Funding Opportunities for Sustainability Learning Programs
As many readers may already be aware, AquaGrove offers a Fundrasing Resources Kit for schools and organizations at the start of their AquaGrove program. The guide, as previously introduced in “AquaGrove Launches a Fundraising Guide”, provides resources for grant opportunities related to sustainability and education, as well as tips and templates for requesting funding from private foundations and sponsors.
Every year, funding sources and cycles are subject to change, and for this reason AquaGrove shares new funding opportunities throughout its social media networks to ensure that growers are accessing the latest and greatest in funding resources. As schools begin preparing for the new 2020-21 school year, we decided to put together a short list of some immediate grants that could prove to be helpful in either starting an AquaGrove program or supporting the operation and development of your current program.
Here are a couple of grant opportunities worth reviewing as you build your environmental education and aquaponics learning plans:
- Quadratec Cares 'Energize the Environment' Grant Program – If you stay connected with AquaGrove on social media, you may have already viewed this grant opportunity that we shared earlier this week. This source is first on the list as the deadline is just around the corner (October 31, 2020). The program provides funding to individuals and groups who have a love for the environment and want to help improve it, offering two $3,500 environmental grants per year (Spring and Fall). Examples of the funder’s focus areas include community environmental educational projects and youth educational engagement events. The application format is an easy 1,000-1,600 word essay which makes it a great way for first-timers to get their feet wet and become familiar with the grant process.
- Captain Planet Foundation – For those who have reviewed AquaGrove’s funding guide, you may already recognize or have applied to Captain Planet Foundation’s grant program. The grant amount ranges from $500 to $2,500 and is intended to ‘support solution-oriented, youth-led projects that result in real environmental outcomes.’ EcoSolution™ grants are open to educators working with youth in the United States, and funds can be applied to direct project costs only. Applications open September 15, 2020 with a deadline of January 15, 2021, so there is still plenty of time to gather the information required and submit an application.
In addition to grants funding aquaponics education programs in sustainability and STEM, aquaponics projects can fit into multiple programs within a grant, including: Knowledge and training of agricultural production systems; pests and beneficial species in agricultural production systems; aquaculture and fish studies; development of sustainable farms; water quality and conservation. In other words, depending on the goals of your program, you may be eligible for grants from several sources with varying areas of interest; so keep your eyes and lesson plans open to new grant opportunities – you may be surprised by how easily you can expand your aquaponics learning program and develop new and focused objectives with the right sponsors and funding partners.
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