Mini Grants

The Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI) is soliciting proposals of up to $200 for the EEAI mini-grant program. The mini-grant program is designed to support, enhance and expand the implementation of environmental education throughout the state of Illinois.

Eligible Applicants:
Both formal and non-formal educators are welcome to apply.

Eligible Costs and Projects:
Requests should focus on projects/activities that help to educate students, visitors, or community members about natural resources or the environment. Examples of items eligible for funding include: equipment, books, program materials, displays, guest speakers, field trip expenses etc.

Ineligible Costs:
Grant funds cannot be used for food or beverages, indirect costs, stipends or to reimburse any expenses prior to the grant period.

Funding and Payment:
The EEAI mini grant program will be a competitive process. A committee of EEAI members will evaluate each proposal based on the guidelines below. Project coordinators will be notified of acceptance by the end of November. A check will be mailed by the middle of December.

Project Reporting:
A post-grant report is required within one year of the grant award.

EEAI’s criteria for judging the grant applications:
- Applications must include a letter of support from an EEAI member or Regional Director
- Applications must be received by Oct. 31
- Complete and attach application form along with the information requested below
- Limit proposals to a maximum of two pages NOT including the application form
- Proposals must be typed
- Send five copies of your application form and proposal
- A limit of one grant per facility will be awarded in any given year
- Applicants may re-apply each year

Please provide the following information on a separate paper not to exceed 2 pages. This must be typed.
1. Description of the project or activities including measurable goals and objectives.
2. To what extent will the project support, enhance or expand the implementation of environmental education in Illinois?
3. What are the intended long-term effects of the project?
4. How will the success of the project be evaluated?
5. Proposed use of funds including budget detailing what EEAI money will be used for.

Download Application Form

Congratulations 2009 Mini-Grant Recipients!

Six $200.00 mini-grants were awarded for the 2009 grant cycle. Proposals were submitted from teachers, nature centers, and other organizations from throughout the state to make this year’s grant funding quite competitive. All proposals described a project that would create or enhance an environmental education goal, but funds were awarded to those who showed the strongest commitment to specific and sustainable objectives. The grant committee had a tough job! All grant recipients must submit a post-grant report by November 2010.

EEAI wishes to congratulate to the following grantees:

Champaign County Forest Preserve District:
Supportive Funding for their annual Migration Fest

Pheasants Forever and Max McGraw Wildlife Federation:
Supportive Funding for the Landscape Investigator education program

New Central Elementary, Havana Dist. 126:
Students will participate in the Wonderful Wet¬land Adventure educational program

Thorn Creek Nature Center:
Supportive Funding to help develop new exhibits

Coles County SWCD:
Supportive Funding to develop resource kits for classrooms and workshops

Deerfield High School:
Students will use grant funds to impliment and plant an outdoor classroom

The 2010 grant cycle is now underway. Grant proposals can be submitted anytime between now and September 30, 2010.