Conservation Education Grant Program

The Conservation Education Grant Program is administered by the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting conservation education and enhancing public awareness of forest resources and their impact on both the environment and the economy. The program supports the foundation’s mission by offering financial assistance for small-scale projects that contribute to conservation education in Ohio. Designed for individuals and organizations that align with its mission, the program provides grants of up to $2,500 per project. These funds can support a wide variety of initiatives such as educational events, curriculum tools, field equipment, and public outreach. Previous grantees include natural resource classes acquiring tools like portable sawmills, forestry student field trips, state fair woodworking events, and forestry-focused educational programs. Funding decisions are made by the Foundation's Board of Directors. Applications are accepted annually. For the 2026 funding cycle, the application window opens on October 8, 2025, and closes on November 5, 2025. All applications must be submitted online or mailed to the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation office in Columbus, Ohio, with mailed entries postmarked no later than November 5. Awards will be announced by December 1, 2025, and awarded funds must be used in the 2026 calendar year. Applicants are required to submit detailed information including the organization’s mission, grant amount requested, use of funds, project timeline, and alignment with the foundation's mission. The application form also requests information about past funding history. Upon project completion, grantees must provide evidence of appropriate fund usage within 30 days through documentation such as receipts, promotional materials, or photographic proof. The foundation provides promotional resources, including logos and branding support, when appropriate. It is expected that funded activities highlight the Foundation’s role in their outreach. All questions and application materials should be directed to Jenna Reese, Executive Director of the Ohio Forestry Association, via email or phone.

Use clear alignment with OFA mission; Provide detailed project and budget info; Submit early