Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund 2025

The Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee, through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), invites applications for the Spring 2025 funding round of the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund (OCRF). The program aims to fund projects that promote conservation and outdoor recreation across Oregon, with a significant focus on addressing the impacts of drought on fish, wildlife, and habitats. The Spring 2025 application period opens on March 20, 2025, and closes on May 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Applications must be submitted through ODFW’s online grant portal using the access code “spring.” Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the detailed application guide, which includes a video tutorial and step-by-step instructions for navigating the grant portal. Approximately $800,000 in funding is available for projects specifically addressing drought impacts. The maximum allowable grant request for these drought-related projects is $100,000. Additionally, about $250,000 will be awarded to other conservation and recreation projects not related to drought, with a maximum grant request of $50,000 for those projects. A 20% cap on institutional/organizational indirect overhead costs applies to all proposals. Eligible applicants include tribes, watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, schools, higher education institutions, state and federal agencies, and local governments. Nonprofit applicants must possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The OCRF particularly encourages applications from smaller, newer organizations, especially those serving underserved or environmental justice communities. For questions about the application process, applicants should contact the program at odfw.ocrf@odfw.oregon.gov.