The No Child Left Inside grant program is provided for “outdoor environmental, ecological, and other natural resource-based education and recreation programs serving youth.”
Grant Guide
Overview
Application & Review Process
Deadline: Dec. 12, 2023
Applicants should download the RFP and fill out the application (PDF). Applications are reviewed by the DNR on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Funding Amount
$500 – $5,000
The minimum request is $500 and the maximum request is $5,000. Grantees are reimbursed for project costs covered by the grant. A match is required, which could be cash or in-kind (no specific amount is specified). Funding for this grant program has been allocated by the Legislature.
Eligibility
Projects
Education classes; training; programs at state parks and trails; outdoor recreation activities with an educational, health, or wellness component; investigations on water issues or water education; angling; hunting; paddle sports; cross-country skiing; hiking; biking
People/Engagement
Applicants
Public entities (cities, counties, special purpose districts, public schools); Native American tribes, schools or governments; Non-profit organizations (including informal, after school, and early childhood programs and community-based youth programs)
Government Entity
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Land Type & Geography
Projects must take place in MN, ideally at public parks or other natural resource venues.
State
Regional
Local
Parks
Trails
Statistics & Examples
Funding History
| Year | Funds Awarded | # Projects | Average Award |
| Phase 2 | Not released | ||
| Phase 1 | $233,707 | 59 | $3,961 |
Past Award Examples
| Amount | Recipient | Project |
| $770 | Compassionate Rochester MN and Diversity Council | Bird Sleuth Explorer’s Guide Class |
| $850 | Ruffed Grouse Society Rum River Chapter | Upland Bird Camp |
| $2,175 | Children’s Museum of Southern MN | Prairie’s Edge Exploration Backpacks |
| $5,000 | Pedal Power MN | Webster School Biking |
| $5,000 | City of Duluth | Connecting Youth to Nature by Snowshoeing |