Wild Ones (Wild Ones Natural Landscapers)
Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education native plant grants
Wild Ones gives free native plants (and in some cases up to $500) to schools and youth groups building pollinator gardens, rain gardens, outdoor classrooms or nature play spaces. Public and private schools can apply.
- Amount
- Native plants shipped to you (value not posted); cash of $100 to $500 only in limited cases
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- Unclear: ask the funder
- Deadline
- Nov 18, 2026 (35 days left)
- Who this fits
- Private school · Microschool · Homeschool co‑opPublic and private schools can apply. A microschool fits as a private school. A homeschool co-op may fit as a youth organization, but co-ops are not named.Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- National: schools in any US state
- Last checked
- Oct 14, 2026on wildones.org
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- Whether a for-profit school can apply
- Whether a homeschool co-op counts as a youth organization
- The dollar value of a typical plant award
How to apply
- Step 1: Pick a native planting project students will help build (pollinator garden, rain garden, outdoor classroom)
- Step 2: Write a plan for who will care for it long term
- Step 3: Write your answers in a separate document, then paste them into the online form (it can't be saved) by November 18, 2026
- Step 4: Watch for news by February 16, 2027, then plant and send a report about a year later
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“Eligible applicants include: Public and private schools”
Mostly a plant award: Wild Ones ships native plants for a youth project like a pollinator garden, rain garden or outdoor classroom. Cash (up to $500) is only for limited cases and must buy native plants or seed. Vegetable gardens and non-native plants are not eligible. Youth must take part, and you need a long-term care plan. A final report is due about a year later.
- Project in the United States
- Native plants or native seed only (no vegetable gardens)
- Youth directly take part
- Long-term care and maintenance plan
- Final report due February 28, 2028 for 2027 awards
Timing
Applications for the 2027 planting season close November 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central (opened July 15). The form can't be saved, so write answers first and paste them in. Awards are announced by February 16, 2027. Runs every year.