Blue Schools Canada
Experiential Learning Grant
Call for funding applications
We are now accepting funding applications for the 2024-2025 school year.
ABOUT THE GRANT- 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).
Eligibility
The planned experiential learning event must occur from mid-November to June 30th of the current (2024-25) school year.
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.
All applications must include a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed by an authorized school representative (e.g., principal, vice-principal, or administrator). The LOI should be on official school letterhead and include:
- A brief description (200 words max) of the proposed event or booking
- The intended dates for the activity
- Specific details about the planned experiential learning event
- Optional: Appendices with additional details about the excursion may be included.
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.
The Letter of Intent (LOI) must briefly describe the proposed event, dates, and alignment with Blue Schools Canada’s framework. It should also highlight innovative teaching methods, community engagement, and collaboration with Indigenous knowledge keepers.
Reminder: The funded activity must occur during the 2024-2025 school year.
Group Booking or Event Reservation (Required)
A copy of documentation confirming the booking (e.g., an email or reservation confirmation from an aquarium, marine science center, speaker, artist, or service provider).
Transportation Quotation (Optional)
If the grant is for transportation purposes, a formal quotation from a reputable provider (e.g., school bus coachline) detailing estimated costs and services.
Note: This documentation can be included in the appendix.
The event booking should align with the grant’s purpose. For more information, see the ‘About the grant’ section above
How to Apply
This year we’re introducing a rolling application process for the grant program.
Rolling Application and Disbursement
The call for funding applications opens in mid-October. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until either the available funding ($15,000) is fully allocated or February 28, 2025 is reached.
Only complete and eligible applications will be considered. Incomplete applications will be discarded after two weeks of inactivity, and applicants must start a new application.
Funding Levels and Eligibility
Tier 1: $500 – Individual class or teacher
Tier 2: $750 – Two or more classes or teachers at the same school
The maximum grant awarded per school is $750.
The Blue Schools Canada Experiential Learning Grant will be offered again in the 2025-2026 school year.
Maximizing Your Grant Application
We encourage grant applications that align well with the Blue Schools Canada framework and bring fresh, innovative ideas to education. Emphasizing community engagement and partnerships is highly valued, as these elements can help projects make a meaningful, lasting impact on student learning and foster positive environmental behaviors.
Successful applicants will be notified within approximately two (2) weeks of receipt of their completed application during the funding period. Once notified, successful applicants should allow 3 weeks for their cheque to be delivered.
If you have any questions while completing the application, please contact janice (jae) williams, the
Learning and Engagement Specialist at the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition .
