NatureWorks Grant

The NatureWorks grant program is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and is funded through the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue approved by voters in 1993. The program was established to support capital improvements for public outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation across the state. Over time, the program has funded thousands of park-related projects in all 88 Ohio counties, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to enhancing public access to outdoor recreational opportunities and preserving natural areas. The program operates under Ohio Revised Code 1557.06 and is designed specifically to assist local government entities in developing and maintaining public recreation infrastructure. The primary purpose of the NatureWorks program is to provide financial assistance for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of public outdoor recreation areas. Eligible projects include purchasing land for parks, expanding existing recreational areas, and constructing or improving facilities such as trails, playgrounds, sports fields, restrooms, and support infrastructure. The program emphasizes permanent, fixed recreational improvements and does not fund movable equipment or routine maintenance activities. All funded projects must be designed to remain open for public outdoor recreation and must align with environmental, accessibility, and public-use standards. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, with the state covering up to 75 percent of eligible project costs. Applicants must provide a minimum 25 percent match, with at least 20 percent of the total project cost coming from non-state and non-federal sources. Matching contributions may include cash, donated labor, materials, or land, provided they are properly documented and approved. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to finance the full project upfront before reimbursement is issued. The maximum award amount is determined by county allocation, with a general cap of $150,000 per project depending on available funding. Eligibility is limited to local governmental entities, including counties, municipalities, townships, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts. Nonprofit organizations and school districts are not eligible applicants. For development or rehabilitation projects, applicants must own the project site or hold a non-revocable lease of at least 15 years. Projects must focus on a single park per application and must meet requirements related to accessibility, environmental compliance, and long-term maintenance. The funded property must remain dedicated to public outdoor recreation for a compliance period of at least 15 years following project completion. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive application package including forms, project descriptions, cost estimates, maps, environmental documentation, and a resolution of authorization from the governing body. Applications are reviewed and scored based on criteria such as project need, financial readiness, planning, public participation, accessibility, and site suitability. Applications are ranked within each county, and funding is awarded based on available allocations and scoring outcomes. Supporting documentation, including environmental coordination and public engagement evidence, is critical to achieving a competitive score. The application deadline for the 2026 funding round is July 15, 2026, and applications must be submitted by mail to the ODNR Office of Real Estate. Awards are typically announced by mid-November, and successful applicants receive formal notification followed by contract execution. Projects may only begin after the grant agreement is fully executed. The program operates on an annual cycle, with standard deadlines typically occurring around June 1 each year, though timing may shift based on state funding appropriations. This recurring structure allows applicants to reapply in future cycles if not selected.

Provide strong documentation of local need and public participation; ensure financial readiness and complete application materials; clearly demonstrate planning and site suitability; address environmental and accessibility requirements thoroughly