Montana Wild Transportation & Lodging Grants

The Montana Wild Transportation & Lodging Grants provide financial assistance to Montana public schools for travel and lodging expenses related to educational visits to Montana WILD in Helena. Grants support hands-on learning experiences for K-12 students in various subjects, including wildlife and conservation. Eligible expenses include lodging for schools located over 150 miles from Helena, with maximum awards of $2,500 for outlying schools and $500 for local schools. Applications are accepted annually from April to May.

About the Program
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers annual reimbursement grant funding to Montana schools for travel and lodging expenses to visit FWP’s Education Center, Montana WILD, in Helena. Montana WILD offers high quality, hands-on educational programming (field trips) for K – 12 students related to fish, mammals, macroinvertebrates, conservation, careers in wildlife, archery, birding, fishing, live birds of prey, and more!
This is a reimbursement grant and requires itemized invoices of travel and lodging expenses paid. The application period generally opens in April and closes by May 31, annually. Successful applicants can use funds between August and May of the following year. The maximum award amount for an individual outlying school (50 plus miles from Helena) is $2,500. The maximum award amount for an individual local school (within 50 miles of Helena) is $500.
Eligible Expenses: FWP can only reimburse for lodging and transportation expenses. To qualify for lodging reimbursement, schools must be more than 150 miles, one way, from Helena. Please note that awarded grant funds are available as reimbursement (not in advance) and require itemized receipts of eligible expenses (e.g., hotel invoice, bus company invoice).
Minimum Visitation Time: Outlying schools must spend a minimum of 2.5 hours at Montana WILD. Local schools must participate in at least one program.
Supplemental Education Activity: We encourage schools to incorporate their visit to Montana WILD into other classroom units or lessons on fish, wildlife, habitat, outdoor recreation, stewardship, and similar topics. Committing to a pre-or-post lesson, unit, or community activity will strengthen your application.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: Montana Public SchoolsGrades K – 12Please note, FWP can only reimburse schools, not third-party vendors (i.e., hotels or bus companies).