DRWA School Mini-Grants

Up to $500 for hands-on, student-powered watershed projects

The Deerfield River Watershed Association (DRWA) is excited to offer School Mini-Grants of up to $500 to support creative, place-based environmental learning in the Deerfield River watershed.

These mini-grants are designed to help teachers bring real-world environmental learning into their classrooms; whether that’s getting students outside, exploring local water resources, creating art or media inspired by nature, or tackling a community-based project that makes a difference.

If you have an idea that gets students curious, engaged, and connected to their local environment, we want to help fund it.

🌿 Who Can Apply

  • K–12 public or private schools

  • Schools located within the Deerfield River watershed

  • Projects must take place within the watershed

  • Individual teachers, teaching teams, clubs, or grade-level collaborations are welcome

💡 What We’re Looking For

We’re excited about projects that are:

  • Hands-on and student-centered

  • Connected to local water, wildlife, land, or climate

  • Designed for broad participation (classroom, grade level, school-wide, or community-facing)

  • Creative, interdisciplinary, and project-based

  • Projects should be completed within one year of receiving funds.

💰 Grant Details 

  • Grants available for any amount up to $500

  • DRWA distributes up to $1,000 per year (Currently: $1,000 available)

  • No fixed deadline — applications are reviewed monthly

  • Decisions are typically made within two months

  • Funding availability will be posted on this page

📣 Sharing Your Impact

Grant recipients will share what students learned or created with the wider watershed community. This can be simple and creative, such as:

  • A short written reflection

  • Student artwork or photography

  • A performance, presentation, or video

  • A podcast, audio clip, or visual display

  • Selected projects will be highlighted on the DRWA website and in our newsletter.

🌎 Project Ideas (Just a Starting Point! You’re not limited to these—new and creative ideas are encouraged.)

  • Storm drain stenciling

  • Stream, pond, wetlands or river water-quality monitoring

  • Macroinvertebrate surveys

  • Shoreline or habitat assessments

  • Student-designed nature quests or scavenger hunts

  • Creating or improving nature trails

  • Interpretive signs, exhibits, or pop-up learning stations

  • Art, storytelling, or media projects inspired by the watershed

  • Invasive species study or removal

  • Improving fish passage or habitat

  • Native plantings for erosion control, pollinator pathways, bird migration, etc.

🧰 What the Grant Can Cover (Consultant fees are discouraged to prioritize teacher- and student-led projects.)

  • Classroom or field equipment and supplies

  • Books, field guides, maps, or curriculum materials

  • Workshops or professional learning related to the project

  • Transportation for local field experiences

  • Laboratory testing or analysis

📝 How to Apply

The fastest and preferred way to apply is through our online application form:

👉 Apply online here

OR

You may also submit applications by email or mail if needed. Click here for a printable version.

DRWA School Mini-Grants (NOTE: We infrequently check for postal mail. Email is preferred.)
15 Bank Row, Suite A
Greenfield, MA 01301
📧 drwa@deerfieldriver.org