About the Grant Program

In February 2023, the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition (COLC)  launched the Ocean Literacy Community Grants program. Identified as a priority action in the Canadian Ocean Literacy Strategy, this grant program provides more accessible funding opportunities for community-driven ocean literacy initiatives that are regionally, culturally, and linguistically relevant. 

The Blue Schools Canada (BSC) Experiential Learning Grant, one of three grant types currently offered by COLC, provides funding to schools to offset costs of experiential activities related to  ocean-water-climate learning in Canada. The  BSC Experiential Learning Grant was developed to encourage outdoor field studies, such as boots-to-the-ground excursions to local coastlines, waterways, and conservation areas; indoor visits to aquariums and marine science centres; hands-on learning such as scientist, waterkeeper/water guardian or artist-led classroom/school talks and workshops; and community science activities (e.g., water monitoring; shoreline clean-ups with debris analysis, etc). 

1. Membership Requirement

Applicants must be current and active Blue Schools Canada* members at the time of application submission and throughout the grant period. *Not a member? Don’t miss this opportunity. Apply today!

2. Letter from School Administrator

All applications must include a letter on official school letterhead, signed by an authorized school representative (e.g., principal or administrator). This letter must include a brief description (100 words max) confirming the school's intent to participate in a group booking or event, the proposed date(s), and details of the event or booking.

The planned experiential learning activity may occur anytime between February and June 2024 of the current school year.

Please note: the grant cheque will be made payable to the school; therefore, applicants must obtain prior approval from the school administrator to apply for funding.

3. Confirmation of School Group Booking, Event Reservation or Transportation Booking

Applicants must provide a copy of documentation confirming the school's group booking or event reservation (e.g., aquarium/marine science centre, speaker/artist/service provider) or a formal quotation from a reputable transportation provider (e.g., school bus coachline) detailing the estimated costs and services if the grant is intended for transportation purposes.

The activity or event booking should align with the purpose of the grant. See the "About the Grant" section.

Grants Available

This grant call operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Grants will be awarded in the order in which complete and eligible applications are received until the available grant funds ($20,000) are fully allocated, or the closing date (January 15, 2024) is reached. Once the available funds are exhausted, no further grants will be awarded for the current cycle. 

Two levels of funding are available to teachers working in education jurisdictions across Canada:

1. Single class/teacher, $350.00
2. Two or more classes/teachers, $500.00

Applicants must state which level of funding they are seeking on their application. Multiple teachers from the same school may apply. However, the maximum grant awarded per school is $500.

The BSC Experiential Learning Grant will be offered again in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years.