The Skagit Conservation Education Alliance (SCEA) is pleased to present the Connecting Kids to Conservation: "Let's Go Outside." MiniGrant Program which is available for Skagit County teachers (K-12). Our goals are to inspire meaningful outdoor learning experiences for local youth; to support national efforts to improve children's health by encouraging outdoor play and activities; to provide support for teachers, schools, and students to create schoolyard habitat and outdoor classroom projects; and to create lifelong advocates for land conservation and environmental protection in our community.

SCEA's Connecting Kids to Conservation: "Let's Go Outside" MiniGrant program offers 5 small grants, from $100 to $500, to support youth projects and programs with an emphasis on opportunities for nature-based play and learning.

Grant applications are accepted year round.

Again, thank you for your interest. If you have questions about the application or program or would like to discuss eligibility of your project for funding please contact us.

Goals:
To inspire meaningful outdoor learning experiences for local youth;
To support national efforts to improve children's health by encouraging outdoor play and activities;
To create schoolyard habitat and outdoor classroom projects;
To create lifelong advocates for land conservation and environmental protection in our community by connecting kids to nature.
To enhance existing curriculum and goals in the classroom.

To provide funding for Skagit County public and private elementary, middle and high schools for continuation and/or implementation of nature-based play and learning programs or projects - connecting youth with the outdoors.

Funding can be used, but not limited, to install and/or support the installation of natural play-scapes, outdoor classrooms, learning gardens, walking paths, environmental education signage, habitat or stream restoration projects, native plantings, bus transportation, reducing storm water runoff such as installing a rain garden or rain barrels, or improving an aspect of the neighborhood environment. Curriculum materials that enhance outdoor learning experiences for children are also eligible, such as stream ecology or wetland monitoring kits.

All applicants will be required to provide the following in their application. After completing all the required steps please include all information in one PDF for submission.

1. Completed application form
2. Cover letter including:
o Project scope, including goals and objectives, and how the project will bring opportunities
for natural play and learning to your school grounds and/or neighboring environment.
o Ongoing use: Will the program/project provide opportunities for student engagement
beyond the project completion date? If so, please explain.
o Description of connections between the proposed project and academic standards.
o Itemized breakdown of how funds will be used.
o Photos/diagram of project if funds will be used for a hardscape project such as a pollinator
garden, playground, walking paths, etc.
o Long-term plans for your project.
3. Tax Verification Form: If you are a US private school or a nonprofit
organization, send your Federal IRS Tax- Exempt Determination letter. If you are a US public
school, send your Schools name and NCES#.
4. Signed letter of support from the school principal and school district to demonstrate support
for the program or project.

E-mail completed electronic applications to cwaterskagit@gmail.com.