Outdoor School Grants Open for Maine Students

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is accepting grant applications for the Outdoor School for All program for the 2026-27 school year.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Financial Aid

Outdoor School Grants Open for Maine Students

Live Poll

Should Maine public funding support outdoor school experiences for middle-grade students?

UMaine Extension opened applications for grants under the Outdoor School for All program, which is available to eligible Maine nonprofit outdoor education organizations. Applications are due November 20.

Why it matters

The program is designed to expand access to immersive outdoor education for students in grades four through eight at public, charter and tribal schools across Maine. Its 2025-26 pilot year reached more than twice the originally projected number of students.

Grants provide up to $410 per student, with individual funding requests capped at $175,000 or 426 students. Programs must generally offer immersive experiences lasting at least three days and two nights.

The players

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

The state's public outreach arm of the University of Maine, which administers the Outdoor School for All program.

Libra Foundation

A philanthropic foundation that provided a $1.3 million gift to support the Outdoor School for All program.

The details

The Maine Legislature established the program in 2025, and UMaine Extension administers it. The $1.3 million gift from the Libra Foundation supports the program's funding.

2025: Maine Legislature establishes the Outdoor School for All program.
2025-26 school year: Pilot year serves 1,675 students.
November 6, 2026: Application portal for 2026-27 opens.
November 20, 2026: Grant applications are due.
Sept. 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027: Eligible outdoor school experiences may take place.

Season Trajectory

The 2025 legislation created a state-funded framework for outdoor education that is now moving from a pilot into a broader grant cycle. The 2025-26 pilot's reach beyond its original projections positions the program for its projected expansion to more than 3,000 students.

Eligible Maine nonprofit outdoor education organizations can apply for grants of up to $410 per student before the November 20 deadline. Schools and families should check that programs meet the requirement of immersive experiences lasting at least three days and two nights.

The takeaway

Organizations planning outdoor education programs for Maine's fourth through eighth graders should verify eligibility and submit applications before the November 20 deadline. Early planning helps ensure programs meet the immersive multi-day standard required for funding.

What happens next

Grant applications for the 2026-27 school year are due November 20, 2026, and eligible outdoor school experiences may take place between September 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027.