Georgia Outdoor Learning Demonstration (GOLD) Grant

Georgia Outdoor Learning Demonstration (GOLD) Grant is sponsored by Georgia Department of Education and the Environmental Education Alliance. This initiative aims to enhance outdoor learning for Georgia's PK-12 public school students.

https://www. eealliance. org/2025-26-gold-grants.

html Applying for a GOLD Grant: the Basics ## Deadline extended to October 6, 2025 History of GOLD Grants ● A bipartisan GA Senate Study Committee on Outdoor Learning researched the value of outdoor learning by reviewing literature, hearing testimony, and conducting site visits ● The Committee’s Final Report recommended grants to support and encourage outdoor learning in Georgia ● The state legislature acted on the Committee’s recommendation and allocated funding for GOLD Grants ● Read the Final Report here The Value of Outdoor Learning Research has shown student benefits of outdoor learning include: ● Improved mental and physical health ● Increased focus and self-regulation ● Academic gains ● Nature connection and future conservation ethic ● Opportunities to observe phenomena, conduct investigations and solve real-world problems in the schoolyard ● Greater motivation and interest arising from increased engagement ● Increased self-efficacy and confidence in ability to make a difference in the world Learn more Who is Eligible to Apply?

● K-12 Schools or School Districts ● Non-Profit Organizations ● Public Agencies as long as public school students are the primary beneficiaries of the projects Learn more by reading the full RFA How Can GOLD Grants be Used? ● Schoolyard Improvements ● Professional Learning ● Supplies & Equipment ● Field Trips > Learn more by reading the full RFA ## What is the Selection Process?

● Applications are reviewed and scored according to selection criteria ● Each applicant’s scores are averaged ● Top-ranked application in each State School Board District is recommended (assuming an acceptable application has been received from each) ● Additional highly-ranked applications statewide are recommended ● State School Board considers grant docket and makes awards What Are the Scoring Components?

● 5 pts: Need (bonus points for meeting need indicators such as Title 1 status) ● 10 pt: Project Summary (clarity and purpose) ● 10 pt: Project Details (what will be accomplished and how) ● 5 pts: Scale (number of students who will directly benefit) ● 5 pts: Student Beneficiaries (description of who will benefit and why) ● 5 pts: Learning Goals (related to GA Standards of Excellence) ● 5 pts: Impact (depth and memorability of learning experience) ● 5 pts: Educator Experience or Interest (leadership and engagement) ● 5 pts: EE Continuum (goal of student-directed investigations, problem solving, and action) ● 5 pts: Partners (extent of school / community support, which contributes to sustainability) ● 5 pts: Recognition of Outdoor Learning Assets (making the most of whatever is available) ● 5 pts: Identification of Challenges (pragmatism and preparedness) ● 5 pts: Success Metrics (tangible, measurable outcomes or deliverables) ● 5 pts: Sustainability (durable materials; reduction of waste; conservation of resources; etc.) ● 5 pts: Project Longevity (strategy for continuation after grant ends) ● 5 pts: Demonstration of Best Practices in Outdoor Learning (or Innovative Approach) ● 20 pt: Budget Summary, Budget Itemization, and Budget Narrative (cost effective, high value) 110 pts Learn more by reading the full RFA Previous Grantees ## Examples of Previously-Funded Projects Learn more about professional learning opportunities Examples of Previously-Funded Projects Learn more about options for schoolyard improvements Examples of Previously-Funded Projects Supplies and Equipment for Students Learn more about supplies and equipment for outdoor learning Examples of Previously-Funded Projects Field Trips & Presentations Learn more about field trips for schools How to Write a Successful GOLD Grant Application ● Review the RFA ● Read the GOLD Application Preview ● Identify partners and collaborators ● Envision the results you hope to see ● Share plan / form a team / get approval ● Complete the Project Budget ● Work backwards from the budget to complete the application, describing the project and telling how you will implement it ● Answer every question completely ● Review the budget to see if it needs to be adjusted to match the narrative What are Some “Best Practices” in Outdoor Learning?

> Learn more about an evaluation of 1000 previous outdoor learning grants in Georgia; and Tips and Techniques for Taking Students Outside Providing students with opportunities for: ● Exploration and discovery in nature ● Observing real-world phenomena ● Curiosity-driven investigations ● Solving authentic, local problems ● Extended project-based learning ● Interdisciplinary or STEM-oriented ● Using science practices to understand core ideas ● Recognizing crosscutting concepts ● Eco-engineering challenges ● Standards embedded in projects and activities Supporting student learning with: ● Frequent, regular outdoor experiences ● Routines, protocols and organization, as needed ● Supplies and equipment needed to do science ● Educator preparation, skills, leadership What Types of Projects Support Best Practices?

● Creating shade ● Greening the schoolyard / providing natural areas for student investigations ● Overcoming challenges to teaching outside (access, space, resources, etc) ● Equipping students with tools and supplies needed for learning projects ● Providing work surfaces, natural areas, investigation stations or other settings for outdoor learning ● Collaborating with community to enhance student opportunities ● Continuing to build capacity to be a facilitator of outdoor learning Budget ● Click button to “make a copy” of the budget ● Re-title copy with the name of your organization ● Complete form including all three tabs ● Be sure to itemize expenses (list each item separately with individual price and number of units needed) What Happens If a Grant is Awarded?

● Grant Award Notification (GAN) ● Grantee webinar to explain process ● Grantee sets up budget in Consolidated App ● Budget approved by EEA and GaDOE ● Superintendent signs in ConApp portal ● District Financial Specialist draws down $ ● Grantee spends funds per District policies ● Grantee implements project ● Students engaged in outdoor learning ● Grantee submits interim report ● All funds spent by June 30, 2026 ● Final report submitted by July 31, 2026 Q&A Answers to questions asked today will be added to FAQ document posted at 2025-26 GOLD Grants.

Questions may also be submitted to info@eealliance. org until Sep 10, and will be answered at the Sep 10 webinar and in the RFA. Previous applicants who did not ask for a briefing may do so before the grant deadline.

Outdoor Learning Resources ● CoOL Toolkit for Outdoor Learning ● Outdoor Learning Spaces ● Methods & Models for Teaching Outdoors ● Resources for Teaching Outdoors ● Tips & Techniques for Teaching Outdoors ● GA Schoolyard Forest Network ● CoOL Schoolyards Challenges ● GOLD Grant Info and FAQs ● Outdoor Learning Symposium Register Here “This project is the one that I'm most proud of in my career because my students' compassion will have a long-lasting impact on others!

” ## Grand Opening of Sensory Gardens