SCDES Seeking Funding Applications for "Champions of the Environment" Projects in K-12 Classrooms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 4, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) announces the grant application period for Champions of the Environment is now open. Kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers can now apply for grant funding to support classroom projects that build environmental awareness among students.
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are accepted Aug. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2025. Teachers are encouraged to visit the Champions of the Environment webpage to learn more and apply.
“Champions of the Environment is an excellent opportunity for educators to instill a life-long appreciation for South Carolina’s natural resources,” said SCDES Director Myra Reece. “Every year, we look forward to seeing the proposed projects that can be implemented at schools and help teach environmentally-friendly practices.”
Grants up to $2,500 will be awarded this year, and merit awards of a lesser amount may also be presented to help get projects started. In addition to a cash award, grantees are highlighted on the Champions of the Environment website and are promoted through local media. Previous grant-funded projects include:
Schoolyard wildlife habitat creation and restoration
Volunteer water quality monitoring and water conservation
School garden projects including raised bed and hydroponic growing systems
Sustainable energy initiatives
Champions of the Environment began in 1993 with the goal of encouraging, enabling and recognizing youth environmental education projects that develop awareness, promote behavior change or improve and protect our water, air, land and coast. The grant program is sponsored by SCDES, Dominion Energy, and Sylvamo, with assistance from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina. Learn more at des.sc.gov/champions.
