Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Application: Apply Now
The Connect-Kids-to-Parks Field Trip Grant Program (Connect Kids) is designed to connect students in New York State with nature and history. Each grant provides reimbursement of up to $80 per student (and $160 for Special Education students) for field trips to state and federal parks, forests, historic sites, fish hatcheries and outdoor recreation areas.
Please note that Connect Kids Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Resources
Applying
Eligible organizations include: public schools; county, city, town or village youth bureaus; schools for the deaf and blind; and BOCES programs. Select not-for-profits providing after-school, extracurricular, and summer youth programs may also be eligible.
Public and Private schools that are eligible for Title 1 funding can also apply.
Non-school field trip applicants These programs may be asked to submit additional trip information prior to approval.
All not-for-profits must be pre-qualified in the Grants Gateway
prior to applying
This application only covers the financial grant and is not a confirmation of the trip. All field trips must be scheduled directly with the destination site's staff prior to submission. All applications must be submitted at least one month before the trip. Please expect to receive a response within 1 to 3 weeks of your submission. Your award letter will include a maximum award cap based on the number of students and chaperones.
Field trip locations covered under the program include:
- New York State parks, nature centers or historic sites
- Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Education Centers
- DEC Fish Hatcheries
- Montezuma Audubon Center
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's Newcomb Campus
- Adirondack Loj
- Maurice D.Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center
- Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum
- Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary
- Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
- NYPA Recreation Areas
Reimbursement
The Connect Kids Field Trip Grant is a reimbursement grant program. This means that each grant recipient must cover all initial field trip costs. Grant funds will not be released until after a field trip has occurred, all incurred expenses have been paid, and proof of payment has been provided to the Connect Kids Field Trip Grant Coordinator.
Reimbursable field trip expenses include transportation costs, as well as program, entry, pavilion fees, on-site equipment rentals (boat rentals, snowshoes, etc.), and camping at state-owned facilities. The grant does not reimburse costs for food, school-purchased field trip supplies, lifeguard salaries, or any costs for chaperones who drive separately.
Please know your organization's NYS Vendor ID number. Reimbursements will be made using your organization's NYS Vendor ID number as submitted on the application. We do not send paper checks. Please note that this is NOT the same as your organization's Tax ID Number/EIN. An incorrect NYS Vendor ID number will delay reimbursement to your organization.
All reimbursements will strictly adhere to the award cap which will be stated in your award letter. Please expect to receive an email with your award letter between 1 to 3 weeks after submitting a Connect Kids application.
Reimbursements will be processed through the Statewide Financial System via Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer. In some cases, an ACH transfer may combine multiple grant reimbursement(s)
with payments from other NYS programs or agencies. Detailed payment information can be obtained using the NYS Vendor Self-Service Portal (select "Vendor Portal Login").
Contact
Connect Kids Field Trip Grant Coordinator
parksbusgrant@parks.ny.gov (preferred)
(518) 474-6736
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.