The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce another phase of the No Child Left Inside grants. These grants help more children cast a line, study animal tracks, hike or bike, or learn about nature.
“This successful outreach grant program continues to send resources to schools and organizations to help get children outdoors,” said Jeff Ledermann, DNR education and skills team supervisor. “These grants boost outdoor programs and initiatives around the state, especially in communities with limited opportunities to connect with nature.”
Public entities and nonprofit organizations serving youth younger than 18, including Native American tribes, schools, or governments, can apply for No Child Left Inside grants.
This grant program contributes to realizing the vision of the Minnesota Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights (mn.gov/children-outdoors) for every Minnesota child to experience outdoor recreational activities and discover the natural environment regardless of where they live, learn, or play.
On Monday, Oct. 30, the Minnesota DNR accepts applications for mini-grants (less than $5,000) and larger grants ($5,000 to $25,000). The proposal request is available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/no-child-grants). Applications will be accepted until 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Mini-grant awards will be chosen by lottery after review to ensure they qualify. More prominent grant awards will be selected using a competitive review process. Funding can be used for outdoor recreation equipment, transportation, and related natural resource education expenses. Past mini-grant awardees are encouraged to apply for a more significant grant during this phase. Organizations previously receiving more substantial assistance are ineligible for funds this round.
The 2023 Minnesota Legislature appropriated $1 million from the state’s General Fund and the Heritage Enhancement Account of the Game and Fish Fund to continue the work of the No Child Left Inside grants program in fiscal year 2024.
For more information about the grant program, instructions for how to apply, and a link to the application or informational webinar registration, visit the No Child Left Inside grants webpage of the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/no-child-grants). Questions about these grants or the application process should be emailed to outreachgrants.dnr@state.mn.us with “Grant Questions” in the subject line. People can also call 888-646-6367.
