Wild Wonder Micro Grant Program 2026 – Funding for Nature Journaling & Community Projects

The Wild Wonder Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2026 Wild Wonder Micro Grant Program, an initiative designed to support creative, inclusive, and community-centered projects that deepen people’s connection to nature. The program focuses on advancing nature journaling as a tool for environmental awareness, curiosity, learning, and creative expression through art, science, and storytelling.

These micro grants are aimed at educators, artists, scientists, community leaders, and organizers who are bringing nature journaling to new, diverse, and underserved audiences around the world.

New Grant Categories for 2026

For 2026, Wild Wonder offers two distinct micro-grant opportunities, each supporting a different type of nature journaling initiative.

1. Project Micro Grant

Applications open: January 1, 2026
Application deadline: January 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

The Project Micro Grant supports creative projects that expand access to nature journaling through education, outreach, and innovative programming. These grants are ideal for individuals or teams seeking to design or scale initiatives that introduce more people to nature journaling.

Examples of eligible projects include:

Nature journaling workshops, classes, or public events
Teacher training or educator development programs
Printed or digital publications and learning materials
Websites, digital platforms, or online outreach tools
Programs designed to increase the number of active nature journalers globally

Grant amount: USD $300 – $1,250
Number of awards: Approximately 12–15 per year

2. Club Micro Grant

Applications open: May 1, 2026
Application deadline: May 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

The Club Micro Grant supports the creation or expansion of Nature Journaling Clubs around the world. This category is designed for leaders who want to build consistent, community-based journaling groups.

Two grant tiers are available:

Seed Club Micro Grant

Includes:

Club Leader Start-Up Bag (zines, whiteboard, stickers, and more)
Materials (choice of four sets: journals, pens, watercolors, or similar)
$250 stipend

Sprout Club Micro Grant

Includes:

Club Leader Start-Up Bag
Materials (four supply sets or five binoculars)
$250 stipend

Grant Timelines

Project Micro Grants (2026)

January 1: Applications open
January 29: Application deadline
January 30 – February 27: Review period
March 5: Awards announced and first payment issued
December 4: Final reports due and final payment released

Projects must be completed within nine months of receiving the award.

Club Micro Grants (2026)

May 1: Applications open
May 29: Application deadline
May 30 – June 26: Review period
June 29: Awards announced and materials distributed
January 8, 2027: Final reports due

Club projects must be completed within six months of receiving the award.

Who Should Apply

Applications are welcome from individuals or small teams with experience in:

Nature journaling
Environmental or outdoor education
Community-based programs
Art, science, or nature communication

Successful projects should clearly demonstrate how they promote nature journaling, reach diverse or underserved communities, and follow a realistic budget and timeline.

How Applications Are Reviewed

All applications are anonymized and evaluated based on:

Clarity

Clear goals, audience, and expected outcomes
Strong connection to nature journaling
Evidence of relevant experience

Capacity

Realistic and complete budget and timeline
Alignment between project goals and applicant skills
Potential for meaningful community outreach

Grant Promotion and Community Engagement

Grant recipients are expected to promote their projects within their local communities. Wild Wonder may also highlight funded projects through its newsletters, social media channels, website, and annual reports to amplify impact and share inspiration across the global nature journaling community.

How to Apply

Applicants should begin by downloading the 2026 Project Micro Grant Worksheet (available in PDF or DOC format) to prepare their responses. Once completed, applications must be submitted through the official online application form.

Important application rules:

Applications cannot be edited after submission
Only one application per person per calendar year is allowed
Applicants may not apply for both Project and Club Micro Grants in the same year

About the Funding

The Wild Wonder Micro Grant Program is funded almost entirely by the global nature journaling community. Support comes from individual donations and volunteer-led classes taught by John Muir Laws and other educators dedicated to nature connection and lifelong learning.