No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Grants
Eligibility
Washington public and private K-12 schools, school districts, and nonprofits. Programs must provide outdoor learning, environmental education, or nature-based student experiences.
Program Goals
No Child Left Inside (NCLI) grants fund programs that get Washington students outside and learning in natural environments. Three funding tiers support everything from small school garden projects to large district-wide outdoor learning programs. The goal is to build environmental literacy and connection to nature across K-12.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications go through the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) online grant system. Tier 3 applicants must demonstrate a 25% match. Applications typically open in fall for a spring deadline. Review rco.wa.gov for current instructions and required documents.
Cycle Notes
Annual March deadline. The next cycle deadline is March 1, 2027. Three tiers: Tier 1 up to $5,000; Tier 2 up to $50,000; Tier 3 up to $150,000 (25% match required). Currently closed for 2025-26 cycle.
Grant Award Amount
Tier 1: up to $5,000. Tier 2: up to $50,000. Tier 3: up to $150,000 with a required 25% match. Match can be in-kind or cash. Larger tier awards fund multi-year program development.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Climate Action Kit - Micro:bit-based sensors let students collect real environmental data outdoors. Pairs well with outdoor learning projects and nature-based STEM.
- Coding for Good Kit - Students code solutions to real-world environmental challenges, connecting outdoor learning to computational thinking.
- Forward Education Learning Platform - Curriculum-aligned outdoor science and environmental lessons aligned to Washington's Next Generation Science Standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the No Child Left Inside grant?
NCLI is a Washington state grant from the Recreation and Conservation Office that funds outdoor learning and environmental education programs for K-12 students.
Who can apply for NCLI?
Public and private K-12 schools, school districts, and nonprofits in Washington can apply. Programs must provide outdoor or nature-based student learning experiences.
Does Tier 3 require a match?
Yes. Tier 3 awards (up to $150,000) require a 25% match, which can be cash or in-kind contributions like staff time or donated materials.
Can NCLI funds pay for technology?
Yes, if the technology directly supports outdoor or environmental learning. Sensor kits used for field data collection, like the Climate Action Kit, align well with NCLI goals.
When is the next application cycle?
The next deadline is expected March 1, 2027. Check rco.wa.gov for the official opening date and application materials.
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 - Washington 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
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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