Parks & Recreation

Boating Safety Education Grant

Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Summary: Program funds boating safety education programs.
Eligible Applicants: Political subdivisions and nonprofit organizations
Local Match Requirement: 25%
Deadline: December 1, annually

Clean Ohio Program

Agency: Ohio Public Works Commission
Summary: Funds environmental conservation projects, including acquisition of green space and the protection and enhancement of river and stream corridors. Grant recipients agree to maintain the properties in perpetuity.
Eligible Applicants: Local governments, park/joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, SWCDs and nonprofits
Local Match Requirement: 25%
Deadline: Varies by District; contact respective District for verification

Clean Ohio Trails Fund

Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Summary: Funds land acquisition, new trails or connector-trail development, and engineering and design. Priority is given to projects that improve trail accessibility in underserved communities
Eligible Applicants: Local governments, park and joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, SWCDs, and nonprofits
Local Match Requirement: 25%
Deadline: TBA

Clean Vessel Act Grant

Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Summary: Program focuses on vacuum pumpout systems that remove and properly dispose of effluent from vessels
Eligible Applicants: Public and private marinas and other vessel facilities
Local Match Requirement: None
Deadline: Applications accepted between July 1 and October 1, annually

Cooperative Boating Facility Grant

Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Summary: Funding to improve or develop recreational boating access for motorized watercraft at public facilities.
Eligible Applicants: Local governments, joint recreational districts, park districts, conservancy districts
Local Match Requirement: 25%
Deadline: April 1, annually

NatureWorks

Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Summary: Funds acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of park and recreational areas.
Eligible Applicants: local governments, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts
Local Match Requirement: 25%
Deadline: June 1, 2023

Navigational Aids Program

Agency: U.S. Coast Guard, administered by Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Summary: Funds buoys, signs, and other navigational aids to mark Ohio's waterways
Eligible Applicants: Political subdivisions
Available Funding: Approximately $50,000
Local Match Requirement: None
Deadline: November 1, annually

Paddling Enhancement Grant

Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Summary: Funding to improve or develop recreational boating access for hand-powered watercraft at public facilities.
Eligible Applicants: Local governments, park and joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, SWCDs, nonprofits
Available Funding: $500,000
Local Match Requirement: None
Deadline: March 1, 2023

Recreational Trails Program

Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with Federal Highway Administration
Summary: Funds development of urban trail linkages, trail head and trailside facilities; maintenance of existing trails; restoration of trail areas damaged by usage; improving access for people with disabilities; acquisition of easements and property; development and construction of new trails; purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment; environment and safety education programs related to trails.
Eligible Applicants: Local governments, special districts, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations
Local Match Requirement: 20%
Deadline: TBA

Step Outside Grant

Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Summary: Program designed to promote outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, and shooting sports
Eligible Applicants: Schools, park and recreation departments, conservation groups, local governments, nonprofits
Local Match Requirement: None
Deadline: Application accepted year-round

Wildlife Education Grant

Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Summary: Funds materials, equipment and activities that are otherwise unaffordable to the school or organization
Eligible Applicants: Local schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and other education-oriented facilities
Local Match Requirement: None
Deadline: Applications accepted year-round, until funding is exhausted

*Prepared by the Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning and Development Organization (NEFCO). Funding opportunities provided for general informational purposes. NEFCO does not guarantee accuracy of information listed (i.e., eligibility requirements, application deadlines, matching requirements, etc.). Please consult appropriate funding agency for additional information.