Bay Backpack

The NEA Foundation's Student Achievement grant could be used to support inquiry-based student learning activities about environmental issues.

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!

Be Water Wise DC 2011 Grants

The National Environmental Education Foundation’s Be Water Wise DC grant program engages partners from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to work with teachers and school staff to raise awareness of local water issues and improve water conservation and stormwater management in school buildings and grounds. As a part of the program, each participating Be Water Wise DC school is eligible to receive a grant of up to $1,000.  These grants will support a school-based water conservation or stormwater management project that will engage students in addressing water issues in their school building and grounds. Applications are due by December 8, 2011.

Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini Grants – Maryland Only

Through the Mini Grant Environmental Education Program, the Trust seeks to increase student awareness and student involvement in the restoration and protection of the Bay and its local streams and rivers. Grant requests can be made for up to $5,000 for funding Watershed Education Experiences and Program, Service Learning and Action Projects, or Professional Development Workshops and Curriculum.  The Mini Grant Environmental Education proposal decisions will no longer be made on a rolling basis. Applications are due by January 13, 2012.

Captain Planet Foundation Grants

These grants are intended to serve as a catalyst to getting environment-based education in schools, and inspire youth and communities to participate in community service through environmental stewardship activities. Grants are limited to $2,500 and preferential consideration is given to applicants who have secured at least 50% matching or in-kind funding for their program. Applications are due by January 15, 2012.

Toshiba Grants for Grades 6-12

Do you teach 6-12 science or math? Do you have a wish list of instructional equipment that will make learning more exciting for your students? If the answer is yes to these questions, Toshiba America Foundation would like to hear from you. Grade 6-12 grant applications for $5,000 or less are accepted on a rolling basis, throughout the calendar year. If you wish to submit a grant request for more than $5,000, applications are due by February 1, 2012.

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(s). 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. Grant requests can be submitted for $2,000 and $5,000. Applications are due by February 1, 2012.

Learning & Leadership Grants

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. Applications are due by February 1, 2012.

2012 Wildlife Conservation Youth Engagement Grants

Whether you’re in a city, rural area or a suburb, wildlife is all around you. In many places, wildlife faces challenges. Are you a high school student with a creative idea for conserving and protecting wildlife and its habitat in your community? Planet Connect is offering high school students grants of $1,000 to implement their problem-solving projects and participate in a local internship focused on wildlife conservation. Applications are due by February 1, 2012.

Schools of Distinction Competition

Every year, Intel honors U.S. schools demonstrating excellence in math and science education through innovative teaching and learning environments. To be considered as an Intel School of Distinction, schools must develop an environment and curricula that meet or exceed benchmarks put forth by national mathematics and science content standards. The 18 school finalists in this competition will receive a cash grant of $5,000 from the Intel Foundation and a trip to Washington, D.C., for a four-member team from their school and district. Six winners will be selected from the finalists and receive a $10,000 cash grant. One of these winners will be selected as the “Star Innovator” and will receive a $15,000 grant. Applications are due by February 23, 2012.