Apply for Traditional Bee Grant Program (US, Canada)

Deadline: 30-Oct-26

The Bee Grant Program is inviting K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations in the United States and Canada to apply for funding or equipment to establish or expand educational beehive programs. The programme helps students learn about bees, pollinators, and their important role in the food system and environment. Offered by the Whole Foods Market Foundation in partnership with The Bee Cause Project, the program provides financial or equipment support along with technical assistance, educational resources, and consultation to help organizations develop engaging beehive learning experiences for students.

About the Bee Grant Program

The Bee Grant Program aims to foster curiosity and understanding among young people about the importance of bees and other pollinators. Educational beehive programs allow students to observe bees up close while learning about pollination, food systems, and the environmental role of pollinators. The program supports organizations that want to establish new beehive programs or expand existing educational activities. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants can choose between different grant options, with all options valued at $2,500.

The available options include:

- A $2,000 monetary grant. - An equipment grant that includes a custom Indoor Observation Hive and a $1,000 monetary grant. - All grant options are valued at $2,500. - Technical support from The Bee Cause Project. - Educational materials and one-on-one consultation. The combination of funding and equipment is intended to help schools and organizations establish or strengthen educational beehive programs. What Does the Equipment Grant Include? The equipment grant includes a custom Indoor Observation Hive along with a $1,000 monetary grant. The observation hive gives students an opportunity to safely observe bees and learn about their behaviour and role in pollination as part of an educational program. Additional Educational Resources Grant recipients receive access to resources designed to support classroom and educational activities.

Additional resources include:

- Digital curriculum. - Educational signage. - Bee-inspired educational items. - Educator resource packs. - Technical support. - One-on-one consultation. - Optional training opportunities. These resources can help educators integrate the beehive program into student learning and provide age-appropriate educational experiences about bees and pollinators. Who Can Apply? The Bee Grant Program is open to eligible schools and nonprofit children’s programming organizations in the United States and Canada.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be a public school or nonprofit private school, or a nonprofit children’s programming organization. - Serve at least 10 students in grades K-12. - Be located in the United States or Canada. - Have administrative support for the program. - Designate a Bee Mentor who is a knowledgeable beekeeper. - Designate a Bee Advocate who is a staff member or volunteer. - Establish a Bee Committee made up of relevant stakeholders before receiving the grant. - Not have previously received a Traditional Bee Grant. What Is a Bee Mentor? Each applicant must designate a Bee Mentor to support the educational beehive program. The Bee Mentor should be a knowledgeable beekeeper who can provide relevant expertise and help support the organization as it develops and operates its program. What Is a Bee Advocate? Applicants must also designate a Bee Advocate. The Bee Advocate can be a staff member or volunteer who helps support the beehive program within the school or nonprofit organization. Together, the Bee Mentor and Bee Advocate provide important support for the educational and practical aspects of the program. Bee Committee Requirement Applicants must establish a Bee Committee of stakeholders before receiving the grant. The committee is intended to provide broader organizational support for the beehive program and help ensure that relevant stakeholders are involved in its development and implementation. Who Is Not Eligible? Organizations that have previously received a Traditional Bee Grant are not eligible to apply. Applicants must also meet the program’s organizational, student-service, administrative-support, and program-support requirements. Why the Bee Grant Program Matters Bees and other pollinators play an important role in food systems and the environment. Providing students with opportunities to observe bees and learn about pollination can help build awareness and understanding of these ecological relationships. The Bee Grant Program combines funding or equipment with educational materials and technical support, giving schools and nonprofit organizations resources to create hands-on learning experiences. Key Facts About the Bee Grant Program

- Program: Bee Grant Program

- Offered by: Whole Foods Market Foundation

- Partner: The Bee Cause Project

- Eligible locations: United States and Canada

- Target applicants: K-12 schools and nonprofit children’s programming organizations

- Minimum students served: 10 students

- Eligible grades: K-12

- Grant value: $2,500

- Monetary grant option: $2,000

- Equipment option: Indoor Observation Hive plus $1,000 monetary grant

- Technical support: Available

- Educational materials: Available

- Consultation: One-on-one consultation available

- Previous Traditional Bee Grant recipients: Not eligible

- Bee Mentor: Required

- Bee Advocate: Required

- Bee Committee: Required before receiving the grant

- Administrative support: Required

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bee Grant Program What is the Bee Grant Program? The Bee Grant Program supports K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations in the United States and Canada that want to establish or expand educational beehive programs. How much is the Bee Grant worth? All grant options are valued at $2,500. What monetary grant is available? Applicants may choose a $2,000 monetary grant or an equipment grant that includes an Indoor Observat