K-12 schools in SC carrying out environmental projects, including:

• Public
• Charter
• Private

Projects must address environmental issues among the following categories:

• Cleaner air or water
• Healthier soil
• Improved wildlife habitat
• Water or energy efficiency
• Resource conservation
• Projects must also educate the community and make a lasting difference to the environment
• Champions of the Environment grant funding may be used by eligible schools to purchase supplies for programs such as SC Adopt-a-Stream and PurpleAir.
• Note: Solid waste reduction projects such as recycling, composting, share tables, cafeteria waste audits, and related field trips are not eligible for Champions of the Environment grant funding. Those seeking funding for these projects should apply for the SCDES Recycling Education Grant. 

• Electronically submit the completed grant application during the open application period
  • example grant application (for reference only)
• If you have any questions, or have trouble accessing the grant application, email the Champions Coordinator, or call 803-898-4183
• Be sure to supply all the requested information; incomplete applications will not be considered
• Your application will not be considered if it is submitted after the posted deadline

The Champions Partnership provides grants to support environmental projects that are logical, well-planned, and are highly likely to meet goals and objectives. Projects are evaluated on the following criteria:

• Priority will be given to schools who have not received Champions of the Environment funding within the past five years
• Benefits to the Environment—Projects should result in cleaner air or water, healthier soil, improved wildlife habitat, water or energy efficiency, resource conservation, or other tangible environmental benefits through one comprehensive program or through multiple activities
• Student Involvement—Proposal clearly details activities students will be responsible for including design, implementation, and maintenance
• Outreach—Proposal includes outreach activities students will complete to educate those outside the project, including the school and the community at large
• Partnerships—Project partners have been confirmed, and plans are in place to provide additional resources, expertise, or donations to the project; see "Can I partner with environmental programs/organizations" below
• Detailed Budget—Project budget clearly lists all supplies/materials needed and all estimated costs; use of grant funds for salaries/wages, promotional items including t-shirts, food, or prizes are prohibited; see "How can I stretch my buck" below
• Maintenance/Sustainability Plan—Proposal details how the project will be sustained beyond the grant award, providing long-term educational benefits
• Realization Factor—Proposal indicates the applicant has sufficient resources to complete the project, and the project is highly likely to succeed in meeting goals and objectives
• Innovative and/or Creative—Project is something new or uses a novel approach to address a common issue

Champions is a competitive grant program; therefore, a limited number of projects will receive funding. Priority will be given to applications that make the most of this one-time funding. Consider using the funds to pay for something you would not/could not otherwise provide. Below are some suggestions to help stretch your funds and get the biggest bang for your buck:

• Borrow construction/gardening tools from parents or teachers
• Purchase supplies that will stay with the classroom like binoculars, microscopes, books, etc.
• Check with county/city offices, local garden centers, Native Plant Societies, Clemson Extension, etc. for material donations
• Secure additional funding from other grants, private donations, or other sources and include this information in the application

Champions grant applicants and winners are encouraged to partner with other environmental education programs and organizations to leverage additional funding, resources, and guidance. These partnerships also provide opportunities to work with experts in the field on real world environmental issues. Below is a list of some potential partners.

SCDES Breathe Better Program

SCDES Recycling Grant Program

SC Adopt-a-Stream Program

SCDNR Soil and Water Conservation Districts

SC Green Step Schools

SC Wildlife Federation

SC Forestry Commission

Palmetto Pride

SC Native Plant Society

Clemson Master Gardeners Program

Clemson School and Community Gardening Program

Clemson 4-H Program

South Carolina Farm to School Program

City & County Stormwater Educators

Riverkeeper Organizations

Watershed Organizations 

Outdoor Education Centers

• Up to $2,500 to implement your project
• Project highlighted on the Champions website
• Social media posts and press releases by SCDES
• Local media promotion of your school

• Aug. 1 to Sept. 30—applications accepted
• Mid-October—all applicants notified of status
• November-December—grant checks mailed out
• End of April—project summaries due
• All funds must be expended, and all proposed activities must be completed, by the end of the school year for which the grant is provided