Who can apply? K-12 educators in public or private schools and after-school or summer programs.

Applicants andsites visited must be in Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Ulster, or Westchester counties.

THV may limit the number of grants made to the same district and encourages teachers to apply together if appropriate.

What kinds of explorations qualify? Day trips to Valley destinations with cultural, historic, and/or natural significance. Performances will be considered if they promote appreciation for/stewardship of the region. Please note: holding a presentation in a historic building is not enough; performance content should be related to Explore Awards goals.

Sites must be owned or managed by a not-for-profit or government body and be open to the public regularly. The missions of eligible sites typically include interpretation or preservation and encourage collaboration with schools. Appropriate sites include but are not limited to archives, art galleries, parks, libraries, museums, nature preserves, and other historic or heritage sites.

Eligible expenses/maximum awards. Explore Awards are meant to help cover programs, transportation, and/or admissions. THV will consider requests to cover other costs on a case-by-case basis. We will take into account cost per student, as well as total cost, and will keep in mind that school and community needs and resources vary. Awards are unlikely to exceed $4,000 or $15 per student. 

Matches. Explore Awards require a match. The match is met when “available resources” and “in-kind support” equal at least half of total costs. Available resources are contributions from sources other than THV, for example, school budget or PTA. In-kind contributions acknowledge “value added” by teachers, parents, or others. See the budget section in tips for additional details.

Other requirements. THV expects at least one person involved with the trip to participate in our 2011 or 2012 institute. Related time and expenses may be counted as in-kind contributions. The 2012 program will be held in Hyde Park and is tentatively scheduled for July 24-26.

How and when to apply. Submit a completed form by e-mail at least eight weeks before your proposed trip; no other material is needed.

THV acknowledges receipt of applications by e-mail and will review proposals continuously until funds are exhausted. Applicants typically have a response in four to six weeks.

Payment. After the trip, award recipients submit invoices for reimbursement. Alternatively, grantees may present bills from transportation providers and/or sites for direct payment provided they do not exceed the amount of the award.