1. Nature Festival Seed Fund
The Nature Festival Seed Fund supports the initiation of festivals and similar events that feature nature awareness and appreciation by bringing attention to the ecological features of a community (a particular species, landform, or ecosystem). The seed fund offers one-time grants of up to $2500 through a simple application process with quick turnaround times.  The scope of the fund is Canada-wide.

Criteria
The fund is intended to support events that feature the following:
• initiation of new festivals (in their first three years) bringing attention to a special local natural amenity
• include program components that will involve people new to nature awareness and appreciation
• a multi-day event that is intended to be offered in subsequent years
• involves a collaborative partnership of organizations, one of which has charitable status
• strive to develop a diversity of resources to support the festival over time
• a strong volunteer component

Application Process
• Contact the Foundation's project co-ordinator by email indicating interest in applying to the fund.   An application can then be forwarded for completion.

2. Support for Secondary School Integrated Programs

This exceptional way of organizing secondary school learning allows students to take 2 to 4 credits combined around a theme, commonly the environment.  Students stay together with their teacher for the semester and explore local issues in depth.  Four credit programs need no bells and have no need to stay tied to the classroom.  Learning goes into the community and the impact is significant.

The Gosling Foundation supports integrated programs with an environmental theme in the following ways:

New Program Startup –Funding up to $5000 for programs in their first three years or undergoing expansion.  Apply by February 1 for the following school year.

Commissioned Learning Projects –Students take on an environmental project that is relevant to their community.  Past examples include researching and explaining the biodiversity crisis, and exploring and sharing the value of the Bruce Trail.  Both student learning and the community benefit from this applied learning approach.  Funding of up to $1500 per project is available.

These grants are made to the programs to support their operation and not to individuals.  A charitable tax receipt is required.

For further information or to apply please contact the Foundation’s Project Consultant. 

3. Unsolicited Proposals

The Gosling Foundation will consider unsolicited proposals that are innovative and strategic in nature and have the potential to significantly impact the areas of its interest, protection of lands of ecological value and environmental education with an emphasis on nature awareness and appreciation.  One page proposals can be directed to the Foundation’s Project Consultant.  Please include how the proposal is innovative and strategic in meeting the Foundation’s interests and is consistent with its guiding principles.