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Grants for BeeKeepers

Observation Bee Hive Project
Grant Application

Observation Hive Kits for Community Education

New Program — Now Accepting Applications (Nationwide)

Save The Bees USA is launching a new program that equips beekeepers with Observation Hive Kits to teach kids about bees and pollinators in their local communities. Selected beekeepers will receive:

  • Observation Hive Kit (for teaching and display)

  • Save The Bees USA stickers for students

  • Age-appropriate teaching materials (lesson outlines, handouts, safety tips)

We welcome applications from beekeepers partnering with schools (K–12, community colleges), homeschool groups, 4-H/FFA, Scouts (BSA & GSUSA), libraries, nature centers, and youth programs. Letters of intent from schools or community groups are encouraged but not required.

Observation Bee Hive Project
Grant Application
Grant Application

Whats Included and whats not

Included:

  • Observation Hive Kit- 1 Frame (for classroom/demo use)

  • Printed & digital teaching materials (bee biology, pollination, safety, Q&A prompts)

  • Stickers for students and a simple slide deck/handouts

Not included:

  • Live bees or nucs

  • Stipends, travel, or honoraria

  • Protective gear, smokers, or tools

Note: Observation hives are for short-duration demos only and should not be maintained as permanent indoor colonies.

Your commitment if selected

 

  • Deliver 2+ youth education sessions within 12 months

  • Follow all safety and local regulations (no live handling by students; PPE as needed)

  • Share 2–3 photos (with permissions) and a short recap we can publish

  • Acknowledge Save The Bees USA in event materials or posts when feasible

Why the change?

Our previous federal grant proposal was accepted for review but not approved. Rather than wait, we’re moving forward with a privately funded kit program to keep bee education growing in communities across the country.

Who Should Apply

  • Active beekeepers (all experience levels welcome) who enjoy teaching youth

  • Individuals, clubs, or nonprofits with access to youth audiences

  • Applicants able to coordinate at least 2 educational sessions within 12 months

Priority consideration for applications that include:

  • A school or youth group letter of intent (LOI) confirming interest

  • A short plan for student engagement (e.g., science class demo, STEM night, library talk)

Need for Beekeeper Resumes

Beekeeper Resumes:
We seek experienced and passionate beekeepers to join us. Beekeepers will play a key role in educating students. If you are interested, please submit your resume.

Beekeeper Responsibilities:

  • Lead workshops and demonstrations in schools.
  • Use observation hives to show how bee colonies operate.
  • Share expert knowledge on bee health and conservation.
  • Engage with students and answer questions about bees and pollination.

Required Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in beekeeping and bee management.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Passion for educating young minds about conservation.
  • Ability to work well with school staff and students.
  • Education or background related to bees and the environment (optional).

Request for School Letters of Intent

If you are interested in this program continue to send resumes beyond 8/22

We are looking for schools interested in participating in the pilot phase. To apply, submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) from your school administration. The letter should outline your commitment to the program and its expected impact.

What to Include in Your Letter of Intent:

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce your school and its mission.
  • Commitment: State your school's commitment to the Pollinator Health program and the expected benefits.
  • Support: Mention any existing environmental or science programs at your school that align with this initiative.
  • Logistics: Describe how your school will support and facilitate the beekeeper workshops.
  • Contact Information: Provide contact details of the school administrator or program coordinator.

How To Apply

Email [email protected] with subject line: Observation Hive Kit Application – [Your City, State]
Attach or include:

  1. Contact info (name, org if any, city/state, phone, email)

  2. Beekeeping background (2–6 sentences; include years keeping, # of colonies if relevant)

  3. Education plan (who you’ll teach, where, and when; 4–8 sentences is perfect)

  4. Venue partner (school/group name if applicable)

  5. Supporting documents (optional but encouraged):

    • Letter of Intent from a school or youth organization

    • Any flyers, past event photos, or references

Rolling review: We review monthly and notify all applicants by email. Limited kits available; additional cycles will open as funding allows.

FAQs

Do I need a confirmed school to apply?
No—but an LOI strengthens your application.

No. Save The Bees USA supplies the observation hive kit and teaching materials; beekeepers provide their own bees. Use bees only for short, sealed demonstrations, follow all local regulations/permits, and do not maintain permanent indoor colonies.

Is there a deadline?
We accept applications year-round and review monthly while supplies last.

Can a bee club apply for multiple educators?
Yes—submit one application per presenter or include a clear plan for shared use.

Will Save The Bees USA cover travel or speaker fees?
Not at this time.

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