Friends of the Chicago River is always applying for grants to get students out exploring the Chicago-Calumet River system. Some may require specific activites on your trip (Litter Free) or be for a specific destination or event (attending the Chicago River Student Congress). Please contact our education staff, if you have questions.

Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grants

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources awards grants to get students outside. Grants are only available to teachers of grades prekindergarten through 12 in Illinois schools and home-schooling teachers in Illinois and are awarded for the purpose of studying some aspect of Illinois’ biodiversity. The field trip should support Illinois natural resources topics currently being taught in the applicant’s curriculum. At least 75% of the field trip must occur outdoors to be eligible for these grant funds. 

Nature Express Bus

For school, community group or nonprofit organization interested in visiting the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Nature Express Bus program can help your group access the Forest Preserves. School field trips through the Nature Express Bus program are only permitted on weekends. To qualify, your group must have a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 44 passengers and demonstrate a need for transportation funding. In order to provide equal access, groups are limited to one free bus per calendar year.

Photo by Brittany Harthan.