The Wild Wonder Foundation invites applications for the 2026 Wild Wonder Micro Grant Program, supporting creative and community-centered initiatives that advance nature journaling, environmental awareness, and nature connection through art, science, curiosity, and community engagement.
This program uplifts leaders and educators bringing nature journaling to new and underserved audiences across the globe.
New Grant Categories for 2026
Wild Wonder now offers two micro-grant opportunities:
1. Project Micro Grant
Applications open: January 1, 2026
Deadline: January 29, 2026, 5 PM Pacific
Supports projects that expand access to nature journaling. Ideal for educators, community organizers, artists, scientists, and nature journal leaders who want to develop creative programming.
Examples of eligible projects:
- Workshops, classes, or events
- Training programs for teachers
- Printed/online publications or educational materials
- Websites, digital tools, or outreach activities
- Initiatives that increase the number of nature journalers globally
Grant amount: USD $300–$1,250
Awards available: ~12–15 per year
2. Club Micro Grant
Applications open: May 1, 2026
Deadline: May 29, 2026, 5 PM Pacific
Supports the creation or expansion of Nature Journaling Clubs worldwide.
Two grant tiers:
Seed Club Micro Grant
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Club Leader Start-Up Bag (zines, whiteboard, stickers, etc.)
-
Materials (choice of 4 sets: journals, pens, watercolors, etc.)
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$250 stipend
Sprout Club Micro Grant
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Club Leader Start-Up Bag
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Materials (4 sets OR 5 binoculars)
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$250 stipend
Award Timelines
Project Micro Grants (2026)
- Jan 1: Applications open
- Jan 29: Deadline
- Jan 30–Feb 27: Review
- Mar 5: Awards announced + first payment
- Dec 4: Grant reports due + final payment
Projects must be completed within 9 months of award.
Club Micro Grants (2026)
- May 1: Applications open
- May 29: Deadline
- May 30–Jun 26: Review
- Jun 29: Awards + materials delivered
- Jan 8, 2027: Grant reports due
Projects must be completed within 6 months of award.
Who Should Apply?
Individuals or teams with experience in:
- Nature journaling
- Environmental education
- Community programs
- Art or science communication
Projects should clearly promote nature journaling, reach diverse or underserved audiences, and demonstrate feasible timelines and budgets.
Review Criteria
Applications are anonymized and evaluated on:
Clarity
- Clear goals, audience, deliverables
- Strong support for nature journaling
- Evidence of relevant experience
Capacity
- Realistic and complete budget/timeline
- Potential outreach impact
- Alignment with applicant’s skills
Grant Promotion & Community Engagement
Recipients are responsible for publicizing their projects locally.
Wild Wonder may also share projects through newsletters, social media, websites, and annual reports.
How to Apply
Download the 2026 Project Micro Grant Worksheet (PDF or DOC) to prepare your application.
After drafting your responses, submit them through the online application form.
Applications cannot be edited after submission.
Only one application per person per calendar year is allowed.
Note: You cannot apply for both Project and Club Micro Grants in the same year.
About the Funding
This program is funded almost entirely by the global nature journaling community, including donations and volunteer-taught classes by John Muir Laws and others.
For more details: Click Here
