OLG Outdoor Learning Grants

Funding

$1,850,000

Details

Grant Limit

$250,000

Details

Match Requirement

None

Details

The Washington State Legislature funded the Outdoor Learning Grants program, administered by the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, with the goal to develop and support outdoor educational experiences for students in Washington public schools.

All children deserve access to outdoor spaces where they can learn, play, and grow, but access to outdoor educational opportunities is inequitable.

From reducing stress, to improving mental and physical health, outdoor-based learning helps kids thrive. Research shows that kids who participate in outdoor educational activities are more likely to graduate, are better behaved in school, and have more relationships with peers, higher academic achievement, more critical thinking skills, and more direct experience of scientific concepts in the field. They also have better leadership and collaboration skills, and a deeper engagement with learning, place, and community.

Grant Application Schedule

Item Date

Application Webinar, Applications Open

August 10, 2022 

Pre-application Due

August 19, 2022 

Applications Due

September 1, 2022 

Evaluation

September 7, 2022 - September 21, 2022

Grants Awarded

October 1, 2022 Estimate

Grant Award History

Most recent grants and evaluation results, listed by the application year.

Application Resources

Grant Manual

Announcements

Watch youth learn about tribal sovereignty from the President of Quinault Indian Nation, Guy Capoeman, during the Institute for Community Leadership’s Days of Gratitude Academy.

Watch the 2022 Application Webinar recording here!

Typical Projects

  • Hands-on, environmental education, nature-based learning experiences
  • Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education activities
  • Learning about habitat restoration and environmental stewardship activities
  • Integration of professional environmental and land management mentors in learning
  • Immersed learning in field studies, journaling, and group discussions

Who May Apply?

  • Federally recognized Native American tribes
  • Outdoor education providers
    • Local governments (cities, towns, counties, port districts, park and recreation districts, etc.)
    • Qualified nonprofit organizations (501(c)3, 501(c)1, or 501(c)4 tax-exempt organizations). See the grant manual for specific requirements.
    • State agencies

Funding

This is a new program but funding is expected in future years. The Legislature provides funding from general tax dollars.

Grant Limits

$25,000 minimum grant request

$250,000 maximum grant request

Match Details

There is no match required.

Eligible Programs

Pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade, experiential, outdoor education program activities learning in, for, or about the outdoors. Programs must develop and support educational experiences for students in Washington public schools.

Grants may be used to support existing capacity and to increase future capacity for outdoor learning experiences.

Programs should have a focus on outdoor education aligned with the Washington State content learning standards and the development of social and emotional learning skills. Programs are encouraged to review the Since Time Immemorial Curriculum developed by the Office of Native Education at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and infuse traditional ecological knowledge into the field experiences for students. In implementing student educational experiences, outdoor education providers should ensure equitable access for students in all geographic regions, and high levels of accessibility for students with disabilities.

Ineligible Projects

Ineligible projects include the following:

  • Land acquisition
  • Facility construction
  • Programs that do not include direct youth outdoor education programming

A full list of ineligible projects in the grant manual.

Long-Term Commitment

Equipment bought with grants should be retained for eligible or similar uses. See details in the grant manual.

Questions?

Beth Auerbach

Outdoor Grants Manager – Outdoor Education and Recreation Programs

360-280-6103

Kyle Guzlas

Grant Services Section Manager

360-972-0168

Hearing Impaired, call 711.