Windows of Opportunity
$1,000 Grants Available to NC K-12 Teachers

Do you have a terrific idea to create student excitement about environmental stewardship and promote the protection of our natural resources? Let NC Beautiful help with financial support and encouragement as you develop your idea and become an environmental leader. Since 1999, NC Beautiful, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has provided K-12 teachers, around the state, with resources to develop educational programs that enhance and support ABC Initiatives and the NC Standard Course of Study. Through the Windows of Opportunity competitive grant, teachers are rewarded for their innovation and creativity as they promote environmental stewardship with their students to improve appreciation of the environment and, in turn, the beauty of our State. We look forward to serving you!

GRANT GOALS:

  • Cultivate appreciation of natural environments by getting children outside.
  • Build leadership awareness of the need for getting you into natural settings.
  • Create materials and resources that can be used by others with K-12 students.
  • Develop environmental education mentors and ambassadors for future growth.
  • Develop a sustainable, outdoor program which will continue after the grant period.

AWARDS:

  • Grants: Up to $1,000 per teacher or classroom for use between January 2010 and June 2010.
  • Eligibility: Windows of Opportunity Grants are available to K-12 certified teachers in the state of North Carolina. Project leaders must be full time teachers at the applicant school. The applicant school must be a recognized, accredited, institution within the state of North Carolina. Public, private, and charter schools are eligible. The applicant school must follow the recognized NC Standard Course of Study and ABC Initiatives. After-school programs, mentoring programs and preschool programs are not eligible. Prior recipients of grants may not re-apply in two consecutive years.

APPLICATION:

The application has the following five sections designed to be completed online.

  1. Contact information: Provide general information about yourself and your school.
  2. Narrative: Describe the project in a two page narrative or less.
  3. Budget: One page or less justifying use of the funds and detailing the expenses.
  4. Commitment Letter: Administrator signed letter committing school to project.
  5. Optional Supporting Documents: Drawings, photographs, letters of support from community partners.

Click on Proceed to Application Details for more information about the online application. You may begin your personal grant application on September 1st.