The Orange County Outdoor Science Foundation was founded in 1989 by Nathaniel Lamm while working for the Orange County Department of Education. The Foundation, an IRS 501(c)3 California non-profit corporation, provides financial, educational, and advisory support to Inside the Outdoors. This is an environmental education program, that does not receive tax-based funding, administered by the Orange County Department of Education. The Orange County Outdoor Science Foundation solicits financial support for Inside the Outdoors through the grant writing process. Businesses and corporations including Pacific Life Foundation, Orange County Community Foundation, Southern California Edison, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and others have awarded the Foundation money. Fundraising is also achieved through the sales of memorabilia to students who attend Inside the Outdoors’ Outdoor Science School.

This program is open to all teachers in Orange County public and private schools, grades K-6. Grant applications may be submitted by individual teachers or by school teams. Some grants are available to schools outside Orange County (see below for details)

The applications will be reviewed by Inside the Outdoors. Recommendations will then be made to the Scholarship Committee of the Orange County Outdoor Science Foundation. Decisions will be made based on the following criteria:

• Explanation of plan to incorporate the program into classroom curricula
• Financial Need and/or Geographic Location (as applicable)
• Adherence to all grant application requirements as described in this document

One grant may be funded per teacher or grade level. The same students can not benefit from more than one grant.

After participation in the funded program, the school will receive an invoice for the amount due (if applicable), or showing it has been paid in full by the grant. All grants are presented tax-free and are paid in full, regardless of the amount. If requested, a "simulation" check for the grant amount can be given to the school for a presentation.

• Participation in the Inside the Outdoors program during the current academic year
• Media Releases must be signed by students’ parents/guardians prior to participation to permit publicity (Inside the Outdoors must be notified if any students are not released)
• Teacher must be willing to allow observation of the program by the funding agency
• Teacher may be requested to administer a pre- and post- test to assess students' academic knowledge and environmental awareness
• Thank you letters must be sent to the funding agency within one month after participation to the following address (letters will be forwarded to appropriate donors by OSF):

Orange County Outdoor Science Foundation
Attn: Helen de la Maza
200 Kalmus Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92628

• Transportation costs are NOT included
• If your attendance numbers change, you can adjust the contract number up to 20 business days prior to the participation date (this is critical to avoid charges based on erroneous attendance numbers). Notify David Anselmo at 714-708-3892.
• If actual attendance is lower than 90% of the adjusted contract number (see above), the school will be billed for the difference. For example, if your adjusted contract number is 100, then 90% is 90 students. If 88 students attend, the school will be charged the full price for two students (90 - 88 = 2).

Grant applications are always accepted. You will be notified of your grant status within approximately one month after receipt. Once the funds have been fully disbursed, applications will no longer be accepted.