- This foundation plays a critical role in supporting under-resourced schools and programs. For example, in 2009 more than $355,000 was awarded to outdoor education and environmental education programs in Oregon. Recipients included Adelante Mujeres, who were able to undergo teacher training on place-based early childhood education; the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute, which was able to provide three-day residential outdoor sessions for underserved fifth-graders; the Hood River County School District, which enhanced its outdoor site-based ecology curriculum; and the Institute for Applied Ecology, which restored native ecosystems on school grounds for use as outdoor classrooms.
Grants are awarded twice a year, in the spring and the fall. The Gray Family Fund in particular supports outdoor and environmental education work through the Community Foundation. - The Environmental Education Association of Oregon, or EEAO, provides leadership and educational support for environmental education to achieve a vision of a healthy, sustainable environment. The EEAO lists a number of organizations as in-kind donors or sponsors, including the Columbia Basin Trust, Oregon Coachways, Adopt-A-Stream Foundation, LaMotte, Columbia River Journeys and River City Tours, Northwoods Canoe Company, and Portland Parks and Recreation's Department of Environmental Education. If you have an exceptionally well-thought-through plan for the work you want to do, consider approaching those on the list or other organizations or companies who have a vested interest in protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy. For any project, consider approaching businesses in your local area; some will be happy to make a contribution in exchange for publicity and for supporting a worthy cause.
- In the past, the Environmental Protection Agency awarded Environmental Justice Small Grants as well as environmental education grants, through its headquarters as well as their regional offices. Project funds of $5,000 to $200,000 were awarded to many types of applicants, including colleges, nonprofits and educational organizations. The government's standard grants website, Grants.gov, in the past was not used for this application, so check with the EPA website or contact EPA Region 10, Oregon's regional affiliate.
- EPA Region 10 provides a resource of more than 90 grant-makers related to environmental education; request a copy by calling 206-553-4973. Also, the Environmental Finance Center at Idaho's Boise State University provides a number of useful tools. Check with your librarian at your local library for any other resources that can help you identify and contact grant-makers or funders related to outdoor and environmental education.
- Research published by the State Education and Environment Roundtable in 2002 reports that students who partake in environmental education, closely linked to outdoor education, perform better on standardized tests, show increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning, and feel greater pride and ownership in their accomplishments, so those applying for grants have an excellent case
for donors on how their funds will benefit society.
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