Bee Grants
In partnership with The Bee Cause Project.
These grant programs allow for schools and non-profit organizations to receive support for educational beehives and bee programming so students can observe bees up close and learn about the vital role these pollinators play in our food system.
Eligibility
K-12 Schools or Non-Profit Organizations that serve at least 10 students in any grades K-12 in the U.S./Canada
Follow this flow chart to see if your school or organization is eligible for a Bee Grant.
Grant Options
Traditional Bee Grant
*New Applicants Only
The Traditional Bee Grant allows for K-12 schools or non-profit organizations that serve any grades K-12 to start a new or enhance an existing bee program hosting live bees on their campus.
About the Program
A choice of a monetary or equipment grant intended to support schools in bringing live bees to their campus or grow their already existing educational hive program.
Grant Options
Monetary Grant: $2,000 monetary grant
Equipment Grant: Indoor Observation Hive + $1,000 monetary grant
You can find a copy of this year’s 2027 Traditional Bee Grant application here. All final applications MUST be submitted online but we share the application PDF as a way for you to prepare and get started!
Renewal Bee Grant
*Previous Bee Grant Recipients Only
The Renewal Bee Grant allows for K-12 schools or non-profit organizations that have previously received a Bee Grant to receive support to grow their programs.
About the Program
A $2,000 monetary grant intended to boost or support existing educational bee programs. Applicant must have received a Bee Grant from Whole Foods Market Foundation in 2025 or before and completed the required Progress Report. Live bees are not required to apply for this grant. Grantees are eligible for a maximum of two Renewal Bee Grants, spaced one cycle apart.
Also included with the grant award:
One-on-one Program Consultation with The Bee Cause Project for program development, technical support, and beekeeper guidance (if applicable).
Educator Resource Pack to provide the strategies and tools needed to grow a strong Bee Program. This includes core compliant lessons, activities, distance learning experiences, Bee Program budgeting and planning tools, community engagement opportunities, and more.
Bee a Friend to Pollinators Class: an optional, asynchronous summer course from Clemson Online that helps educators bring pollinator conservation to life through engaging lessons and projects.
You can find a copy of this year’s 2027 Renewal Bee Grant application here. All final applications MUST be submitted online but we share the application PDF as a way for you to prepare and get started!
Application Window
September 1, 2026: Traditional and Renewal Bee Grant Application Opens
October 30, 2026: Traditional and Renewal Bee Grant Application Closes
December 16, 2026: Notification of All Bee Grant Applications
February 1, 2027: Delivery of Bee Grant Packages
Bee Grant Recipient | Gold Hill School | Boulder, CO
Webinars
Got questions? Get started with your Bee Grant application by registering for our upcoming webinars.
Bee Grant Overview Webinar
September 8th @ 11 AM - 12 PM CT
Bee Grant Q&A Webinar
September 14th @ 4 PM - 5 PM CT
Nycdoe Genovesi Environmental Study Center | Brooklyn, NY
2027 Applications are open!
Questions?
All final applications MUST be submitted online via SmartSimple but we share the application PDF as a way for you to prepare and get started! Make sure to check out our SmartSimple tutorital video for a quick how-to for using the application software.
For any questions about beehives or hosting live bees, email our bee-expert partners at The Bee Cause Project at info@thebeecause.org
For any technical questions about the grant or application process, email grants@wholekidsfoundation.org
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Bee Grant Recipient | Manitoba 4-H Council | Brandon, MB Canada