OEPA: Ohio Environmental Education Fund General Grant

OEPA: Ohio Environmental Education Fund General Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Amount: Up to US $50,000
Last Updated: November 23, 2025

Summary

The Ohio Environmental Education Fund General Grant, administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, provides funding to support innovative projects that enhance public awareness of environmental issues in Ohio. Grants range from $500 to $50,000, aimed at various audiences including students and the general public. Priority areas include environmental careers, ecological restoration, and reducing pollution. This initiative encourages informed decision-making and promotes sustainable practices, with approximately $500,000 available annually.

Overview

NOTE: Prospective applicants are encouraged to speak with OEEF staff members about project ideas before applying. Ohio Environmental Education Fund The OEEF derives its monies from one-half of the civil penalties collected from violations of Ohio's air and water pollution control regulations. The OEEF funds education projects that target three audiences: (1) the general public; (2) the regulated community; and (3) pre-school through university students and teachers. Grants are available at two funding levels, $500-$5,000 or $5,000-$50,000. Application guidelines spell out application requirements, current funding priorities, the application review process, and preferred characteristics for projects targeting the respective audiences. OEEF grant coordinators are also available to assist in preparing grant proposals prior to the deadline dates, and to advise applicants on the eligibility of possible projects. OEEF grant-writing workshops are also offered around the state several times yearly. OEEF supports innovative projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and provide the skills to make informed decisions and take responsible actions. Environmental education is based on objective and scientifically sound information and does not advocate a particular viewpoint or course of action. It teaches individuals how to weigh various sides of an issue through critical thinking, and it enhances their problem-solving and decision-making skills. Ohio Environmental Education Fund General Grant The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is accepting grant proposals to receive funding from the Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF). Mini grants from $500 to $5,000 and general grants up to $50,000 each will be awarded to statewide and local organizations to implement projects that raise awarenessand educate the public about important environmental issues that impact the state. General grants will be awarded for up to a two-year term, but we encourage projects to be completed within 12 months of the start date. The OEEF is administered by the Ohio EPA and derives its funding from one-half of the civil penalties collected from violations of Ohio’s air and water pollution control regulations. It is anticipated that the OEEF will make available approximately $500,000 annually. Priority Funding Encouraging Ohio students to explore environmental-related careers;Encouraging habitat and ecological restoration efforts;Reducing emissions to improve air quality, including through energy conservation and alternative energy sources;Encourage planning and emergency preparedness for extreme environmental events (environmental releases, extreme weather, etc.);Using innovative practices to improve water quality, reduce nutrient loading, and prevent harmful algal blooms;Reducing lead exposure in drinking water;Reducing exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals”; andConnections between the environment and human health, including but not limited to, air quality and respiratory conditions, tick prevalence and Lyme disease, scrap tires, and mosquitoes.

Eligibility

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