Go Outside Fund Grant

The Go Outside Fund aims to connect Wisconsin's youth with nature by providing grants between $100 and $1,500 for outdoor learning experiences. Eligible applicants include public charities, governmental units, and accredited educational institutions. The fund prioritizes projects that engage children in outdoor activities, facilitating access to nature while aligning with educational standards. This initiative addresses the pressing need for children to spend more time outdoors, promoting both physical and mental health benefits.

Connecting children to Wisconsin’s outdoors
We know that nature provides tremendous physical and mental health benefits – yet today’s children spend less than 1% of their time outside. The Go Outside Fund provides funding that helps connect youth to outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. Teachers or partner organizations may apply for funding to cover costs that facilitate getting kids outside and hands-on with nature, such as purchasing field supplies, or paying for transportation, substitute teachers, or educator costs. Grants between $100 and $1,500 are available.
Grantmaking Priorities:
Grant applications must include a significant component of outdoor activity.Grant applications must directly engage children in outdoor, nature-based learning or facilitate access to the outdoors.Grant applications that align with classroom learning and standards are encouraged but not required.

Eligibility

Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II); a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. Project must directly engage youth age pre-K – 12.
Projects must benefit Wisconsin students.
Project activities must take place 6 weeks or more after the Go Outside Fund due date.

Ineligibility

The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations.Project expenses may not have incurred prior to submitting the application.