Minnesota Zoo Explorers 2016-2017 Fund Application

The Zoo Explorers Fund is available for 2nd-5th grade classroom field trips to the Minnesota Zoo arriving on or before March 30, 2017. Funds provided include bus transportation, Zoo admission and a Zoo program. Eligible schools are required to have a least 55% of enrollment receiving federal free or reduced lunch.

Please fill out the following information and send electronically, print and mail or fax.

Email to: specify Zoo Explorers Fund in the subject line

Mail: Minnesota Zoo, Education-Zoo Explorers Fund, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley MN 55124.

Fax: 952-997-4838. Questions phone: 952-431-9218

School Name School District Number
Teacher Name Teacher E-mail
School Address
County
Number of students Grade
Number of classrooms
% of Students in school qualifying for Free Reduced Lunch
Number of total Teachers & Adults attending
Estimate of total bus cost (required for grant submission)
Number of buses
School/District Federal Tax ID number required for bus payment
State Tax ID number required for bus payment
Other attending teacher and email
Other attending teacher and email
Day Phone Best time to contact you

Zoo Explorers funding includes: free admission for students and one free adult for each five students. Additional adults beyond the 1:5 ratio are $12.00 each ($7/car parking).

Zoo Explorers funding is offered for field trips taking place September through March. Select three dates you would like to attend with your preferred date as number one.

Field Trip Dates (you must select 3)
1) 2) 3)
Time arrival/ departure:

Zoo Explorers funding includes a Zoo class, Zoo tour or pre or post-trip distance learning program (select one)

Zoo Classes (take place at the Zoo) Class Topic*
*The class topics are listed online by grade level at http://mnzoo.org/education/schools-teachers/zoo-classes/
Zoo Tour (take place at the Zoo) Minnesota Natural Heritage Tour
Distance Learning Program (takes place before or after Zoo trip) Program Topic* Dates requested for distance learning program
*The distance learning topics are listed online at http://mnzoo.org/ivc
Instructions:
1.  After completing this form email it to specify Zoo Explorers Fund in the subject line. Or mail to Minnesota Zoo, Education Dept.-Zoo Explorers Fund, 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Or fax to 952-997-4838.
2.  If you receive a grant from the Minnesota Zoo Explorers Fund, you will be notified as soon as the application is approved. You will receive a confirmation with your field trip date.
Note, your date has not been confirmed until your receive a confirmation.
3.  After your date is confirmed, please call your bus service as per your buildings procedures to request transportation. Let them know this is with the ‘Zoo Explorers Fund to the Minnesota Zoo’ and that you will need a final bill following your field trip to submit to the Zoo.
4.  I understand that if awarded this grant, I will arrange transportation with the bus company and my school/district will be responsible for paying the bus company directly. After the field trip to the Zoo, I will submit to the Zoo a completed Zoo invoice, which came with the field trip confirmation, along with a copy of the bus company bill by May 20, 2017. The Minnesota Zoo will reimburse the school/district by electronic fund transfer for the transportation costs in the amount of the grant award, or the final amount on the bus company invoice, whichever is LESS.
5.  You will receive an email with the field trip schedule and other information. If you select a Distance Learning Program you will be contacted by the Zoo Outreach department to schedule a program topic and date.
6.  Call the Education Department at the Zoo with any questions (952)431-9218.
7.  When you arrive, be prepared to check in with the number of students and adults. A Zoo staff will meet you to help you get started with your field trip.
8.  This grant is provided with generous support from the K.A.H.R Foundation. We would appreciate thank you notes following your field trip. Please address them to the K.A.H.R Foundation and send them to Minnesota Zoo- Education, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN. 55124
9.  The information I have provided on this form is correct. I understand that all information is kept strictly confidential and has been requested for the sole purpose of establishing financial need. All scholarships are awarded on a need-basis only and availability of funds. I will submit the forms required following the field trip for transportation costs. I agree
Signature lead teacher: Date:

Additional Questions: