OUTDOOR SCHOOL FUNDING RESOURCES
Find Funding to Get Kids Outside
A practical starting point for outdoor gear, learning spaces, field trips and programs, with funding leads for all 50 states.
Getting children outside can start with a simple idea: a shared rain-gear closet, a garden behind the classroom or a bus ride to a nearby park. Paying for it can take a little more searching.
Outdoor-learning support can appear under environmental education, youth development, recreation, community health or equitable access.
This guide is for schools, childcare programs, camps, nonprofits and community organizations researching funding. Each funder sets its own rules. A listing here does not establish eligibility for private schools, businesses or individual families.
Before you begin
Use this as a research guide, not a list of open applications. Funding, eligible expenses and application processes change. Confirm current requirements directly with the organization before applying. Programs may pause or change; inclusion does not imply annual funding.
START WITH YOUR PROJECT
What do you need to fund?
A clear project makes it easier to narrow your search. Choose the need that best describes what you want children to be able to do.
01. Outdoor gear
Rain suits, winter layers, boots, mittens and shared gear closets.
WHERE TO LOOK
Local community foundations, school education foundations, PTO/PTA groups and service clubs. Also review Walmart Spark Good and state outdoor-access programs.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Ask whether clothing and shared equipment qualify. Explain how the gear helps children participate.
02. Outdoor classrooms
Shelters, seating, nature trails, gardens and schoolyard habitat.
WHERE TO LOOK
State natural-resource agencies, KidsGardening, Whole Foods Market Foundation, conservation districts and watershed organizations.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Check land ownership, permission to build and whether the program supports construction or only learning activities.
03. Transportation
Bus costs and trips to nature centers, parks and other outdoor learning spaces.
WHERE TO LOOK
State field-trip programs, park foundations, local community foundations and service clubs.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Check eligible destinations, grade levels and whether payment comes before or after the trip.
04. Programming
Nature-based learning, environmental curriculum, educator training and camps.
WHERE TO LOOK
EPA Environmental Education resources, NAAEE eePRO, state environmental agencies and youth recreation funders.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Match the learning outcomes and organization type to the funder. Check whether staffing and training costs qualify.
05. Access & equity
Reducing cost, transportation and weather barriers like lack of suitable outdoor gear to allow universal participation.
WHERE TO LOOK
State outdoor-equity or No Child Left Inside programs, community and health foundations, and outdoor-access networks.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Explain who faces barriers and how the project removes them. Check geographic limits and the application route.
BROADEN YOUR SEARCH
National funding resources
Some organizations offer grants. Others provide research tools, crowdfunding or partnership routes. Use the labels below to choose your next step.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
KidsGardening
Youth gardens and garden-based learning.
CHECK FIRST: Review each opportunity’s age, location and applicant requirements.
GARDEN GRANT
Whole Foods Market Foundation
Edible learning gardens and children’s food education.
CHECK FIRST: Check garden requirements and the current application guidance.
LOCAL GRANTS
Walmart Spark Good
Community projects near participating facilities.
CHECK FIRST: Read organization-verification rules and local eligibility before preparing a request.
FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAM
EPA Environmental Education
Environmental education projects.
CHECK FIRST: Check the current notice and eligible applicant types. A program page does not mean applications are open.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
National Environmental Education Foundation
Environmental education and stewardship opportunities.
CHECK FIRST: Review the purpose and eligibility of each specific opportunity.
SUPPORT APPLICATION
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund
Conservation and connections to the outdoors.
CHECK FIRST: Review the fund’s priorities and support-request requirements.
INVITATION-BASED FUNDING
REI Cooperative Action Fund
Organizations advancing access and belonging outdoors.
CHECK FIRST: The Fund currently invites applications. Its recommendation form is not a grant application.
COMMUNITY INNITIATIVE
Outdoor Foundation / Thrive Outside
Community networks that help children and families get outside.
CHECK FIRST: Explore participating networks and partnership routes rather than assume an open grant application.
FUNDER TO RESEARCH
National Recreation Foundation
A lead for youth recreation funding.
CHECK FIRST: Confirm the current proposal process directly before preparing an application.
CLASSROOM CROWDFUNDING
DonorsChoose
Projects proposed by eligible public-school educators.
CHECK FIRST: Check educator eligibility and project rules. This is a fundraising platform, not a universal school grant.
OPPORTUNITY DIRECTORY
NAAEE eePRO
Funding, training and other environmental education opportunities.
CHECK FIRST: Check the original funder’s page for requirements and application status.
FUNDER RESEARCH
Candid
Research on foundations and nonprofit funding.
CHECK FIRST: Check available access options. A database listing is not a grant offer.
FEDERAL OPPORTUNITY DIRECTORY
Grants.gov
Federal funding opportunities across agencies.
CHECK FIRST: Search by project purpose and check who can apply to each opportunity.
START CLOSE TO HOME
Outdoor-learning funding leads by state
Choose your state for organizations, programs and networks to investigate. These are starting points, not confirmed open grants. Some public recreation programs require a government applicant or partner.
For each lead, confirm the official program name, service area, applicant eligibility, eligible costs and current application route.
Alabama 3 starting points
Where to look in Alabama
- Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Community Foundations of Alabama
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Alaska 3 starting points
Where to look in Alaska
- Alaska State Parks / Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation
- Alaska Department of Education & Early Development
- Alaska Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Arizona 3 starting points
Where to look in Arizona
- Arizona Game & Fish Department
- Arizona State Parks & Trails
- Arizona Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Arkansas 3 starting points
Where to look in Arkansas
- Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism – Outdoor Recreation Grants
- Arkansas Department of Education
- Arkansas Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
California 4 starting points
Where to look in California
- California Outdoor Equity Grants Program
- California Youth Community Access Grant Program
- California Grants Portal
- California Wildlife Conservation Board – Public Access Program
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Colorado 4 starting points
Where to look in Colorado
- Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife Grants
- Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
- Community Foundations across Colorado
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Connecticut 3 starting points
Where to look in Connecticut
- Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
- Connecticut Outdoor Recreation / State Parks Programs
- Connecticut Community Foundation Network
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Delaware 3 starting points
Where to look in Delaware
- Delaware DNREC Community Environmental Project Fund
- Delaware DNREC Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Trails Program
- Delaware Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Florida 4 starting points
Where to look in Florida
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Land & Recreation Grants
- Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Community Foundations of Florida
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Georgia 4 starting points
Where to look in Georgia
- Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- Georgia Environmental Education Alliance
- Community Foundation Network of Georgia
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Hawaii 3 starting points
Where to look in Hawaii
- Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
- Hawaii Community Foundation
- Hawaii Environmental Education Alliance
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Idaho 3 starting points
Where to look in Idaho
- Be Outside Idaho Small Grants
- Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation – Grants & Funding
- Idaho Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Illinois 4 starting points
Where to look in Illinois
- Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant
- Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources Grant Opportunities
- Illinois Youth and Young Adult Conservation Education Programs
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Indiana 3 starting points
Where to look in Indiana
- Discover the Outdoors Field Trip Grant
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources Grant Programs
- Indiana Natural Resources Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Iowa 4 starting points
Where to look in Iowa
- REAP Conservation Education Program
- Iowa REAP Funding Opportunities
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources Grants & Funding
- County Conservation Boards
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Kansas 3 starting points
Where to look in Kansas
- Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks
- Kansas Association for Conservation & Environmental Education
- Kansas Health Foundation and Local Community Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Kentucky 4 starting points
Where to look in Kentucky
- Kentucky Land and Water Conservation Fund Program
- Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
- Kentucky Environmental Education Council
- Community Foundations of Kentucky
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Louisiana 4 starting points
Where to look in Louisiana
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
- Louisiana State Parks / Office of State Parks
- Louisiana Environmental Education Resources
- Community Foundation Network
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Maine 5 starting points
Where to look in Maine
- Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative
- Outdoor School for All Maine Students
- Maine Experiential Education Program
- Maine Youth Conservation Education Grants
- Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Grants
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Maryland 4 starting points
Where to look in Maryland
- Maryland DNR Environmental Education & Stewardship Funding
- Keep Maryland Beautiful – Community Stewardship Grants
- Maryland DNR Funding & Resources for Outdoor Environmental Education
- Chesapeake Bay Trust
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Massachusetts 5 starting points
Where to look in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Outdoor Start Funding Resources
- Massachusetts FRESH Grant
- Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants
- Massachusetts Cultural Council
- Local Community Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Michigan 4 starting points
Where to look in Michigan
- Michigan DNR Recreation Grants
- Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
- Michigan Recreation Passport Grant Program
- Local Community Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Minnesota 5 starting points
Where to look in Minnesota
- Minnesota No Child Left Inside Grant Program
- Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund
- Minnesota DNR Grants
- Minnesota Community Foundations
- Local Watershed Districts and Soil & Water Conservation Districts
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Mississippi 3 starting points
Where to look in Mississippi
- Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
- Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
- Community Foundation for Mississippi and Regional Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Missouri 4 starting points
Where to look in Missouri
- Missouri State Parks Financial Assistance Programs
- Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources Funding Opportunities
- Missouri Department of Conservation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Montana 4 starting points
Where to look in Montana
- Montana Conservation Education Grants
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Grants
- Montana Outdoor Recreation Programs
- Montana Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Nebraska 3 starting points
Where to look in Nebraska
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Grants
- Nebraska Environmental Trust
- Nebraska Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Nevada 4 starting points
Where to look in Nevada
- Nevada Youth Outdoors Growth and Innovation Grant
- Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grants
- Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation Grant Programs
- Nevada Community Foundation / Regional Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
New Hampshire 3 starting points
Where to look in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire State Parks / Bureau of Trails Grant Programs
- New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
- New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
New Jersey 4 starting points
Where to look in New Jersey
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
- New Jersey Green Acres Program
- New Jersey Audubon / Environmental Education Networks
- Community Foundation of New Jersey and Regional Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
New Mexico 4 starting points
Where to look in New Mexico
- New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund
- New Mexico Outdoor Learning Initiative Grants
- New Mexico Trails+ Grant
- New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
New York 4 starting points
Where to look in New York
- Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Grants
- New York State Parks Grants
- New York Community Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
North Carolina 4 starting points
Where to look in North Carolina
- North Carolina Go Outside Grants
- North Carolina Trailblazers Outdoor Club Program
- Project EXPLORE
- North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
North Dakota 3 starting points
Where to look in North Dakota
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department Grants
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- North Dakota Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Ohio 4 starting points
Where to look in Ohio
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources Grants
- Ohio Environmental Education Fund
- Ohio EPA Environmental Education Resources
- Ohio Community Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Oklahoma 4 starting points
Where to look in Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
- Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation / State Parks
- Oklahoma Environmental Education Resources
- Oklahoma City Community Foundation / Tulsa Community Foundation / Regional Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Oregon 4 starting points
Where to look in Oregon
- Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Grants
- Oregon Outdoor School
- Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
- Oregon Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Pennsylvania 4 starting points
Where to look in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Environmental Education Grants
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Grants
- County Conservation Districts
- Pennsylvania Community Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Rhode Island 3 starting points
Where to look in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
- Rhode Island Foundation
- Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District and Other Conservation Districts
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
South Carolina 4 starting points
Where to look in South Carolina
- South Carolina Department of Education Grant Opportunities – Environment & Environmental Education
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism Grant Programs
- Central Carolina Community Foundation and Regional Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
South Dakota 3 starting points
Where to look in South Dakota
- South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Grants
- South Dakota Community Foundation
- Conservation Districts
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Tennessee 4 starting points
Where to look in Tennessee
- Tennessee Office of Outdoor Recreation Grants
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- Tennessee Environmental Education Association
- Community Foundation Network
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Texas 4 starting points
Where to look in Texas
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Recreation Grants
- Community Outdoor Outreach Program
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Conservation Education
- Texas Community Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Utah 4 starting points
Where to look in Utah
- Utah Children's Outdoor Recreation and Education – UCORE
- UCORE Educator Grants
- Nature-Based Learning Infrastructure Grants
- Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation Grants
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Vermont 3 starting points
Where to look in Vermont
- Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation Grants
- Vermont Outdoor Recreation Programs
- Vermont Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Virginia 4 starting points
Where to look in Virginia
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Grants
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Virginia Environmental Endowment
- Community Foundation Network
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Washington 4 starting points
Where to look in Washington
- Washington No Child Left Inside Grant Program
- Washington Outdoor Learning Grants
- Washington Recreation and Conservation Office – Find a Grant
- Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
West Virginia 4 starting points
Where to look in West Virginia
- West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
- West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
- West Virginia Outdoor Recreation Collaborative Resources
- Community Foundations of West Virginia
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Wisconsin 5 starting points
Where to look in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Grants
- Wisconsin Environmental Education Foundation
- Wisconsin School Forest Program
- Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Community Foundations
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
Wyoming 4 starting points
Where to look in Wyoming
- Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails Grants
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust
- Wyoming Community Foundation
Ask which opportunities fit your project and whether your organization can apply directly.
No matching state or resource. Try a state name or a broader term.
Look close to home
A small local request may be a better starting point than a large national application. Look for organizations serving the same county, town or school community as your program.
Education and community
Community foundations, school district education foundations, PTO/PTA groups and local family foundations.
Nature and conservation
Soil and water conservation districts, watershed councils, county conservation districts, park foundations and Friends groups.
Health and local business
Hospital foundations, electric cooperatives, utility foundations, banks, credit unions and corporate giving programs.
Service clubs and outdoor partners
Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Optimist clubs, outdoor businesses and sporting-goods retailers.
A useful first question
“We’re planning an outdoor-learning project for children in our community. Do you offer funding, donations or introductions to local partners that might fit?”
Search beyond “outdoor education”
Use the language that matches your project. Pair a term below with your state or county name and “grant,” “funding” or “community support.”
Learning
Environmental education, environmental literacy, experiential learning, STEM education, early childhood education, school readiness.
Participation
Outdoor access, outdoor equity, youth development, youth leadership, field trips, transportation, outdoor recreation.
Places and nature
Outdoor classrooms, school gardens, pollinator gardens, habitat restoration, watershed education, conservation education, parks and recreation.
Health and community
Children’s health, physical activity, community wellness, environmental justice, food education, agriculture education, community development.
Prepare a clear funding request
Before you spend time on an application, write a short project outline. Use it to check fit and start conversations with potential funders.
1. Who will participate?
Describe the children or community your project will serve, including location and age range.
2. What barrier will you address?
Explain what currently limits participation: cost, equipment, transportation or access to suitable space.
3. What will the funding pay for?
Build an itemized budget. Include only costs the funder permits, and check matching-fund or reimbursement requirements.
4. What will change?
Describe the activities the funding will make possible and how you will track participation or learning.
5. Who can apply?
Confirm your organization’s eligibility and whether an eligible partner is necessary and permitted.
Can funding pay for outdoor gear?
Sometimes. Check the funder’s eligible-expense rules before including rain gear, winter clothing, boots or other equipment in your budget. A program that supports outdoor learning may still exclude clothing or individual purchases.
When gear is eligible, connect the request to participation and learning.
EXAMPLE LANGUAGE
A shopping list: “We need 30 rain suits.”
“A shared rain-gear closet will help remove weather and household-cost barriers so every child in our program can participate in outdoor learning throughout the year.”
Add your actual participant numbers, activities and costs. Describe outcomes your program can realistically deliver.
PLAN YOUR PROGRAM'S GEAR NEEDS
Build a practical gear list
Once you know what the funder allows, match your gear list to your weather, activities and number of children.