Nevada Department of Conservation & Natural Resources MENU

Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

Passed during the 2019 legislative session, The Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program (NOER) seeks to provide quality opportunities for Nevada students to experience the outdoors. Administered by the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, the goals of the program are to improve academic achievement and personal wellness while fostering an appreciation of nature.

For a quick overview of the NOER grant program, please view the Grant Summary. When planning your application, please start by reviewing the Grant Manual. The manual has more details on eligible projects, the application process, project selection, and grant awards. If you are interested in receiving NOER grant program updates, please subscribe to our email list.

View 2025 NOER Awards Summary here

View 2024 NOER Awards Summary here

View distribution map of NOER Award 

Questions about the NOER grant? Please contact:

Kendal Scott
Outdoor Education Lead, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation
NOERgrant@ndor.nv.gov or (775) 684-2731.

NOER in the News:

Quick Links:

 

 

How do I apply?

Start by reading the Grant Manual and determining whether you are applying for a Tier I Microgrant ($7,500 or less) or Tier II grant ($7,501 - $50,000). We recommend viewing the EXAMPLE NOER Budget for guidance as you build your budget. Download the appropriate application and the NOER budget worksheet below. To apply, please submit completed application materials (both the application document and the budget worksheet) by emailing them as attachments to NOERgrant@ndor.nv.gov. Be sure to sign the application before submitting. 

To submit your application for feedback, send it by email with the subject line “(Your Organization name) application for feedback” on or before August 31, 2024 to NOERgrant@ndor.nv.gov Final applications are accepted until October 4, 2024 at 5:00 pm PST. If needed, physical copies of application materials can be requested by calling (775) 684-2731.

Who is eligible to apply?

Public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, schools, tribal governments, and other community-based entities that provide outdoor education and recreation programs for Nevada students.

 

What projects are eligible?

Grants will be available for outdoor environmental, ecological, agricultural, or other natural resource-based education and recreation programs serving Nevada students through the age of 18, with a focus on prioritizing students who face barriers to outdoor recreation access. For examples of eligible and ineligible activities, please see the Grant Manual pages 5-6.

 

 When are applications due? 

Application opens: August 1, 2024 

During the feedback period (August 1 – August 31, 2024), you may submit an application for review by NDOR staff and incorporate that feedback into your final application. To submit for feedback, email your application materials to NOERgrant@ndor.nv.gov with the subject line “[Your organization name] NOER application for feedback” during the feedback period. 

  

Application closes: October 4, 2024. 

From September 1 – October 4, 2024, final applications must be submitted without opportunity for feedback from NDOR staff.  

For more grant timeline information, please see the Grant Manual page 3. 

 

How much funding is available?

Each applicant may apply for either a Tier I microgrant of up to $7,500 or a Tier II grant of up to $50,000. Tier I projects may be reviewed and awarded by NDOR staff alone, while Tier II applications require review by the Advisory Board on Outdoor Recreation and an in-person or virtual presentation. A total of $250,000 is available for the upcoming grant cycle. 

 

Is there a match requirement?

No, but matching funds are strongly encouraged for grantees to demonstrate a local commitment, as well as to maximize NOER program funds. A project with match will be chosen over a similar project without match. For more information on eligible matching funds, please refer to the Grant Manual page 6.

 

When and how are awards distributed?

Award agreements will be prepared in December 2024. Funds are distributed via reimbursement by submitting reimbursement requests and all required reports throughout the calendar year of 2025.  

Tips for applying

  • Keep responses easy to read, concise, and understandable.
  • Double check your budget.
  • Tell a great story with your application. Think about what problem your proposed project solves. Focus on that solution.
  • Prepare your application early on and submit it for NDOR review during the feedback period.
  • Sign up for our email list to get updates on deadlines and other important information.
  • For free trainings on grant writing, visit the Governor’s Office of Federal Assistance website.

 

 Are there additional resources?

 

How can I contribute to the grant fund?

1. Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program - Trailblazing 

  • Donations made to this account can be used to fund grants in the next grant round. 
  • Immediate use of funds can help us get more Nevada kids outside sooner!

 

2. Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Endowment Fund - What is your Legacy?

  • Only the interest or earnings can be used to fund grants.
  • Your donation stays in this account for the lifetime of the fund. Therefore, your donation can keep giving year after year.
  • Ensures the long-term success of the program.
  • Usually larger donation amounts (>$10,000)

 

To donate to either of these accounts, please contact Kendal Scott at k.scott@ndor.nv.gov