10 Years of Bee Grants!
Did you know that bees are responsible for pollinating 70% of the top 100 food crops around the globe? That’s a whopping 90% of the world’s nutrition thanks to these tiny powerhouses!
That’s why we’re excited to announce that, through our partnership with The Bee Cause Project, our 2025 Bee Grants have been awarded to over 150 schools and non-profits across the United States and Canada! These recipients are preparing to work with their students and staff to welcome tens of thousands of honey bees to their campuses over the next few weeks.
Our Impact
For the last decade, Whole Kids, a pillar of Whole Foods Market Foundation, has worked alongside The Bee Cause Project to award over 1,110 educational beehives, investing over $2.1 million in pollinator education for 1.4 million students. Our friends at The Bee Cause Project ensure that grantees have all the resources they need to create a flourishing hive by providing consultations, resources and curriculum for schools. This year, the Foundation invested $375,000 to provide 150 schools and non-profits with their beehives!
What began as a bold vision to connect kids with pollinators has blossomed into a transformational program and core part of the Foundation’s work. We’re proud that our 10-year partnership with The Bee Cause Project is inspiring the next generation of conservationists by sparking curiosity through hands-on engagement.
“As we celebrate World Bee Day and a decade of impactful partnership with Whole Foods Market Foundation, we’re reminded that this milestone is just one step in a much larger journey. Together, we’re not only supporting pollinators—we’re cultivating future environmental leaders, connecting kids to where their food comes from, promoting access to nutritious food, and creating lasting change in communities across the country.”
— Tami Enright, Executive Director, The Bee Cause Project
Bee Grants in Action
The Sonoma County Beekeepers Association (SCBA) in Santa Rosa, California is buzzing with activity thanks to vital support from the Bee Grant program. The association has channeled these resources into two critical missions: sustainable beekeeping education and pollinator habitat development. Through their innovative education programs, SCBA ensures beekeeping knowledge remains accessible to all. They offer free memberships to students—from elementary schoolers to college learners—and waive dues for those facing financial hardship. Their bee-focused curriculum reaches countless young minds through monthly classroom visits, where students can directly engage with pollinators.
Not only does SCBA nurture the next generation of environmental stewards, but they also attend major community events, including Northbay Discovery Day and Sonoma County Ag Days, to help spread awareness about the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystem.
Thanks to the Bee Grant, SCBA is able to promote sustainable beekeeping practices that ensure our essential pollinators continue to thrive.
