Best Grants for Land Conservation in Ohio

Land and habitat conservation organizations in Ohio and across the Appalachian Mountains region can seek capital funding to acquire land or conservation easements that protect biodiversity and enhance climate resilience. The Open Space Institute’s Appalachian Landscapes Project supports projects that retain forest carbon, improve landscape connectivity, and deliver strong benefits for local communities.

Land and habitat conservation organizations in Ohio can access funding for capital projects that protect biodiversity, enhance climate resilience and landscape connectivity, retain forest carbon, and benefit local communities. Grants from Open Space Institute help eligible projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area, with awards up to US $4,600,000 for conservation-focused land protection.

Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help Ohio land and habitat conservation nonprofits fund projects that protect and restore natural areas and create sustainable communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must work in communities where the company operates and may also address environmental education, STEM education, or healthy and vibrant community initiatives.

Ohio agricultural and forest producers seeking support for land and habitat conservation can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program, which funds conservation practices on working lands. Focused on environmental stewardship, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Ohio offers five-year contracts with annual payments to enhance soil, water, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience across entire operations.

Focused on land and habitat conservation, this program invites Ohio researchers, students, and affiliated organizations to seek funding for studies on the state’s aquatic and terrestrial biological resources. Grants from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources provide up to US $5,000 for equipment, supplies, stipends, and research travel supporting conservation-focused projects.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and other land stewards in Ohio can receive financial and technical help to implement conservation practices on working lands, improving soil, water, air, and wildlife habitat. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Ohio’s EQIP program supports land and habitat conservation across cropland, pasture, rangeland, forestland, and environmentally sensitive areas.

Ohio land and habitat conservation nonprofits restoring diminished native tree species can access funding through The Oak Hill Fund for research, seed orchard development, and forest land preservation projects. 501(c)(3) organizations across the continental U.S. may apply for project-specific support, including necessary administrative and fundraising expenses tied to the restoration work.

Grants to Ohio political subdivisions support acquisition, development, or rehabilitation of outdoor recreational areas through this land and habitat conservation program. Grants from Ohio Department of Natural Resources help Ohio land conservation entities with up to 50% reimbursement assistance for eligible park and recreation projects, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $500,000.

Nonprofit and conservation-focused organizations supporting land and habitat conservation in Ohio can seek US $250,000 - US $750,000 to expand regenerative agriculture and conservation practices on private lands. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Conservation Partners Program funds technical assistance that helps landowners plan, implement best practices, engage in Farm Bill programs, and share conservation lessons.

The Bonnell Cove Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in North America focused on safety at sea and marine environmental initiatives. With a funding limit of $10,000, it prioritizes well-defined projects that can be evaluated for impact. Proposals are accepted biannually, with deadlines on February 1 and September 1 for March and October reviews, respectively. The Foundation seeks innovative solutions for personal safety equipment and environmental stewardship, emphasizing projects that promote sustainable practices in marine operations.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, and individual Indigenous people in Ohio and across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and related Island Nations can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund; awards up to US $15,000 for non-violent direct actions, community organizing, and movement-building to defend Indigenous rights and protect land and natural resources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S., including Ohio, can apply for Bell's Brewery grassroots grants of US $500 - US $5,000 to support water stewardship projects. Focus areas include ecosystem and habitat protection, freshwater and water resource management, and climate-related water resilience, which may benefit land and habitat conservation efforts.

Ohio 501(c)(3) charitable organizations working on land and habitat conservation, community development, or related services can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation to support self-sustaining programs for disadvantaged communities. Support may be provided as low-interest program-related investments or grants in areas like housing, education, health, and open space preservation, including internationally.

Nonprofits, researchers, and conservation-focused individuals in Ohio can seek funding for land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, and outdoor access projects via W.L. Gore. Focused on ecosystem health and collaborative stewardship, SITKA Ecosystem Grants offer US $3,000 - US $20,000 for high-impact projects that advance wildlife, biodiversity, and hunting-related education and access.

Eligible partners working on land and habitat conservation near military installations in Ohio and other U.S. locations can apply for the 2026 REPI Challenge, awarding up to US $20,000,000 for compatible land use projects. Funding from the U.S. Department of Defense supports efforts that prevent land use conflicts and enhance military installation resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on land reuse, neighborhood improvement, safety, job preparation, or youth engagement in Toledo neighborhoods can apply for up to US $25,000. The Toledo Community Foundation’s Toledo Neighborhoods Foundation prioritizes projects in areas such as Old West End, Englewood, Ottawa, and other nearby communities that coordinate with resident groups.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, or restorative economies in Ohio and other U.S. regions can seek funding support; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help projects focused on private land conservation, watershed restoration, and nature-based environmental policy initiatives.

Adams County, Ohio students pursuing ecology, forestry, natural resources, or related trade and technical fields can receive scholarships supporting education that benefits land and habitat conservation. With a mission to strengthen Appalachian communities, Foundation for Appalachian Ohio offers up to US $25,000 for eligible residents in undergraduate, vocational, or technical programs, including DEI-focused studies.

Graduate students focused on land and habitat conservation in Ohio and across the U.S. can gain paid, hands-on practicum experience through the Conservation Connect Fellowship Program. With a mission to develop collaborative conservation leaders, National Forest Foundation provides fellows with mentored projects, professional development, and training related to public lands and community engagement, plus up to US $6,870 in compensation.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on land and habitat conservation can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants to support wildlife protection and related ecosystems. Nationally focused projects in Ohio that emphasize endangered species, indigenous wildlife management, or advocacy for habitats of pollinators, wolves, whales, or birds may be eligible.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program invites proposals for land acquisition or conservation easements in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. The initiative aims to enhance water quality and ecosystems while prioritizing projects that protect native habitats and provide flood resiliency. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $4 million per project, supporting efforts that align with LCBP’s goals, including increasing public access to recreational areas as a secondary benefit.

The Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund, established in 1999 in memory of Lauren Townsend, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. focused on animal welfare and wildlife preservation. Grants are awarded to organizations with specific project funding needs and budgets under $250,000. Smaller nonprofits are encouraged to apply, while general operating expenses and lobbying activities are not funded. The fund honors Lauren's passion for animals, continuing her legacy of support for those in need.

The FY 2024 - 2026 Broad Agency Announcement by NOAA seeks innovative research and outreach projects that enhance marine and coastal ecosystem viability. This funding opportunity is contingent on appropriations and does not guarantee specific awards or project funding. NOAA emphasizes collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to remain adaptive in addressing climate change and providing vital weather and water services, ensuring ongoing improvement in their information and services.

The Steven C. Leuthold Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profits in areas such as land conservation, environmental protection, human services, and animal welfare. Founded in 1991 by philanthropist Steven C. Leuthold, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its giving preferences. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, with grants distributed by December 2025. Note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assists private landowners in restoring and protecting vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Since its inception in 1987, the program has provided technical assistance and financial support to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the program establishes habitat goals and directs resources effectively to conserve important ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the American people.

Cattaraugus County Trappers Memorial Scholarship

Created by the Cattaraugus County Trappers Association, this scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school student who plans to pursue a degree in Natural Resources Conservation, Fish & Wildlife Management, Forest Management or similar area of study at a 2- or 4-year college. Financial need will be considered. Applicants must include list of outdoors sports in which they participate, a statement on importance of the role of sportsmen in conservation and management of fish and wildlife and natural resources, and information on career path in their goal statement.