Educators interested in taking K-12 students on field trips to an Indiana State Parks property in the 2025-2026 school year can receive financial help through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF).<\/p>\n

Grants from the Discover the Outdoors field trip grant program are available for all K-12 educators.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Foundation\u2019s mission is to celebrate and preserve Indiana\u2019s natural legacy,\u201d said Jody Kress, INRF executive director. \u201cThis grant gives children an adventure that showcases some of Indiana\u2019s natural and cultural treasures and teaches the importance of protecting and preserving them for everyone to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since the grant program\u2019s inception in 2013, a total of 287 grants have been awarded, providing the opportunity for more than 25,200 students to visit state parks at less cost to the schools and students.<\/p>\n

Indiana has 24 state parks, eight state-managed lakes, two state recreation areas, and two off-road state recreation areas eligible for field trip funding that will engage students in learning about Indiana’s fish, forests, wildlife, natural habitats, conservation, and outdoor recreation opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese trips help children understand the significance and diversity of Indiana’s natural and cultural resources, and at the same time lets them make great memories that they will carry into adulthood,\u201d said Ginger Murphy, deputy director for stewardship for DNR State Parks.<\/p>\n

The maximum grant award is $500 per application. The grant may cover the school\u2019s transportation costs, program fees, and other applicable material costs.<\/p>\n

Applications are accepted from March 15\u2013April 30 prior to the school year for which the grant is requested. Applications must be postmarked or emailed no later than April 30.<\/p>\n

Applicants will be notified by May 15 regarding potential grant awards. The grant application is at\u00a0on.IN.gov\/state-park-group-programs<\/a>. Read more about the impact this grant has had at\u00a0indiananrf.org\/the-inrf-difference\/education<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A video explaining the program is at\u00a0youtu.be\/uC4QjhsBLO8.<\/a><\/p>\n

The INRF accepts donations to the fund from individuals, businesses, and anyone else who supports the idea of getting kids outdoors. The fund was established in memory of Tom Huck, a longtime DNR employee who was an ardent supporter of outdoor experiences for children. Donations can be made at\u00a0indiananrf.org\/donate<\/a>. For further information, email discoveroutdoorsgrants@dnr.IN.gov.<\/p>\n

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