Give to BOPN
Help us bring outdoor education to more children.
From our first class of 12, to the 612 children we served this year …
Thank you for advancing our mission.
Celebrating FIVE Years of Joyfully Muddy FUN!
From Day One to today, we are humbled by your ongoing support.
From referrals and rave reviews, to volunteering your time and donating your dollars, our mission’s success is just a dream without your help.
The benefits of nature-based education for young children are exponential.
Here are just a few:
better immune systems
decreased behavioral issues
higher self-esteem and self-confidence,
fostering environmental stewardship
But access to high quality outdoor early education is limited for families whose children could most benefit.
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is committed to being part of the movement to change this. One way we do this is providing scholarships to families from all backgrounds.
Another way we increase access to nature education is through our equity programs, including our public school partnerships and our new Universal PreK program.
Join us in raising up a generation of confident, capable children who connect with the natural world.
Ways to Donate
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Give Directly
Donations help us provide tuition and gear for students in need!
$5 to fuel our fundraising? … $50 for puddle-proof boots?
ALL amounts are welcome, and appreciated! -
Seedling Sale
Planning a flower or vegetable garden?
All proceeds from spring 2025 sales at bostonseedlingsale.com will benefit BOPN scholarships! *Order soon for pickup May 7 - 14! -
Employer Donation Matching
Your donation doubles when your employer matches it!
The Boston area companies on this list are known to match, but there are many more. Ask your HR rep, if your employer isn’t listed! -
Farm-to-table Fundraising Dinner
Join us for a special night at Wolbach Farm in Sudbury!
We’ll share a meal to remember and celebrate five years of BOPN, while raising donations for scholarships! -
BOPN SWAG !!!
You asked. We asked.
We all asked again. And another time.It’s finally happening, friends! Stay tuned for ordering info!
"We are truly grateful for the opportunity to send our daughter to BOPN and have already seen her grow in so many ways."
“The cost to raise three kids in this economy, coming out of the struggles of the pandemic and dealing with chronic illness make programs like these seem unattainable for too many families. Having the option and ability for financial aid makes this program available for all kids.”
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$21,863.95
In October 2022, 37 families saw tuition reductions from either scholarships or financial aid totaling $21,863.95.
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10%
10% of BOPN's annual budget is reserved for scholarships & tuition discounts.
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$80,000
For the 2021-2022 school year, BOPN self-funded over $80,000 in scholarships at our JP/Roslindale site alone.
Donations Directly Benefit Scholarships & Equity Programs
As a nonprofit, our goal is to make nature-based early education accessible to all families, regardless of income or life circumstances.
100% of the proceeds from donations are used to fund scholarships, financial aid, and outdoor gear assistance.
Donations of all sizes are appreciated, and help us make BOPN more accessible to families across eastern Massachusetts.
We know that…
Many people assume “small dollar” amounts wouldn’t help.
You don’t have to win the lottery to double your money.
Did you know that…
A donation of just $20 will buy a pair of waterproof gloves or wool socks?
Many employers will match your charitable donations—does yours?
“Investing in BOPN with a donation is an investment for the future.”
BOPN Equity Initiatives
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Public School Partnerships
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Woodcliff Nature Preschool
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Nature Preschool at the Franklin Park Zoo
Our Founders
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Sarah Besse
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sarah develops innovative early education programs to engage the whole child while fostering joy and creativity. She draws on experiences that have taught her to value connection with nature as essential for the well-being of individuals, communities, and our planet…
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Shela Sinelien
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION
With over ten years of experience as an early childhood teacher, Shela brings joy and warmth to her teaching. She builds on each child’s unique strengths and interests while creating a strong sense of community.
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Sara Murray
TEACHER COACH, TODDLER CONNECTIONS LEADER
Sara is a seasoned educator with a variety of experiences in Early Childhood and Elementary programs in upstate New York, where she grew up, and the greater Boston area where she has lived for almost 25 years.
Give Today
Did you know that children from low-income families with access to excellent preschools are more likely than their peers to graduate from college?