Illinois offers grants to fund student field trips focused on biodiversity

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — Applications are now open for the 2027 Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program, offering funding to help teachers take students outdoors to study the state’s natural resources.

The program is open to Illinois teachers from prekindergarten through 12th grade, including home-school educators. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2027.

Grants are awarded to support field trips focused on Illinois biodiversity, defined as the variety of life in a given area. To qualify, at least 75% of the trip must take place outdoors, and the field trip must occur within Illinois.

For 2027, the maximum award has been increased to $600 per teacher, with up to $1,200 available for transportation costs per trip. Funds may also cover substitute teacher costs, up to $150 per substitute.

Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis to schools, and priority is given to single-day field trips. Grants cannot be transferred between teachers, schools or grade levels.

Field trips must be completed by Dec. 31, 2027, and applicants will be notified of award decisions by March 15, 2027.

The program is supported by the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation and the D.F. and M.T. Grohne Family Foundation.