October Environmental Education Grants
Finding funding to support environmental education can be a real challenge, and identifying applicable grants can be a hassle. To help you kick-start the process of getting your classroom project off the ground, we here at Bay Backpack have identified some great grant opportunities that are about to fly by. Some of these grants are not directly related to environmental or Chesapeake Bay education, but all could be used to support it. Be sure to note the submission deadlines, and good luck with your applications!
Do you teach in an elementary school classroom? Do you have an idea for improving math or science instruction in your classroom? K-5 grade teachers are invited to use Toshiba America Foundation’s short application form to describe a set of lessons or a hands-on project they would like to introduce in their own classrooms. Application Deadline: October 1st, each year.
2011 Subaru Healthy Sprouts Award
The Subaru Healthy Sprouts Award recognizes and supports youth gardening programs focused on teaching about our environment, nutrition and hunger issues in the United States. Through winning programs, youth will learn the skills necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle compatible with environmental stewardship and gain an understanding of how their actions can positively impact the well being of their community. To be eligible for the 2011 Healthy Sprouts Awards, your school or organization must plan to garden in 2012 with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. Application Deadline: October 1, 2011
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grant Program – Virginia Only
Preferences for these grants will be given to environmental education and action-oriented conservation and restoration projects within Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay watershed. Applications will be accepted from state agencies, local governments, and public or private not-for-profit agencies, institutions, or organizations. The goal of environmental education is to increase public awareness and knowledge about the Bay resulting in behavioral change. Proposals are invited which (A) Supplement and enhance environmental training for educators; (B) Expand environmental educational opportunities and the use of existing educational resources (curricula, publications, field studies) in schools and community programs for students, teachers and adults; (C) Increase the involvement of students and the public in Bay restoration activities; OR (D) Increase public support for Chesapeake Bay restoration by purchase of Chesapeake Bay license plates. Application Deadline: October 1, 2011 before 5:00 PM EST.
Environmental Literacy Program Track Grants – Maryland Only
The Chesapeake Bay Trust Environmental Education Grant Program awards funding to expand and enhance Bay environmental education programs for pre-k through 12 grade student in Maryland. The Environmental Litearcy Program Track of this grant will support development and implementation of a comprehensive, systemic, and sustainable environmental literacy program with in a local school system that provide multiple outdoor learning experiences and increase environmental literacy for participating students. Applicants may request from $35,000 to $50,000 per year for three years ($105,000 to $150,000 total) The Trust anticipates making 1-2 awards in this track. Letter of Intent Deadline: October 5, 2011
This grant program provides parent groups and schools with financial tools to help improve their children’s schools. Grant awards of up to $5,000 support school improvement projects at public schools nationwide. Since 2006, through Toolbox for Education, the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has donated over $20 million to more than 4,000 K-12 schools, benefitting over 2 million schoolchildren. Application Deadline: October 14, 2011 and February 17, 2012
Wild One’s Seeds for Education Grant
The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program gives small monetary grants to schools, nature centers, and other non-profit and not-for-profit places of learning in the United States with a site available for a stewardship project. Project goals should focus on enhancement and development of an appreciation for nature using native plants and must emphasize students and volunteers involvement in all phases of development, and increase the educational value of the site. Cash awards range from $100 to $500. Application Deadline: October 15th of the year prior to the grant year.
The NEA Foundation provides grants to improve the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area(s). The proposed work for these grants should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students’ habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection. Proposals for work resulting in low-income and minority student success with honors, advanced placement, or other challenging curricula are particularly encouraged. Grant funds may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, software, or scholars-in-residence. Although some funds may be used to support the professional development necessary to implement the project, the majority of grant funds must be spent on materials or educational experiences for students. Application Deadline: October 15th
The NEA Foundation’s Learning & Leadership grants support public school teachers, public education support professionals, and/or faculty and staff in public institutions of higher education for one of the following two purposes: (1) Grants to individuals fund participation in high-quality professional development experiences, such as summer institutes or action research; or (2) Grants to groups fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment. All professional development must improve practice, curriculum, and student achievement. Application Deadline: October 15th