Indiana Teachers Can Apply for “Discover the Outdoors” Field Trip Grants

Here’s some really exciting news for Indiana educators hoping to plan something memorable for their students in the 2026-2027 school year. Teachers across the state can now apply for financial help to take their K-12 students on field trips to Indiana State Park properties.

How The Field Trip Grant Program Works

The funding comes from the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF) through its Discover the Outdoors field trip grant program. These grants are designed to help cover costs like transportation, program fees, materials, and other barriers schools face when planning off-campus excursions.

Helping Students Explore Indiana Outdoors

Since its launch in 2013, the program has handed out more than 355 grants, which has allowed over 30,000 Hoosier students to experience Indiana’s incredible outdoor spaces without putting extra strain on school budgets.

And there’s no shortage of amazing destinations for Indiana students to visit. We’re talking 24 state parks, eight state-managed lakes, and several recreation areas that all offer hands-on learning opportunities. Whether it’s exploring forests, spotting wildlife, learning about conservation, or just soaking in the fresh air, these trips go way beyond the classroom.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun says it best...

Why These Field Trips Matter

And there’s a bigger purpose here, besides just having fun. According to INRF leaders, these outings help kids connect with Indiana’s natural and cultural treasures while also learning why it’s so important to protect them for future generations.

Here’s what educators need to know: grants are available now, with a maximum award of $500 per application. The application window runs through April 30, and schools will learn whether they’ve been selected by mid-May.