Nature of Learning Grant Program

Posted by on May 4, 2009

Nature of Learning Grant Program Offers Support for Outdoor Classroom Programs
Deadline: June 15, 2009

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is accepting applications from organizations interested in initiating a Nature of Learning program in their communities.

The Nature of Learning is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System’s community-based environmental education initiative. The program uses National Wildlife Refuges as outdoor classrooms to promote a greater understanding of local conservation issues, encourage an interdisciplinary approach to learning, and utilize field experiences and student-led stewardship projects to connect classroom lessons to real world issues. The program also involves a partnership among local schools, community groups, natural resource professionals, and local businesses.

Schools or nonprofit organizations, including “Friends” groups, Cooperative and Interpretive Associations, Audubon Chapters, etc., are eligible to apply for funding. Programs must involve a partnership among a local school(s), community group (e.g., Refuge Support Group), and National Wildlife Refuge. Projects must be completed within eighteen months.

First year start-up grants are available for up to $10,000. Second year follow-up grants of up to $5,000 are available to support continued implementation of the Nature of Learning program. Matching contributions are not required; however, strong preference will be given to applications that leverage the grant award with contributions from project partners.

Visit the NFWF Web site for complete program guidelines.

Link to Complete RFP: http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Charter_Programs_List&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=12346