EPA Environmental Education Grants
Eligibility
- K–12 schools, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, state and local government agencies
- Projects must promote environmental awareness and stewardship through education
- Priority is given to projects in underserved communities or those with documented environmental justice connections
- California-based applicants are eligible, the EPA's National program funds projects across all states
- Tribal organizations and tribal colleges are also eligible
Program Goals
The EPA Environmental Education Grants program funds projects that:
- Build environmental literacy, helping people understand environmental issues and make informed decisions
- Support stewardship behaviors through hands-on, experiential learning
- Connect climate education, environmental science, and sustainability to student and community action
- Reach populations that are disproportionately impacted by environmental challenges
Application and Distribution
Annual competition. The 2026 cycle closed on March 3, 2026. Subscribe to EPA Education updates at epa.gov/education to get notified when the next cycle opens, typically announced in the fall for a late winter/early spring deadline.
Grant Award Amount
Individual awards typically range from $50,000 to $100,000. Total national funding per competition cycle is approximately $2 to $3.5 million, supporting roughly 25–40 projects nationally each year.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Climate Kit — Hands-on curriculum kit teaching climate science, environmental data collection, and coding-based problem-solving. Aligns with STEM and environmental literacy grants; cross-curricular science and CS integration.
- CHARGE (micro:bit climate sensor) — Hands-on climate sensor built on the micro:bit platform for collecting real environmental data. Supports place-based STEM learning and qualifies for environmental science and physical computing programs.
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — Coding and sensor-based hydroponics curriculum connecting food systems, environmental science, and computing. Aligns with STEM and environmental literacy grants; supports cross-curricular project-based learning.
- MicroChat — AI-powered classroom learning tool that introduces students to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts. Qualifies for AI literacy, educational technology, and computer science grant programs.
Keep in Mind
Applications that explicitly serve communities with environmental justice concerns, near industrial sites, with high pollution burden, or with low environmental health outcomes, score higher in review.
The EPA wants to see how you'll measure environmental literacy gains and stewardship behaviors. Build an evaluation plan into your proposal from the start.
Subscribe at epa.gov/education now so you're ready when the next solicitation opens. Use this year to document your program model and gather any baseline data.
Projects that involve partnerships between schools, nonprofits, and community organizations tend to score better than single-organization proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for EPA Environmental Education Grants in California?
K–12 schools, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, state and local government agencies Projects must promote environmental awareness and stewardship through education Priority is given to projects in underserved communities or those with documented environmental justice connections California-based applicants are eligible, the EPA's National program funds projects across all states Tribal organizations and tribal colleges are also eligible Read the Grant
How much funding is available through EPA Environmental Education Grants?
$50K–$100K per award; $2–$3.5M nationally per cycle. Check the current program guidelines for the latest award ranges and allocation details.
Can EPA Environmental Education Grants funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. EPA Environmental Education Grants funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do schools apply for EPA Environmental Education Grants?
Annual competition. The 2026 cycle closed on March 3, 2026. Subscribe to EPA Education updates at epa.gov/education to get notified when the next cycle opens, typically announced in the fall for a late winter/early spring deadline.
How can Forward Education help with EPA Environmental Education Grants funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for California schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes EPA Environmental Education Grants funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more California funding resources
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