Grant and Funding Opportunities

Local governments and nonprofits can receive funding to purchase equipment for the collection and processing of recyclables and construction and demolition debris. These organizations can also receive funding to implement litter collection events, outreach, and education. Tire amnesty programs, with a required minimum $0.50/tire collection fee, are an eligible activity. If awarded, grantees have 24 months to complete the project.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Municipal corporations, counties, townships, villages,
• solid waste management districts or authorities,
• park districts,
• health districts,
• state agencies,
• statewide recycling and litter prevention trade organizations, and
• non- profit organizations

Award Ceiling: $200,000

Deadline: December 5, 2025.

Contact: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; email: recycle@epa.ohio.gov

See more at: https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/environmental-innovation/recycling/grants/community-and-litter-grants

The Brownfield Remediation Program awards grants for the remediation of brownfield sites throughout Ohio and priority investment area eligible projects, to assist in the remediation of hazardous substances or petroleum at industrial, commercial, or institutional properties. Remediation includes acquisition of a brownfield, demolition performed at a brownfield, and the installation or upgrade of the minimum amount of infrastructure necessary to make a brownfield site operational for economic development activity. Remediation also includes demolition and infrastructure development costs at the brownfield project site. For FY 2026, $88 million will be available, with $1 million reserved for applicants in each of Ohioʼs 88 counties. If the $1 million county reserved funds are not obligated by June 30, 2026, these unclaimed funds will become available to eligible projects anywhere in the state in the FY 27 funding round.

A "brownfield" is defined as an abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial, commercial, or institutional property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by known or potential releases of hazardous substances or petroleum. The contamination to be remediated is required at the subsurface level, unless remediation is needed to gain access to the subsurface contamination (i.e. building demolition) in order to contain the contaminant (i.e. asbestos abatement).

Applicants may apply for funds for “Assessment” or for “Remediation”. Applications open November 12.

Eligible applicants include:

• county, township, municipal corporation,
• port authority,
• conservancy district, park district or other similar park authority,
• county land reutilization corporation,
• or organization for profit

Award Ceiling: $300,000 (assessment) or $1,000,000 (remediation)

Deadline: December 5, 2025.

Contact: Ohio Department of Development, email: redevelopment@development.ohio.gov

See more at: https://development.ohio.gov/community/redevelopment/brownfield-remediation-program

The OEEF was created by the General Assembly in 1990 to enhance Ohio citizens' awareness and understanding of environmental issues. It is administered by the Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and provides approximately $700,000 annually in grants to support environmental education efforts within the state of Ohio.

Ohio EPA invites grant applications to the Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) Spring 2025 grant round for projects educating pre-school through university students and teachers, the general public, and the regulated community. OEEF offers mini grants between $500 - $5,000, and general grants of up to $50,000. Prospective applicants must submit an electronic Letter of Intent to apply within OEEF’s grant management system in the eBusiness Center no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 9 to start the application process. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 16. Prospective applicants are encouraged to speak with OEEF staff members about project ideas before applying. 

OEEF funding priorities for 2026 include education projects about:

• 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”; and
• Connections 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.

Eligible Applicants Include:

• Schools and universities, outdoor education facilities, nature centers, zoos
• Municipalities, counties, townships and local government units such as health and park districts, soil and water conservation districts, solid waste management districts and regional planning agencies
• State agencies
• Watershed groups (with local government sponsorship)
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit groups
• Private companies and trade associations

Award Ceiling: $5,000 for mini grants, $50,000 for general grants

Deadline: January 9, 2026

Contact: Ohio Office of Environmental Education; email: oeef@epa.ohio.gov; phone: (614) 644-2873

See more at: https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/environmental-education/grant-programs/ohio-environmental-education-fund

The Residential Economic Development District (REDD) Program, passed by the Ohio General Assembly in the state's biennium budget bill and signed by Governor Mike DeWine, awards grants to support the creation of workforce housing near major economic development projects across the state. Approximately $10 million in funds is available for the first award period. Funds will be awarded based on eligibility, and an applied scoring metric. The Ohio Department of Development reserves the right to consider total geographic distribution of resources across Ohio when making awards.

Eligible applicants include:

• individual county, township, or municipal corporation that is fully or partially located within a residential economic development district
• Eligible entities may also elect to submit applications in collaboration with a housing developer, port authority, council of government, regional planning commission, or one or more other counties, townships, or municipal corporations
• Entities applying for the program must have all planned or secured parcels of land within a 20-mile radius of a major economic development project.

Award Ceiling: $2,500,000

Deadline: January 16, 2026

Contact: email: OHS@development.ohio.gov

See more at: https://development.ohio.gov/community/redevelopment/residential-economic-development-district-program?

The Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grant Program is focused on supporting innovative and promising approaches for implementing evidence-based countermeasures, supporting a Safe System approach, and performing necessary research to address traffic fatalities and serious injuries, and disparities in mobility safety and access.

Proposals should demonstrate the promising nature of the countermeasure by describing the innovative implementation approach, citing the evidence of effectiveness or identifying how effectiveness will be evaluated, and/or discussing how the project fills a gap or addresses existing disparities in traffic safety.

Proposed projects should have measurable objectives and generalizable results. That is, projects should demonstrate innovative approaches that could be replicated in other locations or scaled up to a broader level.

Grants are intended for comprehensive projects involving planning and evaluation. Funding is unlikely for requests that are primarily for one-off purchases of equipment or materials.

The scope of work should be realistically achievable within a one-year time frame; funded extensions are not available.

Eligible Applicants Include:

• Applicant must be a Road to Zero Coalition Member
• Applicant must be a non-profit organization or other entity. Individuals cannot apply.
• Government Entities (cities, states, counties, governors’ safety offices, etc.) also qualify.
• Proposed programs must operate within the United States.
• Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations are also eligible.

Award Ceiling: $200,000

Deadline: January 16, 2026

Contact: Road to Zero; email: roadtozero@nsc.org

See more at: https://www.nsc.org/road/resources/road-to-zero/road-to-zero-grants

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is pleased to announce the availability of 2026 Fire Department Individual and Joint Equipment Grant for qualifying fire departments and local government entities. Allowable equipment grant requests include personal protective clothing, SCBA, communications equipment and other miscellaneous equipment. The State Fire Marshal is accepting Individual and Joint Equipment Grant applications online only. The Fire Department Equipment Grant application packets are being provided as a worksheet guidance document (Individual and Joint) only. This will allow you to gather all of the necessary information prior to submitting the grants online. Grant award notifications up to $15,000 will be made in the spring.

Eligible applicants include:

• serve a population of less than 25,000,
• be in compliance with the Volunteer Firefighters’ Dependents Fund outlined in Ohio Revised Code 146, and
• have submitted incident fire reports for the previous calendar year

Award Ceiling: $15,000

Deadline: January 31, 2026

Contact: email: Commercegrants@com.state.oh.us

See more at: https://apps2.com.ohio.gov/fire/Grants/

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. In 2026, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must meet eligibility criteria and be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older.

• Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
• Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
• Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

Eligible applicants include:

• 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits (Nonprofit organizations must be recognized by the IRS to receive funds.)
• Government entities
• Other types of organizations considered on a case-by-case basis. (Funds will not be provided to any for-profit company, nor individuals. However, AARP does allow for IRS recognized 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations or government entities to serve as fiscal sponsors of grants.)

Award Ceiling: $25,000, varies by project and category

Deadline: March 4, 2026.

Contact: email: CommunityChallenge@AARP.org

See more at: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/info-2025/2025-challenge.html

The Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COTF) seeks to improve outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans by funding trails for outdoor pursuits of all kinds. Increasing the number of trails and trail access in underserved communities is a priority for the State of Ohio. Projects that qualify include Land acquisition for a trail, new trails or connector-trail development, or construction grants also might cover the cost of engineering and design. This is also a reimbursement program that provides up-to-75 percent project funding.

Eligible applicants include:

• Local governments,
• park and joint recreation districts,
• conservancy districts,
• soil and water conservation districts, and
• non-profit organizations

Award Ceiling: $500,000

Deadline: March 15, 2026.

Contact: D'Juan S.M. Hammonds, MPA, Address: 2045 Morse Road, Bldg. E-2, Columbus, OH 43229 phone: (614) 265-6417 email: djuan.hammonds@dnr.state.oh.us

See more at: https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/apply-for-grants/grants/clean-ohio-trail-fund

ODOT is hosting a special solicitation for projects that make walking and biking a safe, convenient, and accessible transportation option for all Ohioans. A variety of pedestrian and bicycle related projects are eligible for this opportunity with an emphasis on projects that can begin construction before July 2026.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is hosting a special solicitation for projects that make walking and biking a safe, convenient, and accessible transportation option for all Ohioans. A variety of pedestrian and bicycle related projects are eligible for this special solicitation, including:

• Plans and Studies - the development of pedestrian and/or bicycle related plans or studies at the state, regional, local, or corridor level.
• Data Collection - the collection of data related to walking and biking.
• Education and Promotion - activities that educate on bicycle and walking matters and those which promote walking, biking, and transit as a transportation option.
• Short Term Infrastructure Projects - engineering, design, and/or construction of pedestrian and bicycle projects that can begin construction by June 30, 2026.
• Traditional Infrastructure Projects - engineering, design, and/or construction of standalone pedestrian and bicycle projects of statewide significance.

Eligible applicants include:

• political subdivisions (i.e. city, village, township, county, school district, health district, park district, etc.),
• regional planning organizations, and
• other non-profit agencies with support from a political subdivision

Award Ceiling: Cost should be commensurate to the potential impact. Projects for over $3M are highly unlikely to be fully funded through this solicitation.

Deadline: Electronic applications can be submitted at any time and will be reviewed and awarded quarterly (January, April, July, and October) based on funding availability.

Contact: Caitlin Harley, Safe Routes to School & Active Transportation Program Manager, phone: 614-466-3049, email: Caitlin.Harley@dot.ohio.gov

See more at: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/traveling/bicycling-and-pedestrians/Resources/pedbikefunding

The Ohio Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program will award approximately $250 million to provide safe, reliable drinking water in areas that lack infrastructure, bring sewage treatment capacity to unsewered areas, and develop regional infrastructure to serve multiple communities. This presentation offers more information.

Water and wastewater construction projects are eligible for up to $5 million in grant funding, and infrastructure engineering design projects are eligible for up to $250,000.

Examples of water infrastructure construction projects include, but are not limited to:

• Sewer/wastewater treatment plant improvements/expansion
• New/replacement sanitary sewer lines
• Excess sanitary sewer infiltration/inflow correction
• Improvements to public drinking water treatment facilities
• Drinking water line improvements or extensions
• Repair, replacement, and construction of drinking water storage towers

Deadline: Ongoing

Contact: Matt Lindsay at mlindsay@mvrpc.org to discuss potential projects in your community.

See more at: https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/pdf/07302021-Water-and-Wastewater-Infrastructure-Grant.pdf

Through its Planning and Local Technical Assistance programs, EDA assists eligible recipients in developing economic development plans and studies designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. The Planning program helps support organizations, including District Organizations, Indian Tribes, and other eligible recipients, with Short Term and State Planning investments designed to guide the eventual creation and retention of high-quality jobs, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed in the Nation’s most economically distressed regions. As part of this program, EDA supports Partnership Planning investments to facilitate the development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), which articulate and prioritize the strategic economic goals of recipients’ respective regions. The Local Technical Assistance program strengthens the capacity of local or State organizations, institutions of higher education, and other eligible recipients to undertake and promote effective economic development programs through projects such as feasibility studies and impact analyses.

Please see the Federal Funding Opportunity for full information on how to apply. Also note that any applicants who are in the process of developing an application under the previous FFO will need to apply under the new FFO and use the associated new forms.

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a continuing basis and processed as received. This Planning and Local Technical Assistance opportunity will remain in effect until superseded by a future announcement.

Contact: Ellen Heinz, State of Ohio Economic Development Representative, (312)505-4953, eheinz@eda.gov

See more at:
https://www.eda.gov/funding/funding-opportunities/fiscal-year-2021-2023-eda-planning-and-local-technical-assistance
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280447