Grants to be offered for youth outdoor programs

OLYMPIA — Applications will be accepted until Feb. 16 for up to $125,000 in state No Child Left Inside grants, aimed as giving at-risk children outdoor experiences.

The program is administered by the state Recreation and Conservation Office. Applicants can include local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, schools, informal after-school programs and community-based programs.

Grant applicants may ask for as much as $125,000. The state expects to award about $900,000.

Typical programs would include those offering backpacking or camping, canoeing and kayaking, hunting and fishing, hiking, orienteering, rock climbing and environmental outdoor education.

A citizen advisory committee will evaluate and score the proposals.

State lawmakers funded the program in 2008, then ended it during the economic downturn. State parks requested and received funds from the Legislature to reinvigorate the program.

To learn more about the grants, visit RCO’s web site at www.co.wa.gov/grants/ncli.shtml.