Funding Suggestions for GLOBE Teachers

Teachers in GLOBE workshops have developed the following list of potential equipment funding sources. Begin with local sources and remember to include in-kind funding in grant proposals. Iowa teachers attending a GLOBE Iowa workshop can claim a $1700 in-kind contribution from the Iowa Academy of Science and our funders for the cost of the training and GLOBE starter kits.

• ICEC

  (Iowa Conservation Education Council) Outdoor classroom mini grant -- These grants have a limit of $500 for the development of an outdoor classroom. The GLOBE atmosphere site would fit in this grant. Request information from: WZICED@aol.com

• NRCS-SWCD

  (Natural Resource Conservation Service and Soil and Water Conservation Districts) Call you local office and ask about local funding and resource volunteers. At the local level these two groups may be able to fund your equipment and help your students learn how to use it.

• Your school or parent's group

  Your local PTO/PTA may provide funds. Involve your parents in the program and you may also find volunteers to take data on weekends!

• Local businesses

  (Walmart, Target, HyVee) Some of these businesses have a minimum amount to contribute back to the community each month (always call ahead and ask if requests should be mailed or made in person). Some have discount programs too. You can request money or store credit.

• Partners in Education

  If your school has this program request funding through your partner. Take the time to educate your partner about the benefits of GLOBE (maybe ask them to visit your classroom to see the GLOBE video and then watch your students take some data).

• True Grants

  Some suggested sources:
  • Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust (already funds GLOBE Iowa)
  • R. J. McElroy Trust (also funds GLOBE Iowa, KWWL area)
  • Prairie Meadows or riverboat grants
  • NSF, EPA...other government
  • NASA (every NASA project has an educational component)

• National Wildlife Federation Suggests:

  Acquiring Resources for Outdoor Habitats.

• IJAS

  (Iowa Junior Academy of Science) -- Can fund individual students in research projects for 6th-12th grades.

• Police/Sheriff

  Contact your local police to ask for confiscated glassware and lights.

• GLOBE

  From time to time GLOBE asks GLOBE teachers to review new materials and often pays a stipend for such work.