Grant Requirements

Criteria for Eligibility and General Information

What is the Inside the Outdoors Foundation?

The Inside the Outdoors Foundation was founded in 1989 by Nathaniel Lamm while working for the Orange County Department of Education. The Foundation, an IRS 501(c)3 California non-profit corporation, provides financial, educational, and advisory support to Inside the Outdoors. This is an environmental education program that does not receive tax-based funding and is administered by the Orange County Department of Education. The Inside the Outdoors Foundation solicits financial support for Inside the Outdoors through the grant writing process. Businesses and corporations including The Boeing Company, Orange County Community Foundation, Orange County Sanitation, Southern California Edison, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and others have awarded the Foundation money.

Who may apply?

Any public or private schools, grades K-12 in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties may apply. Some funding is restricted to specific counties and/or demographics which is designated by the funding source. These restrictions are listed under the specific grant if applicable.

How are grant recipients determined?

The applications will be reviewed by Inside the Outdoors. Recommendations will then be made to the Grants Committee of the Inside the Outdoors Foundation. Decisions will be made based on the following criteria:

Explanation of plan to incorporate the program into classroom curriculum
Financial Need and/or Geographic Location (as applicable)
Adherence to all grant application requirements as described in this document

How many grants may be funded per teacher?

One grant may be funded per teacher or grade level for each program (Virtual Programs, Field Trips and Traveling Scientist). If additional funds are available, a teacher may receive more than one grant.

How are grant funds distributed?

After participation in the funded program, the school will receive an invoice for any remaining amount due (if applicable). If your grant is a full sponsorship, your school will not receive an invoice. All grants are presented tax-free and are paid in full, regardless of the amount. If requested, a "simulation" check for the grant amount can be given to the school for a presentation.

Are there specific requirements upon receiving my grant?

Participation in the Inside the Outdoors program must be during the current academic year.
Media Releases must be signed by students’ parents/guardians prior to participation to permit publicity (Inside the Outdoors must be notified if any students are not released).
Teachers must be willing to allow observation of the program by the funding agency.
Teachers may be requested to administer a pre- and post-test to assess students' academic knowledge and environmental awareness.
A Service Learning project may be required as part of your grant. This project may occur before, during or after your program.
Thank you letters must be sent to the funding agency within one month after participation to the following address (letters will be forwarded to appropriate donors by Inside the Outdoors Foundation): Inside the Outdoors Foundation, P.O. Box 4, Silverado, CA 92676 or you can send them through interdistrict mail to save on postage to Inside the Outdoors #94.

Is there other information I should know?

Transportation costs are NOT included (Traveling Scientist mileage fee or bus costs) unless otherwise noted.
If your attendance numbers change, you must adjust the contract number up to 20 business days prior to the participation date. Notify the Inside the Outdoors office at 714-708-3885.
If actual attendance is lower than 90% of the adjusted contract number (see above), the school will be billed for the difference. For example, if your adjusted contract number is 100, then 90% is 90 students. If 88 students attend, the school will be charged the full price for two students (90 - 88 = 2).

What are the procedures for submitting a grant application?

Make certain your principal or site administrator is aware of your grant application. If the grant is awarded, a contract will be initiated with the school and/or school district.
Complete the Google Form grant application linked under each available grant.
Questions regarding the grant, call 714-708-3885 or email itogrants@ocde.us.
Be sure to complete each section (use N/A where not applicable). Incomplete grant applications may not be processed.
You will be notified via email of our grant status within one month. If you have not received an email notification, please contact itogrants@ocde.us.

What is the deadline for submitting a grant application?

Grant applications may be accepted throughout the school year, pending funds are still available and the grant deadline has not passed. You will be notified via email of your grant status within one month after receipt. Once the funds have been fully disbursed, applications will no longer be accepted. It is highly recommended that you apply for our grants as early as possible.