Grants & Other Funding Opportunities
"Step Outside" Grants
The Ohio Division of Wildlife offers “STEP OUTSIDE” grants to local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other family and youth-oriented facilities to promote outdoor skills such as fishing, hunting, trapping, archery, and shooting sports. These grants are designed to provide funding for activities that are otherwise unaffordable for the sponsoring agency or organization; they are not meant to fund existing programs or to provide on-going funding for newly established programs or activities.
Link to the "Step Outside" Grant packet.
Wetland Restoration Assistance
Available to individuals and organizations to assist with costs associated with wetland restoration projects on private lands in Ohio. Projects include tile cuts and/or construction of small, low-level dikes to restore or enhance hydrology. Eligible landowners can receive 50% cost-share for wetland restoration or a maximum of $500 for each acre of wetland restored if they agree to a 10-year maintenace agreement. Twenty-year agreements can pay up to 100% of the cost, not to exceed $1,000 for each wetland acre restored.
Link to a Fact Sheet about Wetland Restoration Assistance.
WILD School Sites Grants
The Division of Wildlife offers WILD School Sites grants to local schools, government agencies, non-profit organizations and other school-oriented facilities to start a WILD School Site or outdoor classroom. These grants are designed to provide funding for materials, equipment and activities that are otherwise unaffordable to the school or organization; they are not meant to provide on-going funding to existing WILD School Sites. This is a start-up grant intended to help an organization begin the development of a WILD School Site. This application packet is designed to facilitate the application process, and to make the grants easily accessible to all interested schools and organizations.
Link to the WILD School Sites Grant packet.
Conservation Club Sponsorship Agreement
This program is designed to encourage participation in wildlife related recreation activities (hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing) by providing funding through a competitive grant program. Eligibility requirements apply.
Read more about the Conservation Club Sponsorship Agreement.
Aquatic Education Grants
These grants are designed to increase aquatic stewardship and sportfishing participation. ($2,000-$10,000)
Link to the Aquatic Education Grant Packet |