Empowering Teachers and Students to Share the Ice Age Floods Story
Micro-grants of up to $500 now available for K-12 educators
Application Period Opens January 5, 2026
The Ice Age Floods Institute is proud and excited to announce a groundbreaking initiative to bring one of Earth’s most dramatic geological stories into classrooms across the Pacific Northwest. Our new K-12 Grant Program provides targeted funding to help teachers and students explore, understand, and share the remarkable Ice Age Floods narrative with their communities.
The Challenge We’re Addressing
The Ice Age Floods story may seem straightforward to those who’ve studied it, but explaining these catastrophic events to newcomers can be surprisingly complex. Teachers need effective guidance and quality materials to bring this geological phenomenon to life in their classrooms. Students who become fascinated by the floods can inspire others. IAFI recognizes that reaching K-12 students is one of the most effective ways to educate young people, and through them to share this incredible story with their families and communities.
Our Solution: Micro-Grants up to $500 That Make a Difference
These carefully designed micro-grants help defray the costs of materials, field experiences, and project development for classroom instruction throughout Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Oregon. By providing this crucial support, we’re creating a ripple effect of interest and knowledge that extends from students to their families and friends.
How Grants Can Be Used
We’ve designed this program with flexibility in mind, understanding that teachers and students have diverse needs and creative approaches to sharing the Ice Age Floods story. These grants are meant to support classroom activities including curriculum materials, educational supplies, guest speaker fees, and field trip expenses to Ice Age Floods sites throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The Power of Student Engagement
When students develop genuine interest and excitement about the Ice Age Floods, they become natural ambassadors for the story. They share their enthusiasm with family members over dinner, explain geological concepts to friends, and carry this knowledge forward throughout their lives. This program doesn’t just fund classroom teachers—it creates a generation of informed advocates for geological education, research and preservation.
What Makes This Program Special
Our grant program initially focuses on 4th grade educators in support of the IAFI 4th Grade Curriculum Project. This strategic approach allows us to build a strong foundation before expanding to all K-12 teachers and students in future years.
It’s For Educators
Teachers can apply for funding to enhance their Ice Age Floods curriculum through:
- Classroom materials and educational resources
- Field trip expenses to visit actual flood-carved landscapes
- Hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities
- Professional development opportunities
2026 Grant Cycle
- December 2025 – Application details and forms posted to IAFI.org website
- January 2026 – Application window opens, applications accepted on an ongoing basis
- Grant awards will be approved and announced within 2 months of application, 90% of grant will be awarded
- 12 Months – Period for using awarded grant funds and sharing a final report with IAFI, then the final 10% of of the grant will be awarded
Simple Application Process
We’ve designed our process to be straightforward and educator-friendly. Applications are accepted year-round starting January 2026, with a two-month review period. Once approved, recipients have one year to complete their projects, followed by a six-month window to share their results with the IAFI community. Click here to apply.
$5,000 Annual IAFI Program Funding Commitment and Growth*
- The program is initially funded with a $5,000 annual commitment by the Ice Age Floods Institute and our 11 local chapters, to support multiple projects each year.
- We’re committed to growing this program through donations from IAFI members, businesses, educational grants, and other philanthropic sources. We anticipate significant interest from current members and believe that a successful grant program will help attract new supporters to IAFI’s mission.
- Your support can directly impact the next generation of geological enthusiasts. Whether you’re an individual member, a local business, or an organization committed to education, your contribution helps ensure that more students and teachers can access the resources they need to share the Ice Age Floods story effectively.
Join Us in Making History Come Alive
This Scholar Support Grant Program represents more than just funding—it’s an investment in geological literacy, scientific curiosity, and the preservation of our region’s remarkable natural heritage. By supporting teachers and students as they explore the Ice Age Floods, we’re ensuring that this incredible story continues to inspire wonder and understanding for generations to come.
Get Involved
Whether you’re an educator ready to apply, a potential donor, or simply curious to learn more, we invite you to be part of this exciting initiative.
An IAFI team is completing the details, application information and donation links that will be available on IAFI.org in December 2025.
Questions? Email us at IAFIgrants@gmail.com