Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grant

9/6/2021 to 10/6/2021

Event Details

Apply Here PROGRAM OVERVIEW National Park Trust, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants Program, supporting the transportation and activity needs of non-profits and schools that are connecting elementary school-aged youth to public lands. This grant program supports the national Every Kid Outdoors initiative with the goal to ensure every child in the United States has the opportunity to visit public lands and waters by the time they are 11 years old, thereby establishing a lifelong connection to enjoy and protect our American outdoor heritage. National Park Trust recognizes that the lack of transportation is often one of the greatest barriers to youth connecting with the outdoors and experiencing public lands and waters. We also believe that the great outdoors makes an excellent classroom. Appreciating and understanding public lands and waters facilitates learning as young people discover their natural, cultural, and historical heritage and begin a lifelong relationship with the outdoors. Even in this age of technology, Mother Nature is still our most awe-inspiring teacher. SPECIFICS & REQUIREMENTS Applications are being accepted from U.S. based 501c3 non-profit organizations and schools that serve elementary school-aged students. Deadline: Applications must be submitted by October 6, 2021. Before you begin the application; make sure your request meets the following requirements: Requests must connect elementary school-aged youth to public lands and waters (federal, state, or local) through a positive and impactful outdoor experience. To view the federal public land and water agencies that participate in Every Kid Outdoors, CLICK HERE. Outdoor field trips should meet one of the following objectives: Align with classroom curricula Encourage health and wellness through outdoor recreation Foster future outdoor stewards Submitted requests should include details around pre-visit activities leading up to the outdoor field trip, day-of details, and post-visit activities that allow youth to debrief and reflect on the experience. Requests should encourage a passion for more outdoor adventures. Awarded requests must agree to provide materials as required for reports to donors, including the mandatory final report. Outcomes must include a minimum of 5 high-resolution photos that highlight the outdoor experience. Special consideration will be given to requests that are specifically engaging 4th grade students in outdoor outings. Special consideration will be given to requests that take place on USDA Forest Service lands. To find your closest forest, CLICK HERE. PLEASE NOTE: Funding received from the Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants Program should ONLY be used to cover transportation and experience costs associated with approved outdoor outings – this includes but is not limited to transportation (public transportation, school buses, charter buses, trains, ferries), food, and safety/first-aid supplies. Please do NOT ask for funding to support operating or salary expenses. GRANT AMOUNT The Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants Program will award grants up to $5,000 to schools and non-profits looking for resources and funding needed to connect kids in their community to local public lands and waters. SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION PROCESS Criteria for this grant program have been established by the National Park Trust and USDA Forest Service. Based on a rigorous review and selection process, grant recipients will be announced by October 29, 2021. PROJECT TIMELINE October 6, 2021 - Deadline for online application October 29, 2021 - Grant notifications sent to applicants November 2021 – August 2022 - Outdoor field trips take place September 30, 2022 (no later than) - Submit online final report QUESTIONS Send any grant specific questions regarding this program to ivan@parktrust.org. If you need technical assistance with Cybergrants, Click Here. SUBMIT AN APPLICATION Click HERE to preview the application.   IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:     © 2021