Conservation Club Competitive Partnership Grant

The Conservation Club Competitive Partnership Grant is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, a state agency responsible for managing Ohio’s fish and wildlife resources. The Division’s mission includes promoting sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation practices. This grant program is specifically designed to increase public participation in wildlife-related recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and trapping. By providing financial support to conservation clubs and similar organizations, the program seeks to expand access to educational and experiential opportunities that connect individuals to Ohio’s natural resources. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund events and activities that recruit and engage new participants in wildlife recreation. Funded projects are expected to actively target individuals who have not previously participated in hunting, fishing, or trapping. The program emphasizes outreach, education, and hands-on experiences that lower barriers to entry. Activities must be open to the public and cannot be limited to existing club members, reinforcing the program’s goal of broadening participation rather than serving only established audiences. Funding is used to support event-related expenses directly tied to the delivery of eligible activities. Allowable costs include instructional materials, equipment, and necessary supplies for events, as well as reasonable food or incentives when justified as part of the program design. However, restrictions apply: funds cannot be used for gifts, promotional merchandise, or unnecessary items that do not directly support participant engagement. All proposed expenses must be clearly justified within the application narrative and budget, demonstrating their necessity and alignment with program goals. Eligibility is limited to established organizations such as conservation clubs and similar entities that meet specific criteria. Organizations must have been in existence for at least two years and must hold a minimum of four meetings annually to qualify. Applicants must also maintain proper organizational records, including tax identification and registration details, and must be properly registered in the state’s grant management system using an OHID account associated with the organization. These requirements ensure that applicants have sufficient organizational capacity and accountability to administer grant-funded activities. The application process is conducted through the Division of Wildlife’s online grant management system. Applicants must create or access their organization profile, verify contact and organizational details, and complete a structured application that includes event proposals. Each proposal requires detailed information such as event description, location, expected participants, recruitment strategies, and a comprehensive narrative explaining the purpose and impact of the activity. The narrative is a critical component of the evaluation process and accounts for a significant portion of the scoring, with reviewers focusing on clarity, completeness, and alignment with program objectives. Applications are evaluated by multiple Division of Wildlife staff members who score proposals based on predefined criteria. Reviewers assess the quality of the narrative, the effectiveness of recruitment strategies for new participants, and the appropriateness of the proposed budget. Importantly, evaluators do not see identifying information about the applicant organization, ensuring an impartial review process. Funding is awarded to the highest-scoring proposals until available program funds are exhausted. The application window for the upcoming cycle opens on February 1, 2026, and closes on March 15, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to attend informational meetings held in various districts prior to the application period to better understand program requirements. Funded activities must occur within a defined performance period, typically spanning a fiscal year. For the referenced cycle, eligible events and expenditures must take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. For additional support, applicants may contact the Division of Wildlife via email or phone, and detailed application guidance is provided through an official user guide and supporting documentation.

Narrative quality is critical and heavily weighted; clearly explain recruitment of new participants; ensure budget items are justified and necessary; events must be open to the public and not limited to members