Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant
Eligibility
Illinois public and private K-12 schools may apply. Field trips must visit Illinois natural areas such as state parks, nature preserves, or conservation areas. Programs must include a biodiversity component that engages students in observing, recording, or learning about Illinois plant and animal species.
Program Goals
The Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, funds school field trips to Illinois natural areas for hands-on biodiversity learning. The program connects Illinois students to the state's diverse ecosystems and helps teachers build curriculum around real-world ecological observations in Illinois forests, prairies, wetlands, and waterways.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted to IDNR by February 1 each year for field trips occurring during that calendar year. Submit a field trip plan, biodiversity learning objectives, site information, and budget. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available.
Cycle Notes
Biodiversity Field Trip Grants are due February 1 each year for trips planned in the current calendar year. The next deadline is February 1, 2027. Visit the IDNR education page at dnr.illinois.gov for current program details.
Grant Award Amount
Grants award up to $500 per school for field trip transportation, entrance fees, and materials tied to the approved biodiversity learning experience.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — biodiversity data collection and field science for Illinois nature field trips
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — environmental monitoring during field trips to Illinois natural areas
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — plant biology and ecosystem science aligned to biodiversity field learning
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant?
Illinois K-12 public and private schools may apply. Field trips must visit Illinois natural areas and include a biodiversity learning component.
How much funding is available through the Biodiversity Field Trip Grant?
Awards are up to $500 per school for transportation, entrance fees, and field trip materials.
Can Biodiversity Field Trip Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Biodiversity Field Trip Grant funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do Illinois schools apply for the Biodiversity Field Trip Grant?
Submit an application to IDNR by February 1, 2027. Include a field trip plan, biodiversity learning objectives, site details, and budget. Visit dnr.illinois.gov for current application instructions.
How can Forward Education help with Biodiversity Field Trip Grant funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Illinois schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes this grant funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Illinois standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more Illinois funding resources
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