No Child Left Inside Grant Program

No Child Left Inside Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
Amount: US $5,000 - US $150,000
Last Updated: December 27, 2025

Summary

The No Child Left Inside Grant Program, administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, aims to enhance outdoor experiences for underserved youth in Washington. Applications will open in late summer or early fall of 2026. Grants support various activities, including environmental education and outdoor adventures, with funding tiers ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. This initiative promotes community engagement and helps remove barriers to outdoor access, fostering improved health and academic outcomes for participants.

Overview

NOTE: This program will be accepting applications in late summer or early fall of 2026. Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's No Child Left Inside (NCLI) grant program provides quality opportunities for underserved, underrepresented, and historically excluded youth to learn, play, and experience the outdoors. The Washington State Legislature established the program in 2007 with two primary goals: to improve the overall academic performance, self-esteem, health, community involvement, and connection to nature for youth; and to empower local communities to engage youth in outdoor education and recreation experiences. Research has shown that spending time outdoors produces powerful benefits for youth, including reduced depression and anxiety, improved focus, better social connections, and enhanced learning and creativity. NCLI supports essential youth outdoor programs across the state and helps to remove barriers for youth to access the outdoors. NCLI provides grants for a wide range of outdoor education and recreation activities including environmental education, leadership development, outdoor recreation and adventure, stewardship activities, and camp programs. RCO administers NCLI for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Typical Projects Water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, boating, fishing, and raftingWinter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, and snow campingOvernight and day camp activities such as environmental education, outdoor skills development, hiking, and campingOutdoor adventure activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, and archeryOther activities such as outdoor cooking, survival skills, wilderness medicine, foraging, and culturally informed activities such as sense of place or nature scavenger hunts Grant Limits There are three funding categories for this grant program Tier 1 Projects: $5,000-$25,000 for each project Tier 2 Projects: $5,000-$75,000 for each project Tier 3 Projects: $75,000-$150,000 for each project Match Details A match of 25 percent is required for Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects. Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide matching resources to demonstrate a local commitment to the project and to make state funds available to more projects. To qualify, a match must be composed of elements that would be eligible in the No Child Left Inside program. Match may include the following: Appropriations and cash Donations of cash, materials, or the value of labor, equipment use, or services Applicant’s labor, equipment use, and materials Other grants

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who May Apply?Community-based programsLocal agenciesNative American tribesNonprofit organizationsSchool-based programsSpecial purpose districts, such as park and recreation districtsState agenciesOnly organizations that benefit youth in Washington State may apply.

Ineligibility

Ineligible projects:Annual community festivals, expositions, promotional or fundraising eventsEquipment only projectsFacility construction projectsOrganized youth sports such as a community league or school teamTeacher training programs that do not include hands-on student participation