Boost Learning with Funding Support
Field trips are one of the most powerful ways to bring learning to life, providing students with hands-on experiences that can't be replicated in the classroom. From boosting academic performance to fostering personal development, the benefits of field trips are well-documented. Yet, funding these valuable experiences remains a challenge for many educators.
According to the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), 33% of districts nationwide eliminated field trips altogether due to budget cuts during the recession, and the pandemic only exacerbated the problem. Now more than ever, educators need to explore funding avenues to keep field trips accessible to students. This is where grants come in! Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 grant resources to help teachers and educational leaders secure funding for their next educational adventure.
1. DonorsChoose.org
Overview: DonorsChoose.org is a unique platform where teachers can directly request funding for classroom projects, including field trips. Teachers can create a project page detailing their field trip goals, and donors can contribute to bring the project to life.
How It Works: Simply post your project with a detailed description, including costs for travel, admission, and educational materials. Donors then browse the projects and donate to those they wish to support.
Why It’s Great: This platform allows educators to reach a community of donors passionate about supporting educational experiences. It’s a flexible and straightforward way to fundraise for field trips.
2. The NEA Foundation
Overview: The NEA Foundation offers grants that public school teachers and support professionals can use for various educational projects, including field trips.
How to Apply: Submit a proposal that outlines your field trip's learning objectives and how it will enhance students' education. Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000, providing substantial support for classroom and extracurricular projects.
Why It’s Great: The foundation has a long-standing reputation for empowering educators and enriching student learning experiences, making it a reliable source for field trip funding.
Statistics to Note: In a study of over 1,000 fourth- and fifth-graders, students who participated in culturally enriching field trips scored higher on end-of-grade exams, received better course grades, and had fewer behavioral issues than those who did not participate. These benefits were most pronounced when students reached middle school, underscoring the lasting impact of field trips on academic success.
3. The National Trust for Historic Preservation
Overview: The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides grants to help preserve historical sites, and some of these funds can support educational field trips that focus on history and cultural heritage.
How to Utilize for Field Trips: Align your field trip plans with the preservation of historical sites. These trips can include visits to historic landmarks, museums, and other cultural institutions.
Why It’s Great: It’s an excellent resource for history teachers and schools interested in integrating historical preservation into their curriculum.
4. National Geographic Society Grants
Overview: The National Geographic Society offers grants to support projects that foster geography education and exploration, which are ideal for field trips focused on environmental science, geography, and history.
Application Tips: Propose a field trip that aligns with the National Geographic Society's focus on exploration, geography, and environmental stewardship to enhance your chances of receiving funding.
Why It’s Great: Their grants are perfect for educators who want to create immersive learning experiences in geography, science, and history.
5. Lowe’s Toolbox for Education
Overview: Lowe’s Toolbox for Education provides grants to schools for projects that enhance students' educational experiences, including field trips.
How to Apply: Submit a proposal outlining your field trip's educational goals and how it will benefit the students' learning experience. The application process is straightforward, making it a great option for busy teachers.
Why It’s Great: It’s a versatile grant that supports a range of educational initiatives, from field trips to improving classroom resources.
6. Target Field Trip Grants
Overview: Target offers grants specifically designed to cover the cost of field trips for K-12 schools.
Application Tips: Clearly outline the educational purpose of the trip and its alignment with classroom learning objectives. Highlight how the experience will enhance student engagement and learning.
Why It’s Great: As one of the few grants explicitly for field trips, Target's program is a top resource for teachers looking to ease the financial burden of educational travel.
7. The Freeman Foundation
Overview: The Freeman Foundation offers grants to support educational programs that promote cultural understanding. They support field trips that help students learn about different cultures and societies.
How to Use: Plan a field trip that enhances students' understanding of global cultures, whether through visits to cultural museums, historical landmarks, or art exhibits.
Why It’s Great: It’s an invaluable resource for fostering global awareness and cultural empathy among students.
8. The Hach Foundation
Overview: The Hach Foundation focuses on science education and provides grants that support scientific field trips.
Application Process: Outline how your field trip will engage students in hands-on scientific learning, whether it's a trip to a science museum, botanical garden, or environmental center.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for STEM educators looking to take their lessons beyond the classroom and provide real-world scientific exploration.
9. PTO Today Grants
Overview: PTO Today offers grants to support various school projects, including field trips, through their fundraising initiatives.
How to Apply: Collaborate with your school’s PTO to submit a proposal for the desired field trip. Emphasize the educational benefits and how the experience aligns with curriculum goals.
Why It’s Great: It’s a community-focused grant source that brings parents and educators together to enhance student learning experiences.
10. The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations
Overview: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations support educational programs that enhance learning, including funding for field trips that foster student engagement and academic growth.
How to Leverage: Create a proposal that highlights how the field trip will provide students with a unique, hands-on learning opportunity that complements their classroom education.
Why It’s Great: It provides funding for immersive educational experiences, adding value to students' overall learning.
Statistics to Note: Beyond academic benefits, field trips have been shown to impact students’ personal development, fostering greater historical empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives. This broader impact is especially evident among students from high-poverty or rural backgrounds.
Why Apply for Grants?
According to Education Next, students who attended culturally enriching trips experienced a 12% increase in historical empathy and a 7% increase in tolerance, demonstrating that field trips contribute significantly to personal growth, particularly for students in rural or high-poverty areas.
Field trips provide unparalleled learning opportunities, but they come with financial challenges. Research shows that culturally enriching trips can have lasting positive effects on students' academic performance and personal growth. Yet, due to budget constraints, schools often cut field trips first. By securing grants, teachers can ensure that their students continue to benefit from these critical learning experiences.
Since the pandemic, districts have shifted focus to address learning loss and mental health. McKinsey & Company research data shows that about 80% of K-12 spending tied to staff salaries, there is little flexibility for cuts elsewhere. As a result, enrichment activities like field trips are often the first to be eliminated when budgets tighten, making grants and funding support crucial to keep these experiences accessible.
Quick Tips for Grant Success
- Align with Curriculum: Highlight how the field trip will connect to classroom learning to demonstrate its educational value.
- Be Specific: Clearly outline the trip's objectives, itinerary, and expected outcomes.
- Start Early: Many grants have specific application periods, so plan well in advance.
- Involve the Community: Engage parents, students, and the school community in fundraising and grant applications.
Don't Let Funding Challenges Hold You Back
Field trips are transformative educational experiences that enrich students' academic knowledge and personal development. While funding constraints have made it harder to organize these trips, the numerous grants available can help bridge the gap. From DonorsChoose.org to the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, there are plenty of resources ready to support your next field trip. By applying for these grants, you can continue to provide students with the out-of-classroom experiences essential for a well-rounded education.
Don’t let funding challenges hold you back—explore these grant opportunities and give your students the chance to learn, explore, and grow beyond the classroom walls.
The Escape Game is a proud sponsor of STEM and school field trips in the United States. Our Hands-on Learning in Action and curriculum integration is an excellent field trip option.
Note: Part of this blog was written with the assistance of AI.
