Be Outside, Idaho Grant

The Be Outside, Idaho organization has opened the 2024-2025 grant cycle to support efforts aimed at connecting children to nature through outdoor and environmental education projects. This grant opportunity is available to a broad range of applicants, including teachers, librarians, daycare facilities, and other organizations or individuals who seek to engage youth with outdoor activities. The central mission of this initiative is to inspire children to explore nature, whether in their backyards or through more expansive outdoor experiences in Idaho. The deadline for submitting grant applications is November 1, 2024, at 5:00 PM Mountain Time. The maximum grant amount awarded is $2,500, and the grant operates strictly on a reimbursement basis. Recipients will receive funds after the successful completion of their projects and submission of all required documentation. A complete grant report, including photographs that showcase the project's results, must be submitted by June 2, 2025, to receive funding. This means applicants must initially cover their project costs and will only be reimbursed once the project is finished and all grant conditions have been met. It's important to note that certain expenses are ineligible for funding, such as transportation, entrance fees, food, school gym or track use, permanent personnel salaries, and promotional items like t-shirts. Although salaries for permanent staff are not covered, funds may be allocated for essential specialized roles, such as interns, Master Naturalists, or other specialists who contribute to the project's educational and research-focused activities. These roles should be closely tied to the project's objectives and be critical to its success in engaging children with outdoor education or natural resource-related activities. This grant is part of the Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative (IRTI), which is a collaborative effort between various state and federal agencies as well as non-profit organizations. The goal is to promote outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and natural resource education among Idaho’s youth, their families, and schools. Eligible applicants include Idaho-based schools, government entities, and non-profit organizations that align with the mission of Be Outside, Idaho and meet the grant criteria. The projects should clearly support outdoor activities that connect children with nature, consistent with the organization's broader mission to foster a love of the outdoors. Applications must be submitted via email to Skylar Jett at IDRecreationTourism@gmail.com by the November 1, 2024, deadline. Projects are expected to be completed by the reporting deadline of June 2, 2025. The grant review process will focus on the alignment of the proposed project with the organization’s mission, the feasibility and impact of the project, and the clarity of the budget and timeline provided in the application. Given the reimbursement model of this grant, applicants should be prepared to front the costs of their projects and ensure that their submissions meet all requirements for a successful reimbursement. This opportunity offers valuable support for those committed to enhancing outdoor and environmental education for Idaho’s youth.