Frequent Asked Questions
What is Bold Futures Now?
Bold Futures Now is a non-profit organization that serves as the coordinating engine connecting K–12 schools across Minnesota to sustainable practices, environmental literacy, and peer networks.
We equip educators, empower student leadership, and coordinate a statewide movement so every school can become a hub of community health and environmental stewardship
What is the relationship between Bold Futures Now and Minnesota GreenStep Schools?
Bold Futures Now serves as the non-profit program administrator and anchor partner for Minnesota GreenStep Schools. While GreenStep Schools is a public-private partnership program co-managed with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and state partners, Bold Futures Now provides the day-to-day administrative coordination, outreach, and resource networks that keep the program running statewide.
Who does Bold Futures Now serve?
We serve all K–12 public, charter, alternative, and tribal schools across Minnesota. We intentionally prioritize outreach and resource access for:
Greater Minnesota Schools to ensure rural districts receive equitable support.
Title I Eligible Schools to remove financial barriers to sustainability.
Tribal Nations & Indigenous Communities to support locally led stewardship.
What is Minnesota GreenStep Schools?
Minnesota GreenStep Schools is a free, voluntary, step-based recognition program that guides and supports K–12 schools in achieving goals related to energy efficiency, health, waste reduction, water conservation, and environmental education.
Does it cost anything for a school to join GreenStep Schools?
No. GreenStep Schools is 100% free for all K–12 public and charter schools in Minnesota.
How does the step framework work?
Schools move through structured recognition steps based on action rather than competition:
Step 1: Form a sustainability team and commit to action.
Step 2: Assess current school practices and implement initial best practices.
Step 3: Track progress, measure impact, and expand projects across the school community.
Step 4 & 5: Build systemic leadership and share models with peer districts statewide.
How much time does it take for a school to participate?
The program is designed to fit your school’s existing bandwidth. You can start small, such as launching a single recycling project, outdoor learning activity, or student eco-club and build momentum over time at your own pace.
Do we need a dedicated sustainability coordinator on staff?
No. While some districts have sustainability staff, many participating schools are led by passionate teachers, facility directors, administrators, or student-led clubs working together as a Green Team. Bold Futures Now provides best practices advisors and toolkits to relieve the administrative load.
How does Bold Futures Now support teachers in the classroom?
We provide educators with:
Hands-on environmental literacy resources mapped to state standards.
Pathways for student leadership and project-based learning.
Connections to local environmental partners and peer networks across Minnesota.
How is Bold Futures Now funded?
Bold Futures Now relies on philanthropic support, corporate sponsorships, state and federal grants, and individual contributions to keep all resources and programs free for Minnesota schools.
How can businesses or organizations become sponsors?
Sponsors play a direct role in funding school toolkits, student leadership initiatives, and technical assistance across the state. To learn more about customized corporate sponsorship tiers and impact reporting, reach out via our Contact Form.
How can I get my local school involved?
If you are a teacher, administrator, parent, or student interested in bringing sustainability to your school:
Talk with your school leadership or teachers about starting a Green Team.
Sign up for our newsletter to access free resources and program updates.
Contact us to get connected with a GreenStep Schools advisor.