Go Outside Fund

Connecting children to Wisconsin’s outdoors

We know that nature provides tremendous physical and mental health benefits – yet today’s children spend less than 1% of their time outside. The Go Outside Fund provides funding that helps connect youth to outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. Teachers or partner organizations may apply for funding to cover costs that facilitate getting kids outside and hands-on with nature, such as purchasing field supplies, or paying for transportation and educator costs. Grants between $100 and $1,500 are available.

The Go Outside Fund is made possible by donations from NRF members, the Teachers’ Outdoor Environmental Education Fund and the Luthin Family Fund. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. We are making efforts within our own organization and by working with our grantees to advance this important work across Wisconsin’s conservation field. Learn more about our diversity, equity, and inclusion work here.

Grantmaking Priorities:

• Grant applications must include a significant component of outdoor activity.
• Grant applications must directly engage children in outdoor, nature-based learning or facilitate access to the outdoors.
• Grant applications that align with classroom learning and standards are encouraged but not required.

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II; a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations.
• Project must directly engage youth age Pre-K–12.
• Projects must benefit Wisconsin students.
• Project activities must take place 6 weeks or more after the Go Outside Fund due date.
• Project expenses may not have incurred prior to submitting the application.
• Only one application will be accepted per school/organization per year.

How to Apply:

1. Determine if your project addresses our grantmaking priorities and meets our eligibility requirements.
2. Complete the application (paper copies of applications are not accepted).
3. Include letter of support from school administration, if applicable.
4. Submit all materials to NRFgrants@WisConservation.org by March 1st or September 1st.
5. Applicants will be notified six weeks following the submission deadline.

Questions about your application?

If you have questions, please reach out to Marie Jensen, our Conservation Program Specialist, at Marie.Jensen@WisConservation.org.

Past grantees

Other Funding Opportunities

• Nature Express
• Wheels to Woods Program

Banner photo courtesy of Rio Elementary School

Past project highlights by Sarah Zajicek, courtesy of River Revitalization Foundation, Helen Holtz, and Kim Copeland