Mini-Grants
Do you have a project that would educate your community about an environmental issue? Do you have a curriculum that will engage your participants in learning about an ecological concept? Can you provide an experience that will help students increase their understanding of the natural world?
EEAI mini-grants are awarded each year for up to $350 per proposal. This is a competitive process with a state-wide review committee. Successful grants are ones that follow the guidelines listed below and show how the project will have a sustained impact. For example, a student field trip to learn about the function and value of wetlands will have more of an impact if supplies, field guides, and equipment are purchased and re-used, and the experience is supplemented with classroom curriculum.
Eligible Applicants: Illinois formal and non-formal educators are eligible to apply. MUST be members of EEAI.
Proposals must be received by October 31. Funds may be used from November 31 through October 1 of the following year.
More information can be found on our Members Page under Publications.
EEAI mini-grants are awarded each year for up to $350 per proposal. This is a competitive process with a state-wide review committee. Successful grants are ones that follow the guidelines listed below and show how the project will have a sustained impact. For example, a student field trip to learn about the function and value of wetlands will have more of an impact if supplies, field guides, and equipment are purchased and re-used, and the experience is supplemented with classroom curriculum.
Eligible Applicants: Illinois formal and non-formal educators are eligible to apply. MUST be members of EEAI.
Proposals must be received by October 31. Funds may be used from November 31 through October 1 of the following year.
More information can be found on our Members Page under Publications.
Past Mini Grant Recipients
Congratulations 2017 Mini-Grant Recipients!
Successful proposals meet the criteria that EEAI has set for the proposals, including the goals, objectives, sustainability, impact, and evaluation method, as outlined on the application; the strength of the environmental education mission; and the overall quality of the project.
This was a highly competitive process! Many excellent proposals were considered. Based on the approved budget for Mini grants, 4 grants were able to be funded:
Lake County Forest Preserves: Endangered Species
The LCFP environmental education staff has a new program using scientific research conducted by district biologists on the state endangered Blanding’s turtle. EEAI funding will support the purchase of telemetry equipment that will be used as part of the program. Sixth grade students from a local school district will participate in hands-on activities associated with the research.
Spring Valley Nature Center: Wetland Ecosystem Nature Center
Spring Valley Nature Center will facilitate a program with AP Biology classes to investigate the role and importance of wetlands. EEAI funds will help them purchase water chemistry Vernier Probes for water testing data.
Douglas-Hart Nature Center: Using Bat Detectors and Bat Houses to Enhance EE Programs
Douglas-Hart NC will use funds to purchase 2 Echo Meter Touch 2 bat detectors to monitor, explore, and research local bat species. This equipment will be used in existing programs for groups of schools, scouts, and family programs.
Anita Purves Nature Center: Water Quality and Macroinvertebrate Study
Equipment will be purchased for collecting and identifying macroinvertebrates and simple water quality test kits. They will use the supplies for at least 10 programs to investigate the biotic and abiotic health of various local wetland ecosystems within the park district.
Successful proposals meet the criteria that EEAI has set for the proposals, including the goals, objectives, sustainability, impact, and evaluation method, as outlined on the application; the strength of the environmental education mission; and the overall quality of the project.
This was a highly competitive process! Many excellent proposals were considered. Based on the approved budget for Mini grants, 4 grants were able to be funded:
Lake County Forest Preserves: Endangered Species
The LCFP environmental education staff has a new program using scientific research conducted by district biologists on the state endangered Blanding’s turtle. EEAI funding will support the purchase of telemetry equipment that will be used as part of the program. Sixth grade students from a local school district will participate in hands-on activities associated with the research.
Spring Valley Nature Center: Wetland Ecosystem Nature Center
Spring Valley Nature Center will facilitate a program with AP Biology classes to investigate the role and importance of wetlands. EEAI funds will help them purchase water chemistry Vernier Probes for water testing data.
Douglas-Hart Nature Center: Using Bat Detectors and Bat Houses to Enhance EE Programs
Douglas-Hart NC will use funds to purchase 2 Echo Meter Touch 2 bat detectors to monitor, explore, and research local bat species. This equipment will be used in existing programs for groups of schools, scouts, and family programs.
Anita Purves Nature Center: Water Quality and Macroinvertebrate Study
Equipment will be purchased for collecting and identifying macroinvertebrates and simple water quality test kits. They will use the supplies for at least 10 programs to investigate the biotic and abiotic health of various local wetland ecosystems within the park district.