Funding Assistance

Leadership Training workshop graduates are able to apply for funding assistance to help mitigate the cost of outdoor experiences for youth.

Students and Bus x 800

Thanks to generous support from WTA members, starting in 2021 we are able to distribute more funding than ever to support partners. Our donors understand the critical resources community partners provide for getting folks in their communities outdoors and experience the benefits of spending time in nature, especially during the extended impacts of COVID. We hope our updates to the process to make it as easy as possible to apply!

Outdoor Leadership Training workshop graduates are able to apply for WTA funding assistance to help mitigate the costs of outdoor experiences for community groups and schools who work with the OLT program’s priority audience.

Apply for FUNDING ASSISTANCE

Submitting an online application is easy.
> Apply for funding assistance here

Steps to Get Funding Assistance for Youth Outings

Check Mark New Attend an Outdoor Leadership Training workshop

Check Mark New Submit an application (At least one month prior to outing or intended use)

Check Mark New Applications are reviewed by WTA

Check Mark New Receive notification of approval, request for more info, or non-approval

Check Mark New Submit name and address of payee (school, org or individual)

Check Mark New Take your group on an adventure! Or use the funds to support your organization!

Check Mark New Submit online Youth Outing Report

Check Mark New Receive check - Funds can be distributed before or after intended use - We’re flexible!

Check Mark New Apply again next year? High fives all around!

Application Criteria & Overview

Funding Assistance can be used for trip logistics expenses or reimbursements of direct costs. Funding and reimbursements are provided for food, transportation, permits and reservations, and other standard trip costs. Funding can also be used to support staff leadership skills opportunities such as wilderness first aid, risk management, or outdoor skills building.

Applications will be reviewed and approved by the Outdoor Leadership Program Committee. In reviewing grant applications, the Program Committee generally considers the following factors:

Whether the applicant’s organization serves youth and families who lack opportunities to explore the natural world.
The financial resources available to the trip leader and their organization.
The number of youth served.
The goal of the trip or proposed training and how it fits with the organization’s mission.
The applicant’s and applicant organization’s history of WTA funding assistance.

Application Submission Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications should be submitted at least one month prior to the trip's start date, but exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Please plan ahead to ensure that your application can be reviewed prior to your trip date.

Reporting

Within two weeks following the experience, successful applicants must submit:

A brief online Outing Report with a reflective narrative describing trip successes, challenges, and key learning outcomes.