Green Schoolyards America
Green Schoolyards America is a Berkeley-based nonprofit that transforms asphalt-covered school grounds into climate-resilient green spaces. Founded in 2012, it serves PreK-12 public school districts across California, Nevada, and New Mexico through free resource libraries, leadership training, pilot projects, and policy advocacy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersBerkeley, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Green Schoolyards America does
Green Schoolyards America is a Berkeley, California-based nonprofit organization founded in 2012 to transform asphalt-covered school grounds into park-like, climate-resilient green spaces that improve children's well-being, learning, and play. The organization operates as a convener and capacity builder rather than a software vendor, developing and curating free online resource libraries (the Schoolyard Forest System Resource Library and the National Outdoor Learning Library), free Schoolyard Activity Guides with 250+ activities contributed by organizations in 27 countries, and authoritative books on schoolyard transformation and outdoor learning. Its core programmatic vehicle is the National Schoolyard Forest System®, a trademarked initiative to increase tree canopy on PreK-12 public school grounds, with California as the first statewide program (California Schoolyard Forest System®) launched in partnership with CAL FIRE, the California Department of Education, and Ten Strands in August 2022.
The organization's business model is grant- and donation-funded rather than revenue-generating. All resources, toolkits, and training are provided free of charge to schools and districts. Funding comes from individual donations processed through its fiscal sponsor (Earth Island Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), grants from government agencies (a $1.5M CAL FIRE grant launched the California initiative; CAL FIRE's Green Schoolyards Grant program offers $500K-$30M per implementation applicant), state appropriations (a $150M California state budget allocation over two years), and advocacy-driven federal funding under the proposed Living Schoolyards Act ($700M over four years). Its go-to-market motion is community-led: it trains school district leaders through the Schoolyard Forest Leadership Institute, hosts webinars and a Community of Practice with 450+ members, and leads a coalition of 180+ organizations supporting federal legislation. Geographic expansion from California to Nevada and New Mexico occurred in 2024 via state-level steering committees with corresponding state forestry/education agencies.
The customer base consists of public PreK-12 school districts (large anchor examples include Los Angeles Unified at 530,000 students and a roster of California districts participating in the Leadership Institute representing 720,000+ students), state agencies (CAL FIRE, Nevada Division of Forestry, New Mexico EMNRD, California Department of Education), nonprofit and community partners (Ten Strands, Trust for Public Land, American Society of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation, International School Grounds Alliance), and individual schools/educators. The team is small (1-10 employees) led by founder and CEO Sharon Danks and Director of Policy and Government Affairs Sarah Matsumoto, with the organization operating under Earth Island Institute's fiscal sponsorship and EIN.
Green Schoolyards America firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Green Schoolyards America
- Legal name
- Green Schoolyards America
- Website
- https://greenschoolyards.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Green Schoolyards America is a Berkeley-based nonprofit that transforms asphalt-covered school grounds into climate-resilient green spaces. Founded in 2012, it serves PreK-12 public school districts across California, Nevada, and New Mexico through free resource libraries, leadership training, pilot projects, and policy advocacy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Green Schoolyards America industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Education and Schoolyard Greening Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (61171), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Outdoor Education & Adventure Programs (School-Run) (EDAJAJAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sitework & Campus Infrastructure (Grading, Utilities, Parking, Playgrounds) (EDAEABAJ), Waste, Recycling & Sustainability Services (EDAEAAAF)
Keywords
Where Green Schoolyards America is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berkeley
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Green Schoolyards America business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donors can make tax-deductible donations online, by check (payable to Earth Island Institute with 'Green Schoolyards America' in memo), or by stock transfer. The organization is fiscally sponsored by Earth Island Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Grants and Government Funding: The organization receives grants from government agencies including CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), and state bond measures. The California Schoolyard Forest System pilot was funded by a $1.5 million CAL FIRE grant and private philanthropy. California invested $150 million over two years in schoolyard greening through state budget.
- Federal Legislation (Living Schoolyards Act): The Living Schoolyards Act (S-1538), introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), calls for $700 million to be invested in American schoolyards over four years to create outdoor learning environments.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | All resources are provided free of charge |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Green Schoolyards America product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Green Schoolyards America delivers programs, training, and free online resource libraries that help PreK-12 public schools and districts transform asphalt-covered school grounds into green, climate-resilient outdoor learning environments. The core offerings are the National Schoolyard Forest System® and California Schoolyard Forest System® initiatives, supported by the Schoolyard Forest Leadership Institute, the Schoolyard Forest System® Resource Library, and the National Outdoor Learning Library, all provided at no cost.
Product overview
Green Schoolyards America offers a portfolio of programs and resources focused on transforming school grounds into green, climate-resilient spaces. The core offerings include the National Schoolyard Forest System® and California Schoolyard Forest System® — initiatives that work with state agencies and school districts to plant trees and create shaded outdoor learning environments. These are supported by the Schoolyard Forest Leadership Institute (training program), the Schoolyard Forest System® Resource Library, and the National Outdoor Learning Library (free online resource collections). Additional resources include the Schoolyard Activity Guides — free downloadable activity books available in multiple languages. The organization also publishes authoritative books on schoolyard transformation and outdoor learning, and engages in policy advocacy including support for federal legislation like the Living Schoolyards Act.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- National Schoolyard Forest System: A nationwide initiative to increase tree canopy on PreK-12 public school grounds to shade and protect students from extreme heat and climate change.
- California Schoolyard Forest System
- National Outdoor Learning Library
- Schoolyard Forest System Resource Library
- Living Schoolyard Activity Guide
Products and services
- National Schoolyard Forest System®
Quantifiable outcome
- 99 new trees planted through pilot projects
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Green Schoolyards America
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Green Schoolyards America technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Green Schoolyards America partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection)coreCAL FIRE is a founding partner of the California Schoolyard Forest System and provides grant funding through the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program, including the Green Schoolyards Grant program ($500,000-$30 million for implementation, $75,000-$3 million for planning). The $1.5 million initial grant launched the statewide initiative.
- California Department of EducationcoreFounding partner of the California Schoolyard Forest System initiative, working to align schoolyard greening with state education goals and integrate it into PreK-12 curriculum and planning.
- Ten StrandscoreFounding partner of the California Schoolyard Forest System and co-creator of the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative. Ten Strands focuses on environmental literacy and partners to integrate outdoor learning into California schools.
- Trust for Public LandmajorCo-sponsor of SB 1099 legislation and coalition partner supporting the Living Schoolyards Act. Works on shared advocacy for school ground greening and outdoor learning spaces.
- American Society of Landscape ArchitectsmajorCoalition partner supporting the Living Schoolyards Act, bringing expertise in landscape architecture and school ground design.
- National Wildlife FederationmajorCoalition partner supporting the Living Schoolyards Act, focusing on habitat creation and ecological benefits of schoolyard greening.
- Earth Island InstitutecoreGreen Schoolyards America is fiscally sponsored by Earth Island Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1982 by environmentalist David Brower. Earth Island processes grants and donations, provides financial oversight, administrative, technical, and legal support, and access to a network of 75+ world-changing projects. Green Schoolyards America operates under Earth Island's EIN number.
- The Lawrence Hall of Science at U.C. BerkeleymajorPartner in the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative, providing expertise in environmental literacy and science education. Also collaborates on school ground design and curriculum integration.
- San Mateo County Office of EducationmajorPartner in the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative, focusing on environmental literacy and sustainability initiatives in Bay Area schools.
- International School Grounds AlliancemajorGlobal collaboration producing the International School Grounds Month Activity Guide with 104 activity ideas from 73 organizations in 27 countries. Co-producer of Living Schoolyard Month celebrations.
- U.C. Berkeley's College of Environmental DesignmajorPartnership with U.C. Berkeley's College of Environmental Design for schoolyard tree canopy mapping in New Mexico, with students in Professor Lu Liang's GIS course conducting the analysis.
- Nevada Division of ForestrycoreGrant administrator and founding member of Nevada State-level Schoolyard Forest Steering Committee. Leading the expansion of Schoolyard Forest System to Nevada's 740 schools.
- Nevada Division of Outdoor RecreationcoreFounding member of Nevada State-level Schoolyard Forest Steering Committee and sponsor of Assembly Bill 165 supporting outdoor education and living schoolyards.
- New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)coreGrant administrator and founding member of New Mexico State-level Schoolyard Forest Steering Committee. Leading the expansion of Schoolyard Forest System to New Mexico's nearly 900 schools.
- New Mexico Public Education DepartmentcoreMember of New Mexico State-level Schoolyard Forest Steering Committee, supporting integration of schoolyard greening with state education priorities.
- SLA (South Los Angeles)majorLocal landscape design firm and nonprofit that served as design/build partner for the 122nd Street Elementary School pilot project in South Los Angeles.
- Bay Tree DesignmajorLandscape design firm that worked with Green Schoolyards America and Sacramento City Unified on the Parkway Elementary School pilot schoolyard forest project.
- The Bradley ProjectsminorArchitecture firm that designed and built the outdoor classroom pavilions at Linden Waldorf School in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Golestan EducationminorPartner organization whose 'Living Schoolyards Activity Guide' is featured on Green Schoolyards America's website as a resource for schools.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Green Schoolyards America competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Children & Nature Network: Children & Nature Network is a national nonprofit connecting children to nature through research, resources, and a coalition of 700+ partner organizations. It is directly comparable to Green Schoolyards America's mission of expanding children's access to nature in school settings.
- Trust for Public Land: Trust for Public Land operates national programs to create parks and green spaces, including schoolyard greening initiatives, and is a co-sponsor of SB 1099 with Green Schoolyards America. It is one of the closest direct peers in the schoolyard transformation space.
- KABOOM!: KABOOM! is a national nonprofit focused on building playgrounds and playspaces, often at schools and in underserved communities. It is comparable to Green Schoolyards America's work in transforming school grounds for children's well-being, though focused on play equipment rather than ecological greening.
- Ten Strands: Ten Strands is a founding partner of the California Schoolyard Forest System and co-creator of the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative with Green Schoolyards America. Both organizations focus on environmental literacy integration into California schools.
- International School Grounds Alliance: The International School Grounds Alliance is a global network focused on school grounds as resources for learning, play, and community. Green Schoolyards America co-produces the International School Grounds Month Activity Guide, making it a close international peer.
- Eco-Schools USA (National Wildlife Federation): Eco-Schools USA provides a framework for environmental education and sustainability in schools. It is comparable to Green Schoolyards America's work on greening school grounds and supporting districts with sustainability programs.
- National Wildlife Federation - Eco-Schools USA: The National Wildlife Federation's Eco-Schools USA program promotes environmental literacy and sustainability in K-12 schools and is a coalition partner supporting the Living Schoolyards Act. Both organizations share the goal of greening schools and integrating environmental learning.
- Earth Island Institute: Earth Island Institute is the fiscal sponsor of Green Schoolyards America and operates a network of 75+ environmental projects. While structurally related, it is comparable as a parent/sponsor and as an environmental nonprofit convener.
- Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley: The Lawrence Hall of Science is a partner in the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative with Green Schoolyards America. Both organizations work on outdoor science learning curriculum and have direct collaboration on environmental literacy for K-12.
Emerging players
- American Society of Landscape Architects: ASLA is a coalition partner supporting the Living Schoolyards Act and brings professional landscape architecture expertise. It is a complementary rather than directly competing organization, as it focuses on professional practice rather than direct program implementation.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Green Schoolyards America social profiles
Digital presenceGreen Schoolyards America financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Green Schoolyards America leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Green Schoolyards America funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Green Schoolyards America M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Green Schoolyards America
What does Green Schoolyards America do?
Green Schoolyards America delivers programs, training, and free online resource libraries that help PreK-12 public schools and districts transform asphalt-covered school grounds into green, climate-resilient outdoor learning environments. The core offerings are the National Schoolyard Forest System® and California Schoolyard Forest System® initiatives, supported by the Schoolyard Forest Leadership Institute, the Schoolyard Forest System® Resource Library, and the National Outdoor Learning Library, all provided at no cost.
Is Green Schoolyards America a public or private company?
Green Schoolyards America is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Green Schoolyards America founded?
Green Schoolyards America was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Green Schoolyards America based?
Green Schoolyards America is headquartered in Berkeley, United States, in the North America region.
How does Green Schoolyards America make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are grants and Government Funding and federal Legislation (Living Schoolyards Act).
Who are Green Schoolyards America's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Children & Nature Network, Trust for Public Land, KABOOM!, Ten Strands, International School Grounds Alliance, Eco-Schools USA (National Wildlife Federation), National Wildlife Federation - Eco-Schools USA, Earth Island Institute and Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley. American Society of Landscape Architects is listed as an emerging player.
Does Green Schoolyards America have an API?
No public API is recorded for Green Schoolyards America.
What industry is Green Schoolyards America in?
Green Schoolyards America's product category is Environmental Education and Schoolyard Greening Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJAJAJ, Outdoor Education & Adventure Programs (School-Run), with a secondary code of EDAEABAJ, Sitework & Campus Infrastructure (Grading, Utilities, Parking, Playgrounds). Its NAICS code is 61171 and its SIC code is 8200.