The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for the 2027 Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant. The program helps Illinois prekindergarten through grade 12 teachers, including home-schooling teachers, take students on curriculum-connected field trips that study Illinois biodiversity and natural resources.
Deadline and funding
Applications are due February 1, 2027 at 11:59:59 PM. For 2027, the maximum award is $600 per teacher. Collaborative trips may receive up to $1,200 for bus transportation, and substitute-teacher reimbursement is capped at $150 per substitute. Awards are reimbursement-based.
Eligibility and eligible costs
Eligible applicants are Illinois teachers of grades prekindergarten through 12, including home-schooling teachers. At least 75% of the trip must occur outdoors, and the field trip site must be in Illinois. Primary eligible costs include transportation and substitute-teacher fees; admission and program fees may be considered if funds are available. Food, lodging, supplies, books, web development and equipment are not eligible.
Atlas analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 68/100. This is a verified statewide K-12 education opportunity with a long application runway and a clearly defined 2027 award structure. N9+ Direct Vendor Fit: 0/100. Equipment is expressly ineligible, and the program is limited to biodiversity field-trip costs rather than healthcare or telehealth infrastructure.