Natural Resource Grants

The Richland County Conservation Commission (RCCC) offers Natural Resource Grants to support the conservation and enhancement of Richland County's natural assets. These grants aim to fund projects that improve water quality, restore and protect natural areas and corridors, develop or enhance trail systems, plan and implement green infrastructure, and provide environmental education. The program reflects RCCC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement through tangible, measurable outcomes. Funding is available up to $20,000 per project, and all grants operate on a reimbursement basis. Applicants must demonstrate a 20% match of the total project cost, which can include in-kind services, provided the value of those services is clearly itemized and reasonable. The RCCC reimburses costs based on approved invoices and does not cover expenses incurred before the grant agreement is signed. Budget proposals should reflect actual costs and be based on at least three quotes. Certain expenditures are ineligible, including recreational equipment, routine maintenance, debris removal, overhead costs, food or travel, and stormwater compliance requirements. Eligible applicants include community and neighborhood organizations, governmental agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and commercial entities. All organizations must have been in existence for at least one year. Projects located on private property must ensure public access to be considered. For property-focused projects such as trail building or water quality improvements, visible signage acknowledging RCCC funding is required. Educational projects must include similar acknowledgments in their materials. The grant application cycle opened on December 1, 2025, and will close on February 1, 2026. After submission, applicants will deliver short presentations to the Conservation Committee in February 2026. Grant awards are determined by the RCCC and ultimately approved by the Richland County Council as part of the county budget process. Notifications of award are expected by July 2026. Projects must be completed by June 15, 2027, with no extensions allowed beyond June 30, 2027. Applications are evaluated based on a range of criteria including the project’s potential as a catalyst for further conservation or economic activity, public benefit, budget clarity and match, educational value, personnel qualifications, partnerships, and proposal quality. If applicable, applicants should also provide a history of previous RCCC grant performance and plans for sustaining project outcomes. All applications must be submitted through the Zoom Grants platform. Additional resources such as training materials are available for guidance. Photos should be uploaded electronically and may be used by RCCC. All materials are subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. For technical support, applicants can contact Zoom Grants, while program-specific inquiries should be directed to John McKenzie at the Richland County Conservation Commission.

Projects must clearly describe public benefit, budget must show proof of match, ineligible costs must be excluded.