FY25 Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF): General Grant Program

The Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) is administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Education. This program is designed to support projects that raise public awareness and increase understanding of environmental issues impacting Ohio. Funding is derived from one-half of the civil penalties collected from violations of the state’s air and water pollution control regulations. The fund typically allocates about $500,000 annually for grants. The purpose of the OEEF General Grant Program is to foster environmental education initiatives that directly engage Ohio audiences. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for general projects, which may extend up to two years, though completion within 12 months is encouraged. Projects should be educational in nature, scientifically grounded, and geared toward helping individuals make informed environmental decisions. Proposals focused on specific age groups or regulated communities, such as farmers, will be more competitive. Five priority focus areas are highlighted for 2023, including air emission reduction, nutrient management, storm water practices, habitat restoration, and environmental careers for students. Eligible applicants must be based in Ohio and include schools, universities, local and state governments, conservation and planning districts, nonprofit organizations, private companies, and trade associations. All applications undergo a competitive review process, with higher scoring awarded to proposals demonstrating strong matching funds, targeting underserved audiences, or taking place in areas with few previous OEEF grants. Applications must be submitted online through a two-step process beginning with a Letter of Intent. A full proposal can be submitted only after LOI approval. Key submission deadlines occur twice yearly: in January and July. Letters of Intent are due by January 9 and July 8, while full applications are due by January 16 and July 15. Award decisions are made approximately four months after the deadline, with projects starting in June or December, respectively. Draft applications may be pre-reviewed upon request, but only once, and must be saved rather than submitted to allow for revisions. Application components include a project description, audience needs assessment, objectives and activities, budget, and letters of collaboration. Specific documentation is required to justify expenses and explain learning outcomes. Projects must adhere to a variety of restrictions, including a limit of 35 percent of funds allocated to personnel costs. OEEF does not fund lobbying, out-of-state travel, real estate, or previously incurred expenses. Upon contract execution, 90 percent of the grant is disbursed, with the remaining 10 percent paid after submission and approval of final reports and deliverables. For inquiries, applicants may contact the Office of Environmental Education at (614) 644-2873 or via email at oeef@epa.ohio.gov.