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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is excited to announce the continuation of the No Child Left Inside Grant Program.
Recent and emerging research indicates that students are increasingly disconnected from nature. Getting more youth outdoors is crucial for the future stewardship of Minnesota’s natural resources. Public entities and nonprofit organizations serving people younger than 18 can apply for No Child Left Inside grants until 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17.
The No Child Left Inside program offers grants to schools and nonprofits to support and increase efforts to connect youth to the outdoors. Past programs have allowed more children to cast a line, study animal tracks, hike, bike, or engage in other activities to experience and learn more about nature.
The DNR is accepting applications for both mini grants (less than $5,000) and larger grants ($5,001 to $25,000). Total amount of available funding this year is $485,000.
The grant funding will serve: Minnesota youth under 18 years of age - Activities that include family participation are eligible, but the primary focus must be on youth.
Programming that maximizes the number of participants, especially from new and diverse audiences with limited opportunities.
Grant outcomes will include: Community-focused projects with ongoing impact, rather than one-time events.
New or innovative programming - Existing programs must demonstrate a significant expansion in scope or the inclusion of all new audiences.
Experiences that provide youth with direct exposure to and an understanding of nature.
Opportunities for outdoor recreation or to learn new outdoor skills.
Use of natural spaces, public parks, and other natural resource venues and personnel.
Applicants must commit matching funds or in-kind resources. There is no minimum required. Match is any amount will be considered when evaluating grant applicants.
A complete list of grant priorities, requirements and eligible activities and expenses can be found in the request for proposals (PDF). The request for proposals and more information about how to apply are available on the DNR website: mndnr.gov/no-child-grants.
Ineligible activities include: Organized sports or recreational activities that occur on human-made surfaces, developed landscapes, or at indoor facilities.
Annual field days, festivals, and other one-day events.
Gardening for food projects and other large-scale plantings. Construction and maintenance of trails or outdoor facilities.
Installation of fishing piers or shooting ranges.
Installation of outdoor classrooms, benches, awnings, playground equipment or fencing.
For-profit projects or fundraising activities.
Hunting and fishing competitions with cash awards or prizes.
Purchase of hunting or fishing licenses, tags or stamps.
Purchase of firearms, ammunition or clay targets.
