Environmental Education Association of Illinois
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Additional Grant Opportunities


ALDI- Smart Kids Program
ALDI provides funding from $1,000-$5,000 to teachers for projects focused on student health and wellness. They support projects focused on education, art, athletics and any other program that inspires kids to be active and healthy. Applications accepted Feb. 1 - Dec. 15th. 
​corporate.aldi.us/en/corporate-responsibility/aldi-smart-kids/
Association of American Educators Classroom Grants
AAE's Classroom grants (average amount of $500) can be used for a variety of projects and materials, including but not limited to books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audiovisual equipment and lab materials. Classroom grants are available to all educators. Annual application deadlines are October 1 and March 1. For more information, visit http://www.aaeteachers.org/index.php/member-benefits/scholarships-and-grants.

The Braitmayer Foundation
Established in 1964, The Braitmayer Foundation is a third-generation family foundation encouraging innovative programs to enhance the quality of education at the pre-collegiate level. The foundation is interested in proposals that utilize innovative practices in K-12 education throughout the United States. Of particular interest are curricular and school reform initiatives, preparation of and professional development opportunities for teachers, particularly those which encourage people of high ability and diverse backgrounds to enter and remain in K-12 teaching. Fore more information visit  ​http://www.braitmayerfoundation.org/guidelines/
Captain Planet Foundation Grants
The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation is to promote and support high-quality educational programs that enable children and youth to understand and appreciate the world through active, hands-on projects designed to improve the environment in their schools and communities. The foundation intends its grants to serve as catalysts for getting environment- based education into schools and inspire youth and communities to participate in community service through environmental stewardship. Requests for funding less than $500 will be given preference and occasionally grants of up to $2,500 will be considered. Schools and organizations with operating budgets of less than $3 million are eligible to apply. More information is available at the Captain Planet Foundation website: http://captainplanetfoundation.org/apply-for-grants/.

Celebrate Urban Birds Mini-Grants
Calling all urban ornithologists or those wanting to host an urban event. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has mini-grants from $100-500 available to host a Celebrate Urban Birds event. For more information, visit http://celebrateurbanbirds.org/community/minigrants/.
Cliff Bar Family Foundation
Funding priorities include: 
  • Protect Earth's beauty and bounty.
  • Create a robust, healthy food system.
  • Increase opportunities for outdoor activity.
  • Reduce environmental health hazards.
  • Build stronger communities.
Grants can be awarded for general organizational support or for special projects. 
Deadlines: Feb. 1, June 1 and Oct. 1

clifbarfamilyfoundation.org/Grants-Programs/Small-Grants
Connecting Youth to the Outdoors Grant Program
The National Environmental Education Foundation in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service seek to catalyze efforts to increase the number of pre-K-12 youth, particularly urban and/or underserved youth, who build a connection with public lands as places for recreating, learning and volunteering. Proposed projects should maximize hands-on outdoor engagement opportunities on public lands, focused on the areas of education, recreation and environmental stewardship. Multiple grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 are available to select applicants. Nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and tribal groups are eligible to apply. Please contact the National Environmental Education Foundation for more information and to apply for this funding: http://www.neefusa.org/grants/connecting_youth.
EPA Environmental Education Grants
This grant program funds environmental education projects. Environmental information and outreach may be important elements of EE projects, but these activities by themselves are not environmental education. By itself, environmental information only addresses awareness and knowledge, usually about a particular environmental issue. Outreach involves information dissemination and requests or suggestions for action on a particular issue (often without the critical thinking, problem solving and decision making steps in between). EE covers the range of steps and activities from awareness to action with an ultimate goal of environmental stewardship. Grant application details can be found at EPA's environmental education grant website - https://www.epa.gov/education/grantswww.epa.gov/education/grants

ExtremeTerrain's Clean Trail Initiative Program
This program will provide eligible groups the opportunity to apply for a grant to fund their next trail improvement related project which could range from trail clean-up, trail restoration, trail expansion, to name a few. Various Wrangler and 4x4 groups and organizations as well as publicly and privately owned off-road trails are all invited to apply for the grant.
Along with the grant, ExtremeTerrain will provide industrial strength trash bags for collection of any debris.
​For more information and to apply: https://www.extremeterrain.com/clean-trail-initiative-program.html


Frances R. Dewing Foundation Grants
The Frances R. Dewing Foundation gives grants only to programs that deal directly with early childhood education. Within that context, support is given for preschool, elementary, and other education; conservation and environmental protection; the fine and performing arts and other cultural programs; and social services. Programs must serve children younger than age 12. Giving is limited to the United States, with emphasis on the New England states in the Northeast. Annual application deadlines are October 1 and April 1. The average grant amount is $15,000. For more information, /dewingfoundation.org/apply/
Herb Society of America
Samull Classroom Herb Garden grants provide 3rd - 6th grade teachers $200 in "seed money" to start an indoor or outdoor herb garden. Deadline October 1st. 
https://www.herbsociety.org/explore/grants-scholarships/application-for-the-donald-samull-classroom-grant.html
Honda Foundation
The American Honda Foundation was established to help meet the needs of American society in the areas of youth and scientific education. Nonprofits and school districts are eligible. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000 to be used in one year. For more information visit  ​www.honda.com/community/applying-for-a-grant


Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom
Each year the state-wide Ag in the Classroom program awards both project grants and book grants to teachers all over the state. Teachers can apply for up to $300 for an agriculture or outdoor learning related project and up to $250 in books related to agriculture and science. Applications are due by October 1st. 
​www.agintheclassroom.org/TeacherResources/Grants.html
Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant
Prekindergarten through grade 12 teachers may apply for up to $500 to cover the costs of transportation and substitute teachers for a field trip to one of Illinois’ natural resources sites. The field trip must occur in the calendar year that the funds are received. For detailed instructions and the application form, visit www2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/GrantsIBFTG.aspx

Illinois Grantwatch
This site is a listing of grant opportunities. You can search by categories including Children, Community Service, Environment, Science, and more: http://illinois.grantwatch.com/collection.php?region=all.

Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund
The Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund Grant Program is designed to preserve, protect, perpetuate and enhance non-game wildlife and native plant resources of Illinois through preservation of a satisfactory environment and an ecological balance. Projects proposed for grant funding must focus on management, site inventories or education and cannot exceed $2,000.00. Management projects are those activities related to stewardship of land and/or water which are of direct benefit to non-game wildlife, native plants and natural communities.
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/grants/Pages/IllinoisWildlifepreservationFund.aspx


Kresge Foundation Grants
Grants relating to adaptation to climate change, energy efficiency/renewable energy, community health partnerships and healthy environments are available from The Kresge Foundation. We support efforts that create access and opportunity in underserved communities, working through the seven programs. Each program focuses on specific areas so we ask that you begin by learning more about the program that best fits your project; learn more at https://kresge.org/grants-social-investments/current-funding-opportunities/ Current grant opportunities are identified here. Please note some grant opportunities are open only to applicants invited by program staff members. Visit the web site for more details.
Lake Education Assistance Program (LEAP) Grants
This Illinois EPA grant program provides funding (up to $500 per application period) for lake and lake watershed related educational field trips, seminars or workshops, projects, or activities. Projects and activities must have stated goals and involve the enhanced lake or lake watershed education of teachers, students, organizations or the community. LEAP is a reimbursement grant.  Application deadlines are September 30 and January 31. Only one application per school or organization for each application period will be accepted.  For more information, visit ilma-lakes.org/lake-education-assistance-program-leap-grants
 The Lawrence Foundation
​This private family foundation was founded in 2000 and has since awarded over $4.5 million to charitable organizations around the US. Their grant program has deadlines twice a year, April 30th and November 1. Their funding priorities focus on projects that are related to the environment, human services and disaster relief. For more information ​https://thelawrencefoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant and be sure to check out the grant guidelines. 
Local Giving Program
The Walmart Foundation supports programs and initiatives addressing education, workforce development, economic sustainability and health and wellness. Multiple awards ranging from $250-5,000 are available for select applicants. Nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, church or faith based organizations and government entities are eligible to apply. Please visit https://walmart.org/how-we-give/local-community-grants for more information.

Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grants
Searching for funding for your outdoor classroom, schoolyard garden or school greening project? Lowe's will donate $5 million to public schools and public school parent teacher groups at more than 1,000 different public schools per school year. This grant program is for projects that encourage parent involvement and build stronger community spirit. Preference is given to funding requests that have a permanent impact such as facility enhancement (both indoor and outdoor) and landscaping projects. For more information, visit corporate.lowes.com/our-responsibilities

NEA Foundation - Learning and Leadership Grants
This grant program helps NEA members gain professional development that their district may not be able to support financially. Grants can be awarded to individuals or groups. Preference is given to applications that incorporate STEM and/or global competence in their projects. Two levels of fundings exist; $2,000 and $5,000. Applications reviewed 3 times a year. For more information visit ​https://www.neafoundation.org/for-educators/learning-and-leadership-grants/
NEA Foundation Student Achievement Grants
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.  Any practicing U.S. teacher, counselor, or education support professional employed by a public school, including public higher education institutions, is eligible to apply for a grant from the Foundation. The proposed work 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. The grant amounts available are $2,000 and $5,000. Grant funds may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, technology, or scholars-in-residence. Grants will fund activities for 12 months from the date of the award. Application deadlines are February 1, June 1, and October 1. For more information, visit /www.neafoundation.org/for-educators/student-success-grants/
Patagonia Environmental Grants
Patagonia provides grants for small, grassroots activist organizations aimed at preserving and protecting the environment. The company funds work that is action-oriented, builds public involvement and support, and protects local habitat. Grants range from $3,000 to $8,000. Applications can be submitted at retail stores and online. For more information, visit http://www.patagonia.com/us/patagonia.go?assetid=2942.




PLT GreenWorks! Grant Program
Do you have an idea for a school/community native plant garden, a forest improvement project, a streamside restoration plan, a recycling program, or energy conservation project for your students? Need funds to implement it? Apply for a $1,000 Project Learning Tree (PLT) GreenWorks! grant. GreenWorks! is the service-learning, community action program of PLT that partners, PLT educators, students, and communities in environmental neighborhood improvement projects. Applicants must have attended, or be registered for, a PLT educator workshop by the deadline. Visit http://www.plt.org/applyforagrant for more information.
The Pollination Project
The Pollination Project is offering a grant of $1,000 per day every day this year to individuals with a plan to make a positive difference in their community. Environmental projects are encouraged. For more information, visit http://thepollinationproject.org/.

Save On Energy Teacher Grants
Interested in winning $500 for your classroom? SaveOnEnergy.com® is looking for the best lesson plans for teaching students about energy or sustainability. SaveOnEnergy.com will award six $500 grants, in the form of Visa Reward Cards, to be used toward classroom materials and activities. Winners' lesson plans will be featured on SaveOnEnergy.com for other teachers to use as resources for their classrooms. The deadline for the application is October 21,2016. For more information, visit https://www.saveonenergy.com/teacher-grant/.
School Garden Grants Program/Whole Kids Foundation
Awards of $2,000 are available to select applicants. Nonprofit organizations and nonprofit K-12 schools are eligible to apply. For more information, visit www.wholekidsfoundation.org/programs/school-gardens-grant

Schoolyard Habitat Program
The Schoolyard Habitat Program helps teachers and students create a naturalized wildlife habitat for classroom field studies and observations. The Program provides technical and organizational assistance to schools to create outdoor classrooms that are effective as educational tools and sustainable habitats. Qualified schools or organizations serving K-12 students are eligible for funding and may receive up to $8,000 for projects. Schools must work cooperatively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and School Garden Network (SGN) to be considered for funding. The first step to creating a successful Schoolyard Habitat Project is to assemble a team that includes students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members who will support and help sustain the project.  The Schoolyard Habitat Program works with schools to provide project guidance, teacher training, and helps develop written materials. For more information contact Laurel Anderson & Sabrina Howell, SGN Schoolyard Habitat Coordinators: Schoolhabitats@gmail.com. For more information, visit  or https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/GrantsSHAG.aspxwww2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/GrantsSHAG.aspx
Target Field Trip Grant
Here's a great opportunity for you to offer your students a valuable field trip at little or no cost to you or your school.  Target Corporation will award thousands of Field Trip Grants for up to $700 each. For more information, visit https://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/grants/field-trip-grants.
USDA Farm to School Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm to School Grants help schools connect with local agricultural producers. For more information, visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/cfs/farm-school-grant-programwww.fns.usda.gov/cfs/farm-school-grant-program
Youth Garden Grants
The National Gardening Association will be awarding Youth Garden Grants to schools and community organizations with child-centered garden programs. For this grant cycle, 100 grants are available. Schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities and inter-generational groups throughout the U.S. are eligible. Applicants must plan to garden with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. Previous winners may reapply, but must wait one year and must have significantly expanded their garden programs. kidsgardening.org/2021-youth-garden-grant/

Wildlife Acoustics
Product support made available to grant recipients for wildlife research related projects. Community-based science programs and projects are eligible as well.
Projects should involved wildlife vocalization recordings and advance scientific knowledge and conservation efforts. Learn more about this opportunity.
​Grants awarded quarterly.  



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