of the GEBA-winning book, Saving Wonder, and were provided the opportunity to meet the author.


  • Adding a Little Library to a Garden: The Boys & Girls Club of S. Alabama purchased gardening equipment for an existing butterfly and flower garden and to purchase several GEBA books for placement in a Little Library located in the garden.


  • Creating Citizen Scientists:  The Center for Children’s and Young Adult Literature at the University of Tennessee was awarded funds to create lit kits that helped engage children as citizen scientists. Participants were given copies of GEBA-winning book, Citizen Scientists, and binoculars. After reading the book, students engaged as citizen scientists by participating in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count.


  • Making Green Brain Bags: These interactive bags at Vestavia Hills Elementary West contain GEBA books, lessons, art projects, etc. Students received bags when in need of a challenge in class and were able to take them home when necessary.


  • Meadow in my Backyard: Engaging Teens and Children The Middle Country Library Foundation’s Green Teen club designed and operated an environmental program called, Meadow in My Backyard. Teens worked with younger kids and families during library visits and read GEBA books, ran hands-on activities, developed learning backpacks, and filmed a video.


  • Reducing Plastic: A seventh grader in Florida used funds to purchase GEBA-winning book, Plastic Ahoy, and reusable tote bags. Together with Wild Over Wildlife Conservation she distributed the totes in her community to discourage the use of plastic bags and donated the book to the local library.


  • Understanding Migration and Immigration: With a school population that includes a community of Mexican immigrants, this project engaged Buckingham Elementary School families. Students completed immigration stories in the context of learning about monarch butterflies and their journey. Funding helped purchase several books, butterfly kids, and a backyard learning center.


  • Building a Water Library: The New Orleans Public Library created an interactive library installation focused on water-related issues and hands-on activities and discussions. The library already had many GEBA books already in its collection, so funds were used to construct the little library.


  • Getting Every Kid in a Park: Dovetailing off the National Park Service’s Every Kid in a Park program, Lovettsville Elementary School convened monthly hikes for the school’s 4th graders (including one on the Chapman DeMary Trail.) Funding provided kids with GEBA books, journals, first aid kits, and bug spray.


Apply

The Nature Generation announces that our Seed Grant Submission Period 1 opens December 1, 2023.


Submissions will be accepted December 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024. Awards for this period will be announced by May 31, 2024, and projects must be completed within 12 months of award.


Not ready to submit? Submission Period 2 will open June 1, 2024.


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