The National Park Trust is thrilled to offer the 2026 Southern California Kids to Parks Grants Program.
Donor Name: National Park Trust
State: California
County: Selected Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/13/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Open to Title I schools (40% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch) based in the Southern California Edison service area for grades 3 through 12, this grant program provides classrooms with up to $1,500 for in-park experiences. While grant requests for all types of park visits are welcome, applicants are encouraged to consider trips to historical sites in honor of the celebration of country’s 250th birthday in 2026.
Funding can be used towards program fees, transportation costs, stewardship supplies, and any other materials needed for a robust learning experience.
This grant is designed to be student-driven, and student-teacher collaboration is a must. All applications must include a stewardship element and a park-themed educational component that focuses on either outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles, environmental education/science, or history.
Requirements
Before you begin the application, make sure your proposal meets the following requirements:
- Each application should include a park-themed educational component that focuses on either outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles, environmental education/science, or history.
- Each application should also include a park stewardship element. This can be an activity or an educational lesson done at a park or as a pre or post-trip lesson at school.
- Park Experiences should take place April – June 2026. Funding must be used by June 30, 2026.
Grantees agree to submit by June 30, 2026 the following to the Park Trust (through Cybergrants) after their experience:- 1 or more paragraphs summarizing and reflecting on the experience written by the lead teacher.
- 1 or more paragraphs summarizing and reflecting on the experience written by a participating student. (One summary per entry is required, but more are welcomed). Summaries should be written in the student’s own words.
- Send at least 5 digital photos from your experience. Photos should include your students learning, enjoying, and experiencing your lesson or program. Photos of students using any items purchased are also encouraged.
- Additionally, teachers are required to complete a brief online survey.
For more information, visit National Park Trust.
