Ohio Agriculture Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to Ohio County Engineer offices and Soil and Water Conservation Districts for constructing conservation ditches to improve water quality and manage nutrient runoff.

This funding initiative supports nonprofit programs that introduce Ohio youth to career opportunities in agriculture, addressing the workforce development gap in the state's largest industry.

This funding opportunity supports researchers and professionals in regenerative agriculture to conduct projects that improve soil health, agricultural resilience, and sustainable farming practices, with a focus on knowledge sharing and practical applications.

Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is directing resources toward climate-smart agriculture and forestry (CSAF) conservation practices, including those for energy efficiency. NRCS is providing funding for a partnership to provide technical assistance to NRCS and producers on energy practices. Information related to NRCS CSAF practices can be found at the following web address: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/NRCS-CSAF-Mitigation-Activities-List.pdf.A total of up to $1,500,000 is available in fiscal year 2024. All agreements will be five years in duration. Additional funds may be added to agreement in later years as funds become available. Total funding is dependent on the Federal Budget and technical workload in Ohio. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 3, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by July 18, 2024, and expects to execute awards by August 1, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

This grant provides financial support to artists in Franklin County, Ohio, for creating public exterior murals, requiring a secured location and partial funding from a commissioning organization.

This funding opportunity supports universities, colleges, and technical schools in developing and implementing innovative structures to effectively remove phosphorus from runoff, thereby improving water quality.

The Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) is seeking research and development proposals to address issues related to wastewater, drinking water, water resource management, solid waste management and energy resource development in Ohio. Donor Name: Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) State: Ohio County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Pursuant to its power to engage in research and development with respect to wastewater, water management facilities, solid waste facilities, and energy resource development facilities, OWDA has established a grant program for qualifying research and development programs. The eligible participants are Local Government Agencies (Cities, Villages, and Counties), Water/Sewer Districts, Conservancy Districts, State agencies or Institutions of higher learning that perform research and/or development. Projects for which grants are awarded must be of such a nature that the benefits to be derived fulfill a general need in the State of Ohio that is within the scope of the powers of the Authority. Grants are subject to available funds. Priority will be given to projects that have statewide environmental and/or natural resource applications, and grantees must submit a final report. Since the development of the Research and Development Grant Program, OWDA has awarded grants in the areas of surface water, wastewater, drinking water, solid waste, agriculture, and public health. Funding Information $200,000, dependent upon available funds. Eligible Project Costs Eligible project costs include start‐up and research. Indirect/overhead costs may not exceed 35% of the grant amount. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible grantees include departments, divisions, or other units of state government, watershed districts, soil and water conversation districts, municipal corporations, counties, special water districts, including county and regional sewer and water districts, conservancy districts, sanitary districts, sewer districts, or institutions of higher learning. For more information, visit OWDA.

Coshocton Foundation Unrestricted Grant Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 Meeting Date: Early June 2024 Eligibility Criteria: Community organizations with a current 501(c)(3) non-profit designation are eligible to apply. Schools, churches, and government agencies are also eligible. Application Process: Application Criteria and Form: [Click Here](link to application) Contact Number: (740) 622-0010 Submission Details: Completed applications should be sent to: Coshocton Foundation P.O. Box 55 Coshocton, OH 43812 Alternatively, applications may be brought to: Coshocton Foundation Office 220 S. Fourth St. If delivering in person, please use the mail slot in the front door or call the office to make other arrangements. Seven copies of the grant request are required. Deadline for Submission: All applications must be received in the office by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to dairy farms and processing facilities in select Midwestern states to promote product development, diversification, and value-added dairy innovations.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is directing resources toward climate-smart agriculture and forestry (CSAF) conservation practices, including those for energy efficiency. NRCS is providing funding for a partnership to provide technical assistance to NRCS and producers on energy practices. Information related to NRCS CSAF practices can be found at the following web address: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/NRCS-CSAF-Mitigation-Activities-List.pdf.A total of up to $1,500,000 is available in fiscal year 2024. All agreements will be five years in duration. Additional funds may be added to agreement in later years as funds become available. Total funding is dependent on the Federal Budget and technical workload in Ohio. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 22, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by June 22, 2024 and expects to execute awards by July 22, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The EQT Foundation Grant program supports nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts throughout their community with special attention given to proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. Donor Name: EQT Foundation State: Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Since its inception, the EQT Foundation has awarded more than $74 million to nonprofits throughout the operational footprint of EQT Corporation. They are committed to supporting the education and training of children and adults; the development of diverse, livable communities; and preserving our natural environments. EQT Foundation believes in meaningful engagement with the communities they call home and they take great pride in being a responsible and responsive corporate citizens. Through a practice of trust-based philanthropy, they focus their resources on areas that have a direct effect on the stability of communities and, in turn, contribute to the success of business operations in those areas. Priorities The EQT Foundation’s funding strategy endorses organizations and programs that directly impact the community and its residents. The Foundation supports nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts throughout their community with special attention given to proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. The EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of: Geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations; Ability to manage available resources effectively; and Outreach that gains solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs and sponsors. Priorities The EQT Foundation’s funding strategy endorses organizations and programs that directly impact the community and its residents. The EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of: Geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations; Ability to manage available resources effectively; and Outreach that gains solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs and sponsors. Community Enrichment : Encourage the development of diverse, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities, which can help to retain residential, commercial and economic growth. Examples: Food banks, libraries, farmers markets, arts & music programs, community festivals & initiatives. Education & Workforce: Promote proficiency in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) topics for youth, as well as training programs to create a future skilled workforce. Examples: In-school STEM-based curricula, computer and science camps, project-based learning, teacher professional development, career planning and preparation. Environment: Support the preservation of natural resources, and educate children, residents, and businesses to employ conservation techniques to minimize adverse impacts on the environment. Examples: community gardens, watershed conservation, environmental education, preservation and restoration of green spaces. Funding Information While grant sizes can vary greatly depending on the scope of a project, the average grant awarded by the EQT Foundation is $15,000. Geographic Areas The EQT Foundation tends to award grants in the same geographic footprint of EQT Corporation’s business operations. For the most part, that includes southwestern Pennsylvania (Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland Counties), northeastern Pennsylvania (Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Tioga), northern West Virginia (Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Tyler, Wetzel Counties) and eastern Ohio (Belmont County). For more information, visit EQT Foundation.

The Miami County Agricultural Leadership Fund Grant, sponsored by the Miami County Farm Bureau and administered by the Miami County Foundation, supports agricultural-related programs, educational opportunities, and projects in Miami County, Ohio. This donor-advised grant aims to enhance agricultural, educational, leadership, and social organizations within the community. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, schools, and municipalities in Miami County, Ohio. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Spring deadline: February 28th

The Ohio Animal Foundation is accepting applications for its grant program. Donor Name: Ohio Animal Foundation State: Ohio County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Field of Interests  Rescue and Shelter Services. Includes services for domestic/companion/farm animals. Includes programs for feral/community cats. Wildlife Protection, Education and Rehabilitation Programs. Funding Information The typical grant range is $250-$500. Eligibility Criteria  Be an Ohio-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in good standing. Foundation does not provide funding to individuals. For more information, visit OAF.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This fellowship provides financial support and recognition to individuals in Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia who are dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional food practices and culinary heritage in the Appalachian region.

The Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program, initially established by House Bill 110 of the 134th Ohio General Assembly and further funded by House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly, is designed to support Ohio livestock and poultry producers. This program offers grants up to $500,000 to assist in the improvement and expansion of meat harvesting/processing services. These grants aim to enhance processing efficiency and support the expansion or construction of facilities on existing sites. Administered by the Ohio Department of Development, eligible businesses must be for-profit entities operating a Federal or State registered meat harvesting/processing facility in Ohio as of July 1, 2023. Funding can cover a range of costs associated with plant construction/expansion and the purchase of new/upgraded machinery or technology, excluding personnel costs, land purchases, and non-eligible expenses. A total of $14 million in funds is available for Fiscal Year 2024, with grants covering no more than 65% of project costs, requiring matching funds for the remainder. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides funding for established nonprofits in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan to implement innovative programs that strengthen families, promote youth development, and create safe community environments.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local and state governments, tribal entities, and educational institutions to promote conservation practices and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers on private working lands.