Funding Your Field Trip

Funding Opportunities for Educators

Portland Ovations acknowledges that there are many fiscal barriers to participate in field trips including transportation and program funding. Below is a list of resources for various grants, including Portland Ovations’ own program, Destination Portland.  

Destination Portland

Portland Ovations subsidizes transportation for Maine schools attending School-Time Performances. Grants up to $400 are available. Subsidies through Destination Portland are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to schools with 50% or more free and reduced lunch statistics. 

Destination Portland has a rolling deadline, and applicants should expect to hear back about funding within two weeks of submitting their application.  

HOW TO APPLY

  • Download the application
  • Fill out and return to Portland Ovations
    • By email to ovationsoffstage@portlandovations.org
    • By mail to Portland Ovations, 120 Exchange Street, Portland, ME 04101

Destination Portland Supported By

School District Education Foundations

These district-specific grants serve teachers directly and support school programming that falls outside regular budgets. This list is incomplete! We include districts with regular granting cycles and a firm online presence, but there are lots of districts with funding programs that work on a case-by-case basis, or don’t have strong online presence. Consider reaching out to your superintendent or your PTO to find other opportunities if your district isn’t listed below.  

Biddeford Schools Teacher Mini-Grants 

Biddeford Education Foundation supports grants up to $1,000 each for local teachers to augment teaching, encourage academic excellence, and maximize opportunities for K-12 students.  

Falmouth Education Foundation 

Falmouth Education Foundation aims to promote innovative student development and to enhance educational excellence for all Falmouth students. Funding priorities include ideas that support the Falmouth Schools’ educational philosophy and its goals and innovative educational projects/programs/items that augment the curriculum in a meaningful way. 

Foundation for Portland Public Schools

Serving teachers, staff, and students of the Portland Public Schools district, Foundation for PPS offers a variety of support programs, including grants for teachers which can be applied toward field trips, guest speakers, and other resources to increase students engagement and achievement.

Lewiston Independent Foundation for Education (LIFE) 

Each year, LIFE awards Impact Grants for innovative educational opportunities. Grants are awarded to projects which Enhance student achievement and talents, motivate students, expand educational opportunities, promote innovation, and provide opportunities for team teaching or interdisciplinary projects. 

  • How to Apply: Visit LIFE to learn more and apply. 

Marshwood Education Foundation 

Supporting innovation and excellence for MSAD 35, Marshwood Education Foundation provides funding for special projects that enhance students’ experience but are not included in the school budget. They fund a wide range of projects across all major educational areas.  

Scarborough Education Foundation  

Scarborough Education Foundation awards grants to support innovative and creative initiatives that will enhance the curriculum for students in grades K-12 of the Scarborough public schools.  

Yarmouth Education Foundation 

The Yarmouth Education Foundation’s mission is to promote and enhance educational excellence by generating independent funding for innovative educational projects, enrichment programs and other creative educational initiatives that fall outside the standard budget and support the curriculum. 

State and National Grants for Teachers and Schools

The Edward H. Davies Benevolent Fund

Any organization focusing on early childhood (birth to age 8) and youth engagement (middle and high school) programs in the Greater Portland area may apply for this grant. Both general support grants and project grants are available. 

Drive for Education – Berlin City Auto Group

This broad grant is available to any school or education program in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont to support student learning and enrichment. 

Donors Choose 

Donors Choose is a national crowdfunding site to support teachers and their classroom needs. Funding requests can include anything from basic classroom supplies to fieldtrips and beyond.   

  • How to Apply: Visit Donors Choose to learn more and create a request.  

Maine Humanities Council Arts & Humanities Grants 

These grants are intended to support innovative, Maine-based community projects with rich and well-developed arts and humanities components. Maine Humanities Council’s Arts & Humanities Grant supports projects with strong participation from artists/topic experts, robust support from partners in the community, and broad public outreach, especially to new audiences. Both private and public schools and school districts are eligible to apply. 

Target Community Engagement Funds 

This community grant program empowers Target stores and distribution center leaders to make meaningful, localized giving decisions that meet the needs of their communities. Any K-12 public school or nonprofit private school may apply. Colleges and universities are also eligible. 

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants 

Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where Walmart operates. Grants range from $250 to $5,000 for a wide range of projects, including educational and arts programming. Any K-12 public school or nonprofit private school may apply. Colleges and universities are also eligible.