OH Coastal Management Assistance Grants

OH Coastal Management Assistance Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Amount: US $50,000 - US $150,000
Last Updated: September 12, 2025

Summary

The Ohio Coastal Management Assistance Grants provide funding for projects that improve water quality, enhance coastal habitats, and promote public access to Lake Erie. Eligible recipients, including local governments and non-profits, can apply for grants with a required 1:1 non-federal match. Since 1998, over $8 million has been awarded for 155 projects, with total investments exceeding $13 million. These grants support vital coastal planning, education, and habitat restoration efforts.

Overview

The Coastal Management Assistance Grant program is a competitive annual grant opportunity offered through the Ohio Coastal Management Program. Grants can be issued to eligible entities for water quality improvement, coastal planning, education programs, land acquisition, research, public access, habitat restoration, and other purposes. More than $8 million in Coastal Management Assistance Grants have been awarded for 155 projects in Ohio since the program began in 1998. Including non-federal match, over $13 million has been invested in CMAG projects since program inception.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. A minimum 1:1 non-federal match is requiredEligible recipients include units of local government (municipalities, townships, counties, school districts, park districts, port authorities, etc.), state agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit corporations. Only public entities are eligible to receive grants for construction, engineering/design, or land acquisition projects. Eligible Uses of FundsFeasibility studies and engineering reports for enhancing coastal resources Protection/enhancement of wetlands, dunes, and other coastal habitat Habitat enhancement using dredge material Increased public access to Lake Erie and its tributaries Protection of historical and cultural coastal resources Redevelopment of deteriorating or underutilized waterfronts and ports Other purposes approved by the Director of ODNR

Ineligibility

Federal funds cannot be used as match (other than Community Development Block Grants).Ineligible Uses of FundsRestroom facilities Erosion control structures Beach nourishment Maintenance activities Active recreation facilities, such as ball fields, etc. Parking lots or roads Water or sewer lines Activities required as a permit condition or mitigation Construction on private property Construction or acquisition outside the designated Coastal Area Other uses that are deemed ineligible