EPA Environmental Education Grants
Eligibility
Nonprofit organizations, local education agencies (school districts), colleges, universities, and state/local government agencies. Wisconsin schools apply through EPA Region 5 (Chicago). For-profit organizations are not eligible.
Program Goals
EPA's Environmental Education (EE) Grant program supports projects that improve the public's understanding of environmental issues and enhance their ability to make informed decisions. For K-12 schools, grants fund curriculum development, teacher training, and hands-on environmental learning programs.
Learn more at https://www.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-grants
Application
Apply through grants.gov during the annual EE grant cycle. Wisconsin schools apply to EPA Region 5 (headquartered in Chicago). Applications require a project narrative, environmental education objectives, evaluation plan, and budget. Check epa.gov/education for the current year's solicitation.
Cycle Notes
Annual competitive grant cycle. Solicitations are typically published in winter/spring for the current fiscal year. Award decisions are made in summer or fall.
Award Amount
Up to $100,000 per grant for a one-to-two year project. Some multi-year grants are available for larger initiatives.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education products that qualify for this grant:
- Climate Action Kit — Directly supports EPA's environmental education mission — students engage with real climate data, environmental systems, and solution design.
- Smart Solar Energy Kit — Renewable energy and environmental systems exploration aligned with EPA's focus on environmental literacy and clean technology.
- Coding for Good Kit — Environmental monitoring and data analysis projects that integrate coding with environmental science — a strong fit for EPA EE grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wisconsin have its own EPA region contact?
Yes. Wisconsin is in EPA Region 5, based in Chicago. Grants for Wisconsin organizations are administered through Region 5. Contact info at epa.gov/region5.
Can a public school district apply directly?
Yes. Local education agencies (school districts) are explicitly eligible applicants for EPA EE grants.
Is there a match requirement?
Yes. EPA EE grants typically require a 25% cost share/match from non-federal sources. Some match can be in-kind.
What environmental topics are in scope?
Air quality, water quality, climate change, biodiversity, waste reduction, environmental justice, and any topic where improved environmental understanding leads to better decisions.
Can I apply if my organization is not an environmental nonprofit?
Yes. Schools and general nonprofits with strong environmental education programs are eligible — you do not need to be an environmental organization.
Need Help With Your Grant Application?
Forward Education's grant support team helps Wisconsin schools navigate funding opportunities, write stronger applications, and select the right products for their programs.
Download the Wisconsin Grant Guide
Get the full list of Wisconsin K-12 STEM funding opportunities in one place — deadlines, award amounts, eligibility, and tips for first-time applicants.
