Funding Assistance
Long Lake Conservation Center is committed to expanding access to outdoor education. To help make overnight Outdoor School trips more accessible, qualifying schools may be eligible to receive funding assistance/financial aid.
Schools interested in funding support can complete an OUTDOOR SCHOOL INQUIRY FORM. Funding assistance for overnight Outdoor School experiences is made possible through support from Minnesota’s Outdoor School for All legislation and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
About Outdoor School for All in Minnesota
Outdoor School for All was established in June 2025 when Governor Tim Walz signed the legislation into law, creating a statewide grant program to expand access to overnight outdoor education for students in grades 4–12.This initiative supports accredited residential environmental learning centers in delivering multi-day, immersive experiences that integrate: Environmental and natural science learning Outdoor recreation and skill-building Cultural and place-based education.
Grant Information & Public Disclosure
Project Title: Outdoor School for All
Grant Award Amount: $130,507.40
Project Duration: Through June 30, 2028
Grantee Contact:
Dave McMillan, Manager
(218) 768-4653
Outdoor School is funded by the State of Minnesota and administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. All services and programming supported through this grant acknowledge the State of Minnesota as the sponsoring agency.
Long Lake Conservation Center receives funding through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.”