Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program

The Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, is designed to increase access to outdoor education by funding transportation costs for school and youth-group field trips to state parks and historic sites. The program supports the department’s broader mission to connect children with Missouri’s natural, cultural, and recreational assets, offering immersive learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom setting. Eligible applicants include public school districts, private and charter schools, and nonprofit youth-focused organizations with 501(c)(3) status, provided they are located in Missouri. The grant strictly funds transportation expenses such as mileage, fuel, driver wages, and charter bus rentals. It excludes costs like food, lodging, and admission fees. All applicants must make their own travel arrangements and must coordinate directly with the target state park or historic site prior to applying. Each school district may be awarded up to two grants during the initial application review period, limited to one application per school per field trip. Additional applications may be considered pending fund availability after all initial awards are distributed. Missouri State Parks encourages early planning by accepting applications before the scheduled field trip date. Each application must include supporting documentation verifying transportation costs, such as a vehicle rental agreement or a letter from a school administrator. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate coordination with state park staff and commit to providing proof of the trip’s completion. This includes submitting a photograph via email or tagging @MoStateParks on social media, along with appropriate permissions. These photos may be used by the department for marketing and outreach. Grantees are also required to make documentation of trip costs available for audits and must return the funds if the trip is canceled after disbursement. The program awards up to $750 per field trip and is noncompetitive, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline for the 2025–2026 school year is May 12, 2026, and the grant covers trips occurring between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Applications may be submitted by email or mail, with email preferred. Funds are paid via electronic transfer upon award, and applicants must be registered vendors with MissouriBuys to receive disbursements. In addition to addressing cost barriers, the Bus Grant Program promotes geographic equity. For applications received on the deadline date, special consideration may be given to organizations from underfunded regions of the state. Interested parties can find the application, instructions, and additional information at mostateparks.com or contact mspgrants@dnr.mo.gov.

Submit early; coordinate with park staff; attach proof of transportation costs.