Ohio Geology Student Research Grant Program

The Ohio Geology Student Research Grant Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, offers a $2,500 grant for the 2025–2026 academic year. This grant supports geology departments at Ohio colleges and universities, facilitating research in areas of geological interest across the state. Eligible candidates include both graduate and undergraduate students enrolled full-time. This program aims to enhance the understanding and management of Ohio's rich geological resources.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
The history of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is rich and varied, beginning with its creation by the Ohio Legislature in 1949.
At that time, the department was charged with the responsibility of formulating and putting into execution a long-term comprehensive plan for the development and wise use of the natural resources of the state, to the end that the health, happiness and wholesome enjoyment of life of the people of Ohio may be further encouraged.
A department of incredible diversity, ODNR owns and manages more than 800,000 acres of land, including 75 state parks, 24 state forests, 140 state nature preserves and 150 wildlife areas. The department also has jurisdiction over more than 120,000 acres of inland waters; 7,000 miles of streams; 481 miles of Ohio River; and 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie. In addition, ODNR licenses all hunting, fishing and watercraft in the state and the department is responsible for overseeing and permitting all mineral extraction, monitoring dam safety, managing water resources, mapping the state's major geologic structures and mineral resources and providing multiple outdoor grant programs to local communities.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife receives more than 97% of its funding through the sale of licenses, permits, federal reimbursements and donations. Divisions and offices also change over time to improve efficiency. For example, in 2016 the Division of Parks and Recreation merged with the Division of Watercraft since they had overlapping responsibilities.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey administers a grant program utilizing monies from the Division’s Geologic Mapping Fund. The primary purpose of this program shall be the awarding of grants by the Division to geology departments of colleges and universities located in the state of Ohio for research conducted at locations of geological interest in Ohio.
Funding
The ODNR Division of Geological Survey will award one $2,500 grant for the 2025–2026 academic year. The grant will be paid directly to the geology department of the college or university in the state of Ohio.

Eligibility

Each grant will be paid directly to the geology department of colleges or universities in the state of Ohio.Both graduate and undergraduate students may apply to the grant program.Grants awarded by the Division are contingent upon the following conditions:The successful candidates are enrolled in a full-time graduate or undergraduate program at an accredited college or university for the 2025–2026 academic year.To be considered, grant applications must be complete and meet the conditions specified within this application, including all grant information in the Identification/Qualification and Project Information sections.