Illinois Environmental Education Grants
What This Grant Funds
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) awards Environmental Education Grants to support K-12 environmental education programs across the state. Funded activities include curriculum development, teacher training, classroom materials, and environmental stewardship projects. Climate education, watershed studies, and sustainability programs are commonly funded.
Who Is Eligible in Illinois
Illinois K-12 schools, school districts, nonprofits, and governmental organizations with an educational focus are eligible. Programs serving rural areas and underserved communities receive additional consideration. Strong preference is given to programs that go beyond classroom instruction to include outdoor, experiential learning.
Funding Amounts
Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000. Check epa.illinois.gov for current cycle details and award ranges.
How Forward Education Products Qualify
Forward Education's Climate Action Kit connects physical computing and data collection to real environmental science. Students use micro:bits to monitor environmental conditions, analyze climate data, and develop coding skills while learning about environmental systems — a strong fit for IEPA's experiential learning priorities.
How to Apply and Key Deadlines
Applications are submitted through IEPA's grant management system. The annual cycle typically opens in winter or spring. Visit epa.illinois.gov for the current solicitation and required documents. Work with your district grants coordinator to align your application to IEPA's environmental education criteria.
Keep in Mind
IEPA grants favor programs with a genuine environmental stewardship component — not just technology. Pair your Forward Education Climate Action Kit application with outdoor fieldwork, data-sharing with environmental agencies, or student action projects to make a stronger case.
