Quick Facts
| Funder | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | $2,000 to $25,000 (recent cycles) |
| Eligible Grades | K-12 |
| Focus Areas | Outdoor learning, environmental education, STEM |
| Application Due | Annual -- check MN DNR for next cycle |
| More Info | https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/education/ncli.html |
About This Grant
The No Child Left Inside Grant Program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. It funds K-12 school programs that connect students to Minnesota's parks, forests, prairies, and waterways through direct outdoor learning experiences.
Grants typically range from $2,000 to $25,000 depending on project scope. Schools use awards to fund field trips to natural areas, outdoor classroom installations, environmental monitoring projects, and hands-on science activities tied to Minnesota natural resources standards.
The program runs on an annual cycle. When the cycle is open, eligible applicants include public schools, nonprofits partnering with schools, and formal education programs. Check the MN DNR grants page for the current RFP and eligibility details.
How Forward Education Kits Fit
Forward Education's environmental monitoring and STEM kits can serve as tools for outdoor data collection tied to DNR-funded projects. Water quality sensors, climate monitoring modules, and ecology-focused coding activities pair well with the outdoor learning goals this grant supports.
How Forward Education Helps
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents mapped to Minnesota K-12 standards, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for your application. Contact us before you submit so we can help you build a strong case.
