Outdoor Classroom Grants: What You Need to Know

COVID-19 has forced many schools to adopt safer in-person learning methods for students. Deployable outdoor classrooms are a popular option given their ability to support social distancing, maximize air circulation, and relocate or expand if needed. However, not all schools have the immediate funds to finance new facilities. This is where outdoor classroom grants come in.

What Are Grants?

Grants are funds given by a particular entity such as a charitable organization, public body, or institution that specializes in giving grants. These funds are seen as donations for notable projects or activities that typically benefit the public, and they don’t need to be paid back. And grants can be given to an individual person, a large group of people, or an entity to support a positive purpose.

[Related: Hanger Hall Uses WeatherPort Outdoor Classroom Structures During COVID-19]

Using Grants to Purchase Outdoor Classrooms 

Schools around the world are realizing the array of benefits that outdoor classrooms provide, and are applying for grant money to purchase one or more outdoor classrooms to keep students safe and healthy in the fight against COVID-19. 

Acquiring an outdoor classroom is a great opportunity to keep kids at school learning in-person while preventing COVID-19 contraction in open-air learning areas. Since students are often in close parameters all day, outdoor classrooms are a viable solution. 

Your school can apply for a single grant or multiple depending on how many outdoor classrooms you need. When applying for a grant it’s important to be clear on why you’re asking for financial help. Also clarify how it’s going to benefit your community or particular cause.

[Related: Temporary Structures to Help Reopen Schools]

What to Include in Your Grant Proposal for Outdoor Classrooms

Include the following in order to write an effective grant letter:

  • Your grant’s overview
  • Who you are
  • Need statement
  • Desired outcome
  • Your project’s plan
  • How you’re preparing
  • How you’ll evaluate objectives
  • The program’s budget
  • The project’s sustained impact

Many types of grants offer different levels of support to particular sectors, such as education or technology. Slim down your findings during your research process to identify grants that work best for you and your school.

Grant research is worthwhile even if you don’t receive funds. Luckily numerous grants are available, so if one doesn’t work out, you can pursue others. 

[Related: Outdoor Facilities for Growing Schools]

WeatherPort Outdoor Classrooms 

Students and academic staff are safer in outdoor learning spaces than indoors. Indoor structures limit airflow and create tight spaces. WeatherPort® Shelter Systems offers high-quality fabric structures proven to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions for your outdoor learning needs. 

Keeping students, teachers, and other academic staff safe and healthy is of utmost importance. As a result, many education systems are seeking out fabric structures to accomplish safer learning setups. WeatherPort’s Jubilee Series and Canopy Series are popular options for outdoor classroom fabric structures. 

Our Jubilee Series is available in 15’, 16’, 20’, 21’, 26’, 30’, 35’ and 40’ widths. The smaller sizes can comfortably accommodate between 25 and 50 people. This leaves plenty of room for students and teachers to spread out inside. 

Our canopy options include a four-sided structure in sizes ranging from 10’ x 10’ to 20’ x 20’, a six-sided canopy available in 16’ or 30’ diameters, and an eight-sided canopy available in 35’ and 40’ diameters. 

Both the Jubilee and Canopy series are customizable, featuring expansion capabilities and the option to add windows, side curtain panels, and even logos and graphics

[Related: Falmouth’s Community Comes Together to Provide Outdoor Classrooms for Students]

Contact WeatherPort for Your Outdoor Classroom Needs

If you need to meet pandemic safety precautions by acquiring an outdoor classroom and would like a quote to include in your grant proposal, or have funding and want to proceed with purchasing, please contact us by sending us an email or completing our online inquiry form.

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