The lives of children and families are enriched when they have the opportunity to experience nature directly. Spending time learning about the environment enhances classroom learning and helps to better connect students to their local communities. When children can experience this type of learning in the natural world alongside family members, the opportunity can be even richer, providing a way for families to gain newfound knowledge together.
The Conservation and Science subprogram of Local Grantmaking supports organizations and programs that:
- Offer environmental education and promote environmental stewardship to young people
- Educate young people about the unique environment and landscapes of the five counties we fund, and
- Engage families and the community with their local environment.
The Foundation supports organizations that have well-articulated goals and strategy, strong leadership and governance, quality programming, and a high level of community participation, engagement, and support. We look for leaders who have a proven expertise working with and serving their target population in the five California counties we fund—San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito. We look for model programs with a track record of success and impact, as well as new programs with high potential. We fund programs that take place both in and out of the classroom. We’re particularly interested in programs that enhance classroom learning, expose people to the diverse environmental resources found in the local area, and offer hands-on learning opportunities.
Except in special circumstances, we do not support research studies, capital campaigns, or endowments.
