The Bee Cause Project, in partnership with the Whole Kids Foundation, is accepting applications for the 2027 Bee Grant Program. This initiative helps schools and nonprofit organizations establish educational live honey bee programs that inspire students to explore pollinators through hands-on STEAM learning.
Eligible organizations in the United States and Canada can apply for grants worth up to US$2,000 or receive an Indoor Observation Hive plus a US$1,000 stipend. Applications are open from 1 September to 31 October 2026.
About the 2027 Bee Grant
The Bee Grant supports educational institutions in creating sustainable live honey bee programs that promote environmental stewardship, conservation, and experiential science education. By introducing students to honey bees and pollinator ecosystems, the program encourages curiosity while strengthening learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
Grant recipients also receive access to standards-aligned curriculum materials, lesson plans, teacher guides, and educational resources that help educators integrate pollinator education into classroom instruction before and after introducing live bees.
The program is designed for both new and existing educational bee initiatives and is supported by the Whole Kids Foundation.
Grant Options Available
New applicants may choose between two funding options based on the needs of their campus.
| Grant Option | Support Provided |
|---|---|
| Monetary Grant | US$2,000 to establish or expand a live bee program |
| Equipment Grant | Indoor Observation Hive plus US$1,000 stipend |
Both options are intended to help schools create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences centered around honey bee education.
Who Is Eligible?
The Traditional Bee Grant is open to:
- K–12 schools in the United States or Canada
- Nonprofit organizations serving K–12 students
- Organizations that serve at least 10 students
- New applicants starting or enhancing an educational bee program
The Bee Cause Project welcomes schools at every stage of pollinator education, from beginners to campuses expanding existing environmental learning initiatives.
Renewal Bee Grant
Previous Bee Grant recipients can apply for the Renewal Bee Grant, which provides US$2,000 to strengthen or expand an existing educational bee program.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have received a Traditional Bee Grant in 2025 or earlier
- Complete the required Bee Grant Progress Report
Unlike the Traditional Grant, live bees are not required to apply for renewal funding.
Renewal recipients also receive one-on-one consultation, programme planning support, beekeeper guidance where appropriate, and an educator resource pack featuring lessons, budgeting tools, digital learning experiences, and community engagement resources.
Educational Resources Included
Beyond financial support, the Bee Grant provides educators with comprehensive teaching materials that make pollinator education accessible throughout the school year.
Resources include:
- Standards-aligned lesson plans
- Six-Week Bee Unit curriculum
- Teacher companion guides
- Pollinator conservation activities
- Bee Club development resources
- Classroom calendars and seasonal activities
- Environmental stewardship learning materials
The Bee Cause Project encourages educators to begin teaching pollinator science before introducing live hives to maximise student engagement.
How to Apply Successfully
Applications must be submitted through the SmartSimple online platform during the official application period. Although sample PDF applications are available for planning purposes, all final submissions must be completed online.
Before applying, applicants should:
- Determine the most suitable grant option
- Gather organisational and student programme information
- Develop a clear educational plan for the bee programme
- Review the sample application and programme overview
- Prepare responses that demonstrate long-term sustainability and student impact
Strong applications typically show how live bee education will be integrated into classroom learning and community engagement.
Application Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 September 2026 |
| Applications Close | 31 October 2026 |
| Submission Method | SmartSimple Online Platform |
| Eligible Countries | United States & Canada |
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early by reviewing the programme overview, curriculum resources, and previous application templates.
Why This Grant Matters
The Bee Cause Project believes that meaningful environmental education begins with direct experience. By bringing observation hives and pollinator learning into schools, the programme helps students develop scientific inquiry, ecological awareness, and practical conservation skills while fostering appreciation for one of nature’s most important pollinators.
Whether establishing a first educational hive or expanding an existing programme, the 2027 Bee Grant offers schools and nonprofits valuable funding, curriculum support, and expert guidance to create lasting environmental learning opportunities.
Deadline: 31 October 2026 Grant Value: Up to US$2,000 or Observation Hive + US$1,000 Eligibility: K–12 schools and nonprofits in the USA and Canada
