Funding Opportunities through Connect Kids
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is proud to administer grants for eligible entities in accordance with the Environmental Protection Fund that aims to support “education and outreach” with $3,000,000 for the connect kids program, including reimbursement of transportation costs to swim instruction programs and field trips “for facilitating access in title 1 school districts, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations to outdoor recreational activities, public lands and parks providing environmental education opportunities in environmental justice, inner city and underserved communities.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis in the order they are received, while funding is available.
Field Trips
Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program
Program Overview
The Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program connects New York school age children (pre-K through grade 12) with nature, outdoor recreation, and history by reimbursing eligible costs for field trips to eligible locations.
Please note that Connect Kids Applications are accepted on a rolling basis in the order they're received.
Please note Applicants are solely responsible for planning the field trip, including making arrangements at the eligible destination and for scheduling and paying for transportation services.
Resources
To prepare your application and learn more about eligibility please review these resources:
- Appendix Documents:
- Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program: Eligible Fees List
- Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program: Potential Destinations
- Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program: FAQ
- Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program: Request for Quote Form
- Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program: Estimating Transportation Costs
Applying
- Applications must be submitted six (6) weeks before the field trip is planned to occur, and no earlier than six (6) months prior to the field trip.
- Applications received before April 11, 2025 may be submitted four (4) weeks before the field trip is planned to occur. After April 11, 2025, applications must be submitted six (6) weeks prior to the date of the field trip.
Contact
Connect Kids Grant Manager
parksbusgrant@parks.ny.gov
Swimming Instruction Transportation
Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation Grant Program
Recognizing that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and that climate change will increase extreme heat events, Governor Hochul announced New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS).
A component of NY SWIMS administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is the Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation Grant Program. This program connects New York school age children (pre-K through grade 12) with swimming instruction by reimbursing transportation costs for travel to facilities in New York State that offer swim instruction for a nationally recognized learn to swim curriculum (e.g., the American Red Cross, YMCA, Starfish Aquatics).
Please note that Connect Kids Applications are accepted on a rolling basis in the order they’re received.
Please note Applicants are solely responsible for planning swimming instruction, including making arrangements at the eligible destination and for scheduling and paying for transportation services.
Resources
To prepare your application and learn more about eligibility please review these resources:
Applying
Contact
Connect Kids Grant Manager
SWIMTransportationGrant@parks.ny.gov
Other Opportunities
Other Opportunities to Learn with State Parks
Every-Kid-in-a-Park 4th Grade Free Entry Program
New York State Parks will accept the National Park Service's (NPS) Every-Kid-in-a Park pass upon presentation for free entry for 4th grade students into all State Parks. Learn more about the program and guidelines.
Virtual Nature Lessons
Nature is all around us. Our State Park environmental educators have compiled innovative ideas and creative activities to explore the outdoors near you. From searching for signs of spring to identifying bird songs, these activities connect you with the natural world without having to travel any further than your backyard, your neighborhood or an outdoor space close to your home.