Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Association for Nature-Based Education
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: ANBE
Mailing Address: 13526 Long Green Pike, PO box 54
City: Baldwin
State: MD
Postal Code: 21013
Main Phone: 443-233-0707
Main Fax:
Organization Website: anbe.org
Employer ID Number: 81-4291262
Organization Tax Status: 501c3 nonprofit organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: February 4, 2026
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Expand Access to Nature-Based Education with Teacher Scholarships
Project Description:

The Association for Nature-Based Education is dedicated to expanding access to high-quality professional development and community initiatives that advance nature-based education and environmental literacy for all children. Central to this mission is the Nature-Based Teacher Certification, a one-of-a-kind, 36-clock-hour training designed to equip early childhood educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to integrate nature-based learning into their daily teaching practice.

Research consistently shows that regular engagement with nature supports young children’s physical health, social-emotional development, cognitive growth, and overall wellbeing. Nature-based education fosters curiosity, creativity, self-regulation, and resilience, while also strengthening academic foundations aligned with early learning standards. The Nature-Based Teacher Certification bridges theory and practice, helping educators intentionally connect outdoor experiences with curriculum goals in literacy, math, science, and social development, ensuring children thrive both developmentally and academically.

Despite these benefits, many children do not have access to nature-based learning environments simply because their teachers lack access to specialized training. Financial barriers, limited professional development opportunities, and geographic constraints often prevent educators from gaining the skills needed to implement nature-based approaches effectively. As a result, inequities persist, and too many children miss out on the powerful developmental benefits that nature can provide.

Funding teacher scholarships for the Nature-Based Teacher Certification directly addresses this gap. Scholarships expand access to essential training, empowering more educators to bring nature-based practices into early learning settings across diverse communities. By investing in teachers, we invest in children, supporting healthier development, stronger learning outcomes, and a lifelong connection to the natural world. Through this certification, educators become agents of change, ensuring that all young children, regardless of background or setting, can experience the transformative impact of nature-based education.

Total Project Budget: 10000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $5000 anonymous donor already committed

Project Duration: For scholarships in fiscal year 2027
Geographical Area Served: United States
Age Group To Be Served: Early childhood educators receive scholarship for training that benefits children birth to age 8 years old.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Monica
Contact Last Name: Wiedel-Lubinski
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 443-233-0707
Contact Email: director@anbe.org