We are excited to share that we have revamped our education grant program to make it more accessible and attractive to teachers and other leaders working with students and children in our service area. New this year we’ll be processing requests on a monthly basis to get funding into the hands of folks with great project ideas, and we’ve increased the amount of money that can be applied for to up to $1K per project. We believe strongly that helping our youngest community members connect with the natural world on a daily basis is key to nurturing a culture of conservation and a love for birds.
Starting in May of 2022, we opened the application process to projects based in Franklin, Grand Isle, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orleans, and Essex counties. Applications will be reviewed and rewarded on a monthly basis to make it easy to get your great ideas off and running! Here’s what we’re looking for:
Sustained opportunities for engagement with nature. Field trips are great, but we’re interested in projects that show that repeated connection with nature is a priority.
Embracing a consistent practice of time spent in the outdoors. We want to see that your program is helping kids build lasting relationships with the natural world.
Creative design that breaks down barriers to getting outside! Do you need a safety assessment of your schoolyard? A closet of winter gear so the weather won’t hold you back? A gathering place with tree stump stools where kids can meet?
We want to help you get outdoors with your students so you can explore the natural world in your community! We want to provide you with the means to take that first step in making nature connection a core part of how children are learning about their community, the wildlife in their neighborhood, and ultimately, themselves.
We have a simple online application to help you get started. And we’re open to any questions or ideas you may have about the process and getting started with building your practice of nature connection with kids.
Please feel free to reach out to us at edgrants@greenmountainaudubon.org
Click here for details about the grant and the link to the online application!
~ Bridget Butler, GMAS Board