The California Missions Foundation with grants from our partner foundations and individual donors are pleased to provide funding for Title 1 elementary schools to take 4th grade students to their local mission in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Diego and San Francisco Counties to see first-hand the rich history of our state.

Background

Title 1 elementary school 4th grade classes in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Diego and San Francisco Counties are eligible to apply from August 1 - December 1. The grant covers the cost of bus transportation (up to $1,000.00) for students, teachers, and chaperones. CMF can issue payment for the cost of the bus either directly to the school or to the transportation company.

- Schools in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino County may choose between Mission San Gabriel and Mission San Fernando.

- Monterey County schools may visit Mission Carmel, Mission Soledad, Mission San Juan Bautista or Mission San Antonio de Padua.

- Schools in Santa Barbara County may visit Mission Santa Barbara, Mission Santa Ines, Mission La Purisima, Mission San Buenaventura or El Presidio de Santa Barbara.

- Schools in San Diego County may visit Mission San Diego or Mission San Luis Rey.

- Schools in San Francisco County may visit Mission Dolores / San Francisco de Asís

The school is responsible for contacting the mission or related site as well as the bus transportation company to arrange the date and time of the field trip; and for covering the cost of admission to the mission. To ensure funding is in hand, field trips should be planned between January - May.

Apply

Applications for the "All-Aboard-the-Bus" School Field Trip Grant will be accepted in the Fall (August 1 - December 1) for Spring field trips. Only one online application per school is accepted for all 4th grade classes at the school. Completed online applications, including a written quote from the bus transportation company, must be submitted with your application.

Awards

The California Missions Foundation will award grant letters in late December. Award letters must be signed and returned to CMF before the field trip. Priority is given to schools who do not exceed the grant ceiling and will send as many students as possible.

Reporting

If awarded, each school is required to submit a REPORT to schools@californiamissionsfoundation.org after their field trip with quotes from students and teachers about their experience and PICTURES of the students on the trip with PHOTO PERMISSION FORM, bus INVOICE and CHECK REQUEST FORM. The ultimate deadline to submit your grant report, pictures, permission form, invoice and check request for reimbursement after your field trip is June 1.

Each AATB Report must include:

• A brief summary (no more than one page in Word doc) outlining the date of your visit, highlights of your visit, and should include 1) the name and address of your school, 2) your school county 3) the date of your field trip 4) “quotes” from teachers and students regarding their experience.
• Photo Permission Form for student pictures to be used in the CMF Newsletter, website and promotional materials.
• INVOICE from the Bus Company.
• CHECK REQUEST FORM requesting that CMF make payment to reimburse the school or pay the bus company directly.

Receiving the Grant

The Foundation will release grant checks after the field trip when we have received

1) Signed Agreement

2) Report with photos

3) Photo Permission Form

4) Check Request Form 

5) Invoice from the bus company

Failure to provide these documents may result in the award not being received.