Best Plant Grants in Ohio

Organizations and projects in Ohio conducting research, conservation, or education on native plants can receive up to US $500 to advance their work. The Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio funds efforts that promote native plant study, habitat protection, and public appreciation, supporting botanical conservation and natural landscaping through its annual grant program.

Ohio botanical conservation and forestry nonprofits can access funding through The Oak Hill Fund to restore diminished native tree species via research, seed orchard development, and forest land preservation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, including those with pending status, may be eligible for project-specific support, including necessary administrative and fundraising costs.

Ohio plant and conservation researchers can seek funding for botanical and ecological studies in Ohio’s natural areas, including work on plants, fungi, habitats, and ecosystems. Focused on botanical conservation, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers up to US $5,000 for projects that advance knowledge of Ohio’s flora and support long-term conservation.

About The American Chestnut Foundation:

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Small Grants Program

Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research? External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut. This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000.

The Spaulding Foundation

The Spaulding Foundation was established in 1998 by Ruth E. Spaulding, who was born in Northside and remained a lifelong resident of Greater Cincinnati. During her life, many people were touched by her benevolent and charitable giving. This private foundation is funded by her estate.

The Spaulding Foundation focuses its grant-making in the areas of mental health, physical and mental disabilities, substance abuse/chemical addiction, and domestic violence, rape and abuse. In addition, The Foundation has continued Mrs. Spaulding’s close relationship with The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

The Foundation welcomes opportunities to partner with organizations sharing our common goals. 

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

TREE Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.

TREE Fund’s research and education programs shape industry best practices, improve workforce safety and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities in the following crucial ways:

• Improving the quality of nursery grown trees and overall tree survival through the development of hardier, drought- and disease-resistant species.
• Stopping diseases and pests while reducing pesticide use with the evolution of integrated pest management programs.
• Enhancing public and workforce safety with advanced tree risk assessment techniques and greater knowledge about why and how trees fail.
• Quantifying the benefits of trees which makes it easier for governments and businesses to project their return on tree care investment.
• Revolutionizing global best practices for growing strong, healthy landscape trees.
• Connecting youth with nature to promote environmental stewardship in the next generation and inspire them to consider careers in green industries.

Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund

Since 1926, John Lucas Tree Expert Co. has worked with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, railroads, and pipeline customers throughout the United States and Canada. Innovation has always been a core value, and Lucas remains committed to innovation that makes the industry safer, greener, and more efficient. The Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund is a new endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support research in Integrated Vegetation Management in the United States and Canada.

This fund program was created in 2026 to help celebrate Lucas Tree’s 100th anniversary. Lucas Tree’s anniversary marks a century of innovation, safety, and stewardship in utility vegetation management.

Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. No project may receive more than one award from this program.

Application Requirements can be found here.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

Graduating high school seniors in Ohio planning to study natural resources conservation, fish and wildlife management, forest management, or similar fields can receive scholarship support for 2- or 4-year colleges. With a mission to support education and conservation careers, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation considers financial need and applicants’ involvement in outdoor sports and conservation-focused goals.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study landscape architecture, environmental science, horticulture, botany, forestry, agriculture, or environmental engineering may be eligible for tuition assistance through the Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship. Offered by the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, it supports students from Susquehanna County and may interest Ohio plant-focused students seeking similar opportunities.

PhD students at U.S. graduate institutions conducting plant-based scientific research can receive US $6,000 for research and outreach expenses, including work connected to Ohio botanical conservation. Grants from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens also provide an all-expenses-paid trip for science outreach training and ongoing public engagement opportunities.

Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture can apply for this scholarship, which may benefit those interested in botanical conservation work in Ohio. Focused on higher education access, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region uses a universal application covering more than 30 scholarship opportunities.

Students pursuing natural resource–related degrees in Ohio and other eligible counties can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. With a mission to support environmental education, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides funding for full-time study in fields like botany, ecology, forestry, hydrology, soils, pollution control, and water or air quality, which may benefit future plant conservation work.

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting botany, plant ecology, or other plant-focused research within Northern California Botanists’ defined Northern California region can receive US $1,500 research scholarships, even if they study in Ohio. These awards support independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects, but do not cover tuition or general living expenses.

Ohio organizations and individuals conducting botanical research, conservation, or education projects in Michigan or the broader Great Lakes region can access funding through Michigan Botanical Foundation, with awards of US $100 - US $1,500. Eligible projects must enhance knowledge or preservation of Michigan’s flora, including studies of rare species, invasive competition, habitat restoration, or public education efforts.

Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or related fields conducting botanical conservation research in the U.S., including work relevant to Ohio, can apply for the Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship, awarding up to US $4,500 for conservation horticulture projects. Grants from Garden Club of America support research on rare and endangered plants, with preference for work in the Carolinas or southeastern U.S.

Individuals studying or conserving native orchids in North America, including work relevant to Ohio botanical conservation, can receive US $500 through the Philip Keenan Award. The American Orchid Society honors students, amateurs, and professionals whose past and current efforts advance the study or preservation of native orchids north of Mexico.

Undergraduate students in Ohio and across the U.S. interested in plant science and botanical conservation can receive full support to attend the 2025 Botany conference through this immersive PLANTS III pathway program. Focused on mentoring and career exploration, Botanical Society of America invites diverse undergraduates to participate in scientific sessions, field trips, and networking events.

The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust Grant supports education and research in ornamental horticulture, funding projects that enhance public gardens, promote ornamental plants, and support related educational initiatives. Grants typically range up to $20,000, with a maximum of $25,000, focusing on project support rather than general operating expenses. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and similar entities worldwide, while the Trust does not fund individuals or capital campaigns.

The Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation Grant aims to support projects that promote environmental restoration, preservation, and education, with a focus on sustainable resource use and community development. This grant encourages innovative approaches that connect urban and rural settings, enhance biodiversity, and foster creativity in addressing societal challenges. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated non-profits that align with the foundation's vision. The foundation also supports small presses and periodicals that creatively address sustainability issues.

Ohio nonprofits providing nutrition education, food access, or culinary arts training can seek funding to educate students, families, and communities about healthy eating and food pathways. Focused on nutrition and wellness, Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations, including schools and community groups, to support underserved populations nationwide, which may include plant- or garden-based education components.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with scalable affordable housing innovations can seek US $2,000,000 grants supporting equitable and affordable housing in Ohio and nationwide. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo’s Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge funds proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that expand housing choice and access; plant-focused organizations may be eligible if their work advances housing affordability goals.

The TTF Advertising for the Environment Grant, established by the Temper of The Times Foundation in 1997, aims to enhance awareness of wildland conservation through marketing initiatives. This grant is exclusively available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and funds various advertising campaigns to protect native ecosystems. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate measurable impacts on conservation, rather than those focused solely on education.

Nonprofits and educational institutions working on food system transformation, animal welfare, or sustainable agriculture in Ohio can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000, for project or general operating support. U.S.-based and internationally focused 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups advancing just, sustainable, plant-forward food systems may be eligible.

The Wild Ones Seeds for Education Grant Program aims to engage youth in environmental stewardship by funding projects that promote the use of native plants. This initiative supports schools and community organizations in creating native plant gardens, fostering a deeper understanding of biodiversity and sustainable practices among students. By providing necessary resources, the program encourages hands-on learning experiences for preschool through high school students, aligning with Wild Ones' mission to enhance natural landscapes.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

The Garden Grant Program by Whole Kids Foundation offers $3,000 to schools and non-profits to create or enhance edible educational gardens. This initiative connects children with food, fostering curiosity and healthy eating habits. Eligible applicants include K-12 schools and organizations that regularly engage at least ten children in gardening activities. The program emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning about food and gardening, aiming to inspire a new generation of healthy eaters.

Nonprofit organizations carrying out Christian ministry projects can seek funding for evangelism, leadership development, holistic services, media outreach, stewardship, and children and youth programs, including work in Ohio. The Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations with specific projects in South Florida, across the U.S., and in emerging nations.