History Field Trip Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the History Field Trip Grant Program?

Current K-12 educators and administrations are eligible to apply for field trip funding. 
 

Can a parent or PTA member apply to the History Field Trip Grant Program?

No. Due to prior issues in this area, we only work directly with active educators, administrators, schools, and school districts. 

How many times can I apply to the History Field Trip Grant Program?

Only one application per school district, per year, may be submitted.

I want to take a school club on a field trip, can I apply for funding?

Yes. While we prefer to send classes to battlefields and historic sites, we will consider field trips conducted by school clubs. 

I have an adult field trip that I am planning, can I apply to the History Field Trip Grant Program? 

No, the History Field Trip Grant Program is meant to fund only K-12 field trips. 

Is there a deadline for applying to the History Field Trip Grant Program?

No, we have a rolling admissions policy. You can apply throughout the school year and summer. However, you must apply for field trip funding at least one month prior to your trip. 

I don't know the dates or locations of my field trip, should I apply to the History Field Trip Grant Program anyhow?

No, if you do not know the date or locations of your trip we will automatically reject your application and ask that you apply when you have the information. 

My school has received funding through the History Field Trip Grant Program over the last 12-18 months, can we still apply?

Yes, but we do take the number of classes that we have funded field trips for, from each school district, into consideration.

Can I apply to fund a field trip that we have already taken? 

No, all trips must be pre-approved by the American Battlefield Trust. 
 

What should I include on the application?

You should answer all questions honestly and to your best ability. Our staff does confirm the information you provide about your school, class size, destinations, etc. Any falsely provided information will automatically disqualify your application. 

We also consider:

• School's financial needs. 
• School's geographic location.
• The number of students and chaperones participating in said field trip. 
• The thoroughness of the application packet.
• The number of prior field trips the American Battlefield Trust has funded for your school. Classrooms that received a grant in the 2022-2023 school year may not be eligible for a grant in the 2023-2024 school year. 
• The frequency of other approved field trips to a specific battlefield, museum, and other historic site destinations. 
• The certitude of teacher's plans. 
• Demonstrable positive impact on your students.
• Battlefield-centric experiences.
• Field trip destination(s).
• Planned activities while on your field trip.  
• Availability of History Field Trip Grant Program funds. 

Is the History Field Trip Grant Program meant only to send classes to battlefields?

No, we send classes to museums and other historic sites related to the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War such as Independence Hall, Mount Vernon, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, etc.

How long will it take to receive an answer to my application?

All applications will be reviewed and answered within two weeks of submission.

How much funding should I expect to receive from the American Battlefield Trust?

The History Field Trip Grant Program is designed to offset the costs for field trips. It is NOT designed to fully fund a field trip. Depending on a variety of factors, you may receive between $250 and $3,000 for your field trip. 

What sites would the History Field Trip Grant Program help send my class too?

The History Field Trip Grant Program is designed to send students to battlefields, museums, and other historic sites related to the Civil War, War of 1812, and the Revolutionary War. 

I want to take my class to see a historical movie, play, or musical; will the History Field Trip Grant Program cover this trip?

No.

I want to take my class to a site associated with the World Wars; will the American Battlefield Trust fund this trip?

No.

I want to take my class to a non-Civil War, War of 1812 or Revolutionary War site. Will you still provide funding?

No, the purpose of the fund is to send kids to sites related to those three conflicts. 

Will you provide funding for a field trip to a Civil War, War of 1812, or Revolutionary War reenactment?

No. Due to insurance liability issues and the use of live firearms, we will not provide funding for trips to any reenactments. 

Will the History Field Trip Grant Program pay for souvenirs, overnight hotel stays, luxury travel options, etc.?

No. The American Battlefield Trust reserves the right to withhold reimbursement for luxury items, souvenirs, overnight hotel stays, etc. 

What will the History Field Trip Grant Program reimbursement cover?

The following items can be covered by the History Field Trip Grant Program: transportation, admission fees, and reasonable presenter/guide fees.

How long does it take to receive my reimbursement?

Reimbursement is dependent on each teacher. It is up to you to submit all of the necessary forms, receipts, thank you cards, etc. to the American Battlefield Trust. Once we have all of this information, in good order, it can take up to 28 business days for you to receive your reimbursement. 

We are strapped for cash. Will the American Battlefield Trust provide me with funds prior to my field trip? 

No. All funds will be dispersed AFTER the completion of your field trip, and the submission of all necessary forms, receipts, thank you cards, etc.

Who will the reimbursement check be made payable to?

All checks will be made payable to the school or school district. Under no circumstances will the American Battlefield Trust issue checks to individuals. 

My class was approved for a field trip, but we cannot take the trip. Can I give my funding to another class?

No. Please contact the American Battlefield Trust in the case. We would be happy to work with you, but under no circumstances should you pass along your approval to another teacher, class, or school district. 

We went on our field trip but did not visit any of the sites we were approved to go to by the American Battlefield Trust. Are we still eligible for reimbursement?

No. The American Battlefield Trust expects you to visit the sites that you provided on your History Field Trip Grant Program application, on the dates provided. If aspects of your trip change at any time, please contact the American Battlefield Trust Education Department as soon as possible. We are happy to work with you to make the trip a success. 

Do you have more questions?

Email us fieldtripfund@battlefields.org.

Please Note:

Funding may be revoked by the American Battlefield Trust at any time for the following reason(s): post-approval trip date change, post-approval destination change, falsified receipts, excessive guide fees, class/teacher not fulfilling their required photo, press release, and thank you note requirements. 

Apply Today!