Grants – Seeds for Education

Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program

The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program (SFE) is named for Wild Ones lifetime Honorary Directory Lorrie Otto, the founding inspiration for Wild Ones, Native Plants, Natural Landscapes, Ltd. SFE program provides meaningful learning opportunities that connect youth to nature and the Wild Ones mission. For more than 20 years, this vital Wild Ones donor-funded program has provided grants ranging from $100 to $500 for native plant gardens and landscaping projects throughout the United States. The funds are designated for acquiring native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that engage youth (preschool to high school) directly in planning, planting and caring for native plant gardens. Examples include

  • pollinator gardens,
  • rain gardens to improve water quality,
  • tallgrass prairies,
  • native plant monarch waystations featuring citizen science activities
  • and sensory and natural playgrounds.

Do you know of a local school, nature center, after school care program, community center or youth group in need of funding for a native garden or habitat for hands-on learning? If so, please invite them to apply for an SFE grant. All public and private schools, non-profits such as nature centers, youth organizations and community youth centers in the US are welcome to apply so long as the project uses native plants or seeds to educate youth.

This important program is only possible due to the active support of Wild Ones members.

Apply

Applications must be submitted online between 12:00 a.m. CDT on July 15th – November 6th at 11:59 p.m. CDT, Each year for the following year disbursement. Awards will be communicated to recipients by February 15th of the following year – ahead of planting season.

Grant Reports

If your project is currently being funded, the SFE project FINAL GRANT REPORT deadline Feb 28. This deadline may be extended for an additional three months with Wild Ones’ prior approval.

Local Chapter Support

When there is a local Wild Ones chapter nearby, members are tremendously helpful as garden advisors encouraging project success through recommendations for appropriate native species, planning and planting. Members may also share time or resources.

Questions

If you have questions about this program, you can reach out to us at [email protected].