Outdoor Classrooms: Apply for a $5,000 outdoor classroom grant

The ChariTree Foundation is helping bring learning outside

The ChariTree Foundation supports Canadian schools, summer camps, and registered Canadian charities in creating outdoor classrooms and children’s learning gardens that connect kids with nature.

2026 Grant Update

The 2026 Outdoor Classroom Grants have not yet been announced due to insufficient funding.

The ChariTree Foundation is 100% volunteer-run, with our team working on the program in our spare time outside of our regular jobs.

As more donations become available, we’ll announce the next grant opportunity here on The ChariTree Foundation website, Bluesky, and Instagram.

Please note: As a 100% volunteer-run organization, we’re unable to respond to individual grant inquiries. Please watch this page or follow us on Bluesky or Instagram for updates.

How You Can Help 💚

Purchase copies of The Wish Trees and Don’t Let Ned Plant a Tree There! 100% of profits from book sales are donated to The ChariTree Foundation’s Outdoor Classroom Grant Program, helping more children connect with nature through outdoor learning.

Please note: As a 100% volunteer-run organization, we’re unable to respond to individual grant inquiries. Please watch this page or follow us on Bluesky or Instagram for updates.

Thank you for your patience and support in helping more children learn and thrive outdoors! 💚 

While The ChariTree Foundation supports any learning in an outdoor environment, please include environmental education. Here are just a few benefits of environmental education for children and teens that will help them thrive and survive in their ever-changing world:

  • Raising Environmental Awareness: Helps children understand and appreciate nature, fostering a respect and love for the environment.
  • Developing Critical Thinking: Encourages children to analyze and solve real-life environmental challenges, improving problem-solving skills.
  • Promoting Healthier Lifestyles: Increases outdoor activity, reducing screen time and supporting physical and mental well-being.
  • Instilling a Sense of Responsibility: Encourages children to take care of their surroundings and be conscious of their ecological impact.
  • Supporting Academic Growth: Connects environmental topics to subjects like science, math, and geography, enhancing academic learning in all subjects.
  • Encouraging Collaboration: Involves teamwork in activities like community clean-ups, tree planting or garden projects, promoting social skills and cooperation.

Follow on Blue Sky or check The ChariTree Foundation website for updates.

Learn more about outdoor classrooms in Canada:

Take a Hike, an outdoor classroom program, expands on Vancouver Island | CBC News

Vancouver teacher praises benefits of taking kids outside of classroom to learn | CBC News

Rural Sask. school embraces outdoor education with open-air classroom | CBC News

Outdoor classrooms rising in popularity as N.L. kids return to school amid COVID-19 | CBC News

PHOTOS — Check out these outdoor learning spaces | CBC Kids

The Eaton School in Eatonia, Sask. received a grant from The ChariTree Foundation of $1,000 towards their outdoor classroom. Nichole Ness Bredy, a teacher at Eaton School, spearheaded the project and the community, local businesses and non-profit organizations came together to donate $32,000 to the project, plus about $20,000 in free labour.