Seeds for Education Grants

The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program (SFE) is named for Wild Ones lifetime Honorary Director 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 25 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 community science activities
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. Please note, at this time, SFE grants do not fund vegetable gardens.

See the list of 2024 grant recipients.

Seeds for Education program is only possible due to the active support of Wild Ones members.

“Without good science we are ignorant, ignorant of the relationship between thistles and painted ladies, between frogs and pesticides, between ourselves and the natural world around us. And, that could be deadly.” — Janice Cook