Mini-grants

DAEE offers mini-grants for environmental education in Delaware!

Beginning in 2016, DAEE offers mini-grants annually of up to $500 to current DAEE members to conduct an environmental education project at their institution. DAEE may award multiple grants each year. 

The grant is available annually to formal educators (classrooms, Pre-K-16) and non-formal educators (nature centers, zoos, museums, government agency staff, etc.). Projects must focus on outdoor learning spaces. Applicants are encouraged to plan innovative, collaborative projects that conform to the program structure outlined below.

DAEE grant funds are derived mostly from donations and the annual conference’s silent auction proceeds. Mini-grants are paid out as a reimbursement to the grantees.

Applying for a mini-grant

We have recently simplified our grant application process. Potential grantees are encouraged to thoroughly read the grant information packet before deciding to complete the grant application. Please note that you must be a current DAEE member to be eligible to apply.

Proposals in the amount of $500 will be considered for funding. DAEE may choose to fund more than one project per year.

The application submission period for 2022 was from March 9 to April 22, 2022 for our grant period of May 15, 2022 – April 30, 2023. Be on the lookout for our 2023 announcement.

Inquiries can be directed to DAEE Chair Ashley Melvin.

2022 DAEE Mini-Grant Program information packet

DAEE Mini-Grant Application (fillable google document)

DAEE Mini-Grant Evaluation Rubric (how DAEE will review your application) 

We are looking for projects that do at least one of the following...

why spend time in nature

Projects that...

promote meaningful experiences with nature for Delawareans.

Projects that...

expand opportunities and the reach of environmental education in Delaware.

Projects that...

use innovative, creative, replicable approaches to environmental education. 

Past grantees

  • 2022: Caesar Rodney School District EcoTeam; Project Title: CRSD EcoTeam Revitalization - Volunteer Corps Program
  • 2021: Lenita McIntyre, South Dover Elementary School; Project Title: Butterfly Migration Station AND Rebecca LeJeune, Gallaher Elementary; Project Title: Gallaher’s Gallant Outdoor Classroom
  • 2020: Melissa Tracy, Odyssey Charter School; Project Title: From Plastic Bag to Bench
  • 2019: Serah Pesce, Delaware Nature Society; Project title: Outdoor Classroom at the DuPont Environmental Education Center Native Planting Plan
  • 2018: Nicole Sturgill, Las Americans Aspira Academy; Project title: Restoring ASPIRA Academy’s stormwater pond
  • 2017: Kathleen Calais, Alapocas Run and Wilmington State Parks; Project title: Monarch Educator’s Workshop
  • 2016: Barbara Woodford, White Clay Creek State Park; Project title: White Clay Creek State Park BioBlitz

Mini-grants provide one way for DAEE to help members plants the seeds of environmental education in Delaware. Our Board Members also may know of additional grant resources or partners available for projects so get in touch at DAEEonline@gmail.com.