EENC Mini-Grants
Eligibility
Educators and organizations providing environmental education programs for K-12 students or youth in North Carolina may apply. EENC membership is not required but is encouraged. Projects must be focused on environmental or outdoor education and must directly engage North Carolina students or youth in hands-on learning experiences.
Program Goals
Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) provides mini-grants to support small-scale environmental education projects across the state. These grants help teachers and educators fund classroom materials, field experiences, outdoor learning tools, and student investigations that connect young people to North Carolina's natural environment. EENC mini-grants are designed to be accessible to individual teachers and small organizations.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted online through the EENC website in March. The 2027 cycle opens March 1 and closes March 31. Applications require a project description, student learning objectives, environmental education alignment, and a budget. Awards are small and intended to support single-classroom or small-group projects.
Cycle Notes
EENC Mini-Grants run on an annual March cycle. The current cycle is closed; the next opens March 1, 2027, and closes March 31, 2027. Visit eencnc.org for the current application and to confirm eligibility.
Grant Award Amount
EENC Mini-Grants award up to $500 per project. Funds cover materials, supplies, and resources directly tied to the approved environmental education activity. These are small grants designed for individual teacher or small organization projects.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — environmental monitoring and outdoor science for EENC-funded projects
- micro:bit Starter Kit — data logging for student-led environmental investigations
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — plant science and ecosystem education for environmental learning programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for EENC Mini-Grants in North Carolina?
Educators and organizations providing environmental education for K-12 students or youth in NC may apply. EENC membership is encouraged but not required.
How much funding is available through EENC Mini-Grants?
Awards are up to $500 per project for materials and direct project costs.
Can EENC Mini-Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. EENC Mini-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 North Carolina schools apply for EENC Mini-Grants?
Apply online at eencnc.org between March 1 and March 31, 2027. Submit a project description, student objectives, environmental education alignment, and a budget.
How can Forward Education help with EENC Mini-Grant funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for North Carolina schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes EENC Mini-Grants fund. 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 — North Carolina 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 North Carolina funding resources
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