MT Wild School Transportation Grant 2021-2022 School Year
🏛 Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
✓ Free, no account · Source: Montana WebGrants · Last verified May 31, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Montana public schools with grades 4-12 students wanting to visit Montana WILD Education Center in Helena. Schools must be "outlying" (at least 50 miles one way from Helena) and may be small rural schools with combined classrooms or classrooms where teachers completed Growing Up Wild Training. The school pays for transportation and lodging first, then applies for reimbursement up to $2,500. Visits must last at least 2.5 hours and include two FWP-approved lesson plans before the trip and a community conservation project afterward.
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Program description
AUGUST 2021-JUNE 2022 SCHOOL YEAR TRANSPORTATION & LODGING GRANT APPLICATION Grades 4-12 FWP is offering Montana outlying school district grant funds to visit Montana WILD – Education Center located in Helena, Montana. The goal of this grant program is to assist “outlying” schools to learn at Montana WILD. Grants are for transportation and/or lodging costs only . GRANT CRITERIA AND GENERAL INFORMATION This is a reimbursement grant. School must complete the trip and pay expenses prior to receiving reimbursement. Schools may apply for up to $2,500 annually which represents the combined total of eligible transportation and lodging reimbursement. Schools must apply through Web Grants (www.funding.mt.gov). Students must be in grades 4-12, unless: (1) it is a small rural school with a combined classroom; or (2) the teacher has completed a Growing Up Wild Training . To participate, a school must be an ‘outlying” school (a minimum of 50 miles, one way from Helena). To qualify for lodging reimbursement, schools must be located more than 150 miles (one way from Helena). The deadline for this grant is May 28, 2020. Schools must visit for a minimum of 2.5 hours. Schools must complete: Prior to their visit – Two FWP approved lesson plans/activities. After their visit – FWP also encourages that after the visit schools do one community-based project focusing on conservation, living with wildlife or stewardship. Personal food and beverages (except water) is not permitted into the building. Please plan your lunches accordingly. There are a few picnic tables behind the center and nearby at Spring Meadow Lake State Park. You can reserve the Group Shelter at Spring Meadow Lake State Park https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/spring-meadow-lake-state-park/MT/630318/3302/campsite-booking . REIMBURSEMENT GUIDELINES Only the school participating can be reimbursed . Third party vendors (bus companies) cannot be paid directly. Reimbursement is for eligible transportation and lodging costs only . Food or substitute pay is not eligible for reimbursement. School must provide proof of payment for lodging and transportation expenditures to be eligible for reimbursement. Reimbursement for student lodging is $30 per student. Reimbursement for teacher lodging is $30 per teacher and is provided for one teacher for every 15 students.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- School district information and contact details
- Two FWP-approved lesson plans/activities
- Proof of payment for transportation expenses
- Proof of payment for lodging expenses (if applicable)
- Documentation of post-visit community conservation project
- Student and teacher roster or attendance list
Program contact
- 👤 Corie Rice
- 📧 corie.rice@mt.gov
- 📞 406-444-9944
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Montana public schools in grades 4-12, located at least 50 miles from Helena. Small rural schools with combined classrooms are also eligible.
How much can we receive?
Up to $2,500 annually for combined transportation and lodging costs. Student lodging is reimbursed at $30 per student; teacher lodging at $30 per teacher (one teacher per 15 students).
Do we need to pay upfront?
Yes, schools must pay all expenses first, then request reimbursement with proof of payment. The school must be reimbursed, not third-party vendors.
What activities are required?
Submit two FWP-approved lesson plans before the visit. The visit must be at least 2.5 hours. After the visit, complete a community-based conservation or stewardship project.
Is there cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required. Only eligible transportation and lodging expenses are reimbursed.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Plan your visit timing carefully: submit lesson plans before arrival and budget time for the post-visit community project.
- Only transportation and lodging are reimbursable—food, beverages, and substitute teacher pay are not eligible.
- Lodging reimbursement applies only if your school is more than 150 miles from Helena; otherwise only transportation is reimbursed.
- Keep all receipts and proof of payment for transportation and lodging to submit with your reimbursement request.
- Contact FWP ahead of time to get your lesson plans pre-approved and ensure your visit meets all program requirements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting reimbursement requests without proof of payment for transportation and lodging costs. Failing to have FWP-approved lesson plans ready before the visit. Attempting to seek reimbursement for food, beverages, or substitute teacher compensation instead of eligible lodging and transportation only.
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