The Entomological Foundation is a national 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors made up of representatives from the public and private sectors including academic institutions, government, and business and industry. Our mission is to:

Build a Future for Entomology by Educating Young People About Science Through Insects.

How do we accomplish this?

The Entomological Foundation develops and implements a blend of programs designed to spark interest in science and insects among elementary school children and to sustain that interest through educational programs and outreach activities; offers scholarships and student awards to recognize excellence and support continued education of students in the area of entomology; and grants professional awards that recognize accomplishments in entomology and related areas.

Learn how we are Exciting Young People About Science Through Insects .... : Programs and Services

Reached more than 70,000 K-12 grade students through educational materials, posters, and insect displays given free to educators including homeschool parents and volunteer leaders to assist in incorporating the study of insects into their science program.

More than 900 children have used our new self-guided educational web site for grades 3 and 4 since its release September 2008. The site contains activities that help users understand primary areas of entomology related to the characteristics of living organisms, their life cycles, and the relationships between living organisms and the environment. Visit the site: http://www.cipm.info/entfnd (Please remove your pop-up blocker when using the site.)

Provided free insect film events to more than 500 students and adults. These events offer an opportunity for participants to understand the role insects have on our environment and to excite them about entomology. Participants have the opportunity to meet with an entomologist to have their questions answered about insects.

We are working with North Carolina State University, Clemson University, and Iowa State University to create an Entomology Digital Library which will provide easy one-stop access to the best entomology teaching materials available. Learn more: http://www.entlibrary.org/

Through our mini-grants program, we have helped to expose more than 10,000 children in grades k-12 and more than 600 educators to the world of insects through experiential learning activities for children and training workshops for educators on how to incorporate insects as teaching tools into a science curriculum.

Awarded more than 54 undergraduate and graduate scholarships and fellowships to assist students in continuing their education in entomology and related disciplines.

Granted more than 85 graduate student research and recognition awards to students to recognize accomplishments in entomology and related areas.

Provided more than 40 research grants and recognition awards to assist postdoctoral researchers in continuing their research.

Learn more about our most recent actvities thanks to our volunteers and funding partners: Learn more

Recent recipients of our work:

On behalf of our students and parents, I wanted to thank you for the beautiful posters and handbooks you donated for our Insect class on Tuesday. Your contribution enhanced our students learning experience. They each received posters to take home which will serve to remind them of the positive contributions insects make to our world.  Thanks again for your contribution to our program. We look forward to working with the Entomological Foundation in the future... Educator, Pre-k to 6th grade, Washington, DC

Thank you so much for the educational materials. We appreciate your response and for making these materials available. Perhaps one of the kids in this group will become a future entomologist! ... Homeschool co-op science educator, ages 8-13, Michigan

My son is so excited to see your interactive youth website! He is an avid reader and outdoorsman!  He loves all kinds of insects and will always capture stray bugs that I find in the house and release them outside. He tells me that I can't kill it unless I can prove that they are not doing something worthwhile! Please pass along to everyone that your site is a wonderful service for those kids who have a special interest like my son as well as the masses of children who may not have the interest quite yet! ...

K. Auman, Parent, Pennsylvania

We are so thankful to the Entomological Foundation for a grant to provide biodiversity education, using insects and other arthropods, to hundreds of teachers, students and citizens in Tennessee and North Carolina. This grant has allowed Discover Life in America to expand our reach beyond anything we would have been able to do without funding...T. Witcher, Executive Director

It has been an honor for me to receive the Henry and Sylvia Richardson Research Grant. This grant was not only a big financial help to our project, it was also a great encouragement for me personally. I am extremely grateful to the donors... It has been an honor for me to receive the Richardson Grant... Ksenia Onufrieva

Less than 20% of our total funding support and revenue is spent on administrative and fund-raising expenses.

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