The Field Trip Grants program offered by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley supports educators in Dutchess County and Ulster County, New York, who are planning educational field trips. This grant is specifically designed to alleviate the financial burden associated with organizing field trips by funding expenses such as transportation, admission fees, and partial costs for students unable to pay. The initiative targets public school educators from kindergarten through grade 12 and emphasizes support for high-need schools or districts.

The primary objective of this grant program is to facilitate curriculum-aligned educational trips that occur outside of the school building and take place during regular school hours and the academic year. Proposals for summer programs, clubs, or after-school activities are not eligible. Priority is given to proposals that are reasonable, serve full grade levels, and ensure equitable access for students from varying financial backgrounds.

Applicants must submit an online grant application through the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s Grants Portal. The application must be submitted by specific deadlines depending on the intended trip dates: August 15 for early fall trips, September 15 for fall/winter trips, and December 31 for winter/spring trips. Teachers must apply directly and maintain an individual school-based user account. While schools may submit multiple applications, they are generally limited to two grants per school, amounting to a maximum of $4,000.

Grant recipients will be notified and will need to sign a grant agreement before receiving funds. Following the completion of the trip, a short report must be submitted by the lead teacher. This ensures accountability and helps maintain transparency about the use and impact of the grant funds.

The grant process encourages educators to first seek internal funding from their schools or districts before applying. If those funds are unavailable or insufficient, they may then request funding through this program. This policy underscores the fund’s role as a supplementary resource, particularly for underfunded schools.

For more information or application support, applicants can contact Cristin McPeake at the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley via phone or email. The Foundation’s main office is located in Poughkeepsie, New York.