Go Outside (GO) Grants - Visiting Programs

The Go Outside (GO) Grants provide North Carolina K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations funding for outdoor educational experiences, including field trips and visiting programs. With grants of up to $2,500, educators can enhance outdoor learning through activities involving aquariums, zoos, and STEM organizations.

NOTE: Please be advised that we cannot currently award GO Grants until funding is received from the state. The application remains open and you may continue to submit applications, however, it is unlikely we will be able fund applications for the remainder of this school year (2024-2025). We advise submitting GO Grant applications with field trip or project timeline dates no earlier than July 2025.
Go Outside 'GO' Grants provide North Carolina's students opportunities for outdoor experiences and to learn by doing. North Carolina educators are encouraged to apply for grant funding for outdoor field trips, visiting programs, and educational structures.
Applications are considered for structures/field trips/visiting programs that further outdoor education and recreation opportunities for North Carolina’s youth.
Up to $2,500 for outdoor on-campus programs. Visiting programs must include an outdoor learning component/activity and may include visits from aquarium/zoos, museums, gardening organizations, and other STEM organizations.

Eligibility

Applicants must qualify as either a North Carolina K-12 school, or nonprofit organization as follows:North Carolina K-12 School:A public, private, or charter school based in North Carolina. A registered homeschool association or children’s home (both must have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status) based in North Carolina.Nonprofit Organization:A nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must have the ability to adopt the Commission’s branding as part of their grant.Applicants seeking funding for field trips or visiting programs are eligible to receive one GO Grant per class/grade each school year.

Ineligibility

The N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission will not consider requests for:Indoor Field Trips/Visiting Programs
Amusement/Theme Parks:Exceptions may be made if proposed field trips contain a significant proportion of outdoor activities or STEM opportunities.T-Shirts
Gifts/Souvenirs
School Beautification Projects:Includes structures and floral gardens that have no hands-on application to outdoor learning.Playgrounds
Lunch AreasGym/Sports Equipment:
Excluding sports that could be described as adventurous activities, e.g., archery, camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, hunting, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and other shooting sports.Electronics:
Excluding electronics that are integral to the use of a structure or activity, e.g., electronic installation for animal barns, aquaponic/hydroponic greenhouse systems, or trail cameras.Previous Projects/Field Trips/Programs:Structures that have already been built (this does not include proposed renovations) or field trips/programs that have already taken place.Structures on Personal Private Property:K. Includes applications for structures intended to be built on personal private property.We cannot accept amendment requests for additional funds once a grant has been awarded and the recipient has been notified.