Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program

The Missouri State Parks Bus Grant program is designed to facilitate educational field trips for students and youth groups by covering transportation costs to Missouri state parks and historic sites. The program's goal is to provide opportunities for children to connect with nature, history, and recreational experiences in Missouri. The grant is available to assist schools and nonprofit organizations with the expenses related to transporting students to these destinations, reinforcing Missouri State Parks' commitment to outdoor education and youth engagement. Public school districts, private schools, charter schools, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that focus on youth education are eligible to apply for this grant. However, eligibility is restricted to schools and organizations that are physically located within Missouri. Each school district may receive funding for up to two applications during the initial review process, with additional applications considered based on available funds. Only one application per school per field trip is allowed. The grant funds must be used exclusively to cover transportation costs, including standard mileage costs for school- or organization-owned buses or vans, charter bus expenses, and wages or salaries for bus drivers. The grant does not cover expenses such as admission fees, food, or lodging. Grant recipients are responsible for making their own transportation arrangements. As part of the program's requirements, applicants must coordinate their trip with Missouri State Parks staff before submitting an application. To receive funding, applicants must document their field trip by providing photographic proof of their visit. This can be done by either posting a photo on social media and tagging @MoStateParks or by emailing a photo to the designated grant contact. Grant recipients must also agree to allow Missouri State Parks to use these images for marketing purposes. The maximum grant amount is $750, and no matching funds are required from the applicant. Applications must be submitted via email or mail by May 23, 2025, for trips planned during the 2024-2025 school year, running from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The grant is noncompetitive and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be prioritized based on eligibility, geographical distribution of funds, and timely submission. The funds will be provided via electronic transfer upon approval, and grant recipients must maintain records of transportation expenses for auditing purposes.