While most humans at one time or another have wished they could make money and resources simply appear out of thin air, most are unable to accomplish this feat. Teachers, however, possess a hidden talent for making such things happen. All you need is a handful of the right websites, a smidgen of motivation, and the tiniest pinch of time.

The number of grant opportunities available to teachers and schools is vast, so to make the best possible use of your time, we’ve compiled a list of specific resources that are great for nature and garden-based initiatives, as well as a few of our favorite grant search databases.

Grant Opportunities

• Most teachers know about Project Learning Tree, but did you know that they offer grants to help schools implement service-learning projects? Their grant application for 2016 should be posted soon, so keep an eye on this one if you’re interested. https://www.plt.org/apply-for-greenworks-environmental-education-grant

• Lowes can help your school get the tools it needs to build a garden, nature trail, natural play area, or anything else you can think of!  http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/

• Scotts Miracle Gro launched an initiative to increase the number of green spaces in areas in need. They also provide ideas for your very own school or community garden.  http://scottsmiraclegro.com/corporate-responsibility/gro1000/#help

• California Grant Watch is a generalize resource that lists all grants for which teachers are eligible. Whether you have a specific project in mind or not, this site is a great way to fund or brainstorm your school or classroom projects. http://california.grantwatch.com/cat/42/teachers-grants.html

• Garden ABCs has an extensive list of environmental grants, not just gardening grants as the name suggests. This is definitely a resource to keep in mind and in your bookmarks.  http://www.gardenabcs.com/grants.html

• America in Bloom is a resource very similar to Garden ABCs. It may not have as many resources, but the grants listed on this site are definitely worth taking a look at. http://www.americainbloom.org/resources/grant-opportunities.aspx

• KidsGardening.Org is a great resource for garden-themed lesson plans and take-home activities, as well as annual grant programs. http://grants.kidsgardening.org/

• The Whole Foods’ Whole Kids Foundation offers a variety of grants and resources for teachers and school administrators. https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/index.php/schools/school-garden-grant-program

• Target opens this transportation grant opportunity annually in the Fall, so start thinking about field trips you want to take, because they can help get you there! https://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/grants/field-trip-grants

Other Teacher Resources

There are also great organizations out there that offer free resources, information, inspiration, and even interaction with the global environmental education movement.

• GLOBE, short for Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment, is a spectacular program that involves schools from around the world in monitoring and caring for their local water resources.  http://www.globe.gov/

• Tree People is an LA County-based organization that offers free resources, workshops/training, and a calendar of local environmental events. https://www.treepeople.org/action/for-schools/teachers

• The California Department of Education has compiled a comprehensive list of state-based environmental education resources and model curricula that are great for teaching a variety of subjects. http://www.cde.ca.gov/pd/ca/sc/oeeresources.asp

• Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is a nonprofit that offers training, lesson plans, books for students, and posters. They also have their own list of free online resources from other organizations. http://www.projectwet.org/teach-and-learn

• Project Learning Tree is a fantastic resource for PreK through grade 12 teachers. They have a wealth of curriculum materials, events, and training opportunities. https://www.plt.org/