What is the Aquatic Stewardship Grant Program?

Formerly known as the Aquatic Education Grant Program, the ODNR Division of Wildlife Aquatic Stewardship Grant Program is designed to increase aquatic stewardship through hands-on experiences implemented by partnering organizations. Applicants should address the following criteria:

•     The project must include an opportunity for the participants to engage in an aquatic education learning experience.

•     Projects that include hands-on fishing opportunities must include an educational component geared towards aquatic education and stewardship (not just “how to fish”). For opportunities that are only hands-on fishing, or primarily request grant funding for actual fishing activities, please apply for a Conservation Club Partnership Grant.

•     A final report must be submitted to the ODNR Division of Wildlife upon completion of the project.

What are some suggested activities that are eligible for funding?

•     Teen Leadership Fishing Retreat

•     OSU Stone Lab Program

•     Water Quality & Fish Monitoring Program

•     Aquarium and start-up equipment for Trout in the Classroom (T.I.C.) program

NOTE: Activities involving competition are not eligible. Activities and events must have an educational value and may include a hands-on experience.

When is the application deadline?

•       The application period opens February 1st

•       Applications must be submitted by or before March 15th

•       The grant covers projects/programs taking place the following July 1st through June 30th

Who is eligible to apply for the grant?

Schools, park and recreation departments, conservation groups, local governments, and other organizations that have Federal Tax ID Numbers within Ohio are eligible. Multiple agencies may work cooperatively to conduct a program or event, but the grant applicant is responsible for contract administration, permitting, fund management and final report submission.

NOTE: Private individuals are not eligible

How much money is available?

An organization can apply for up to $7,500 per fiscal year (July 1-June 30) and can be divided between one or multiple project proposals. Each proposal must include a detailed budget indicating how the funds will be spent, and all items included in the budget must be necessary for the organization to achieve its goal(s) for the event (i.e., we don’t fund swag or goodie bags).

What type of programming is preferred?

Programs or events consisting of educational components addressing aquatic ecosystems and stewardship. The project must include an opportunity for the participants to engage in an aquatic education learning experience, with hands-on programming preferred.

How is the program funded?

Funding for the Aquatic Education Grant Program is comprised of money from license/permit revenues and the Sport Fish Restoration Program. For more information about this program, please refer to the USFWS website:

Sport Fish Restoration | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov).

Who can participate in the event or activity?

All activities supported by the ODNR Division of Wildlife must be open to all citizens regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, mobility, visual disabilities, or learning disabilities. Risk management and safety considerations, however, may limit active participation by some age or ability groups.

Who is responsible for the coordination of safety and risk management concerns?

The grant recipient is responsible for all safety and risk management concerns. The ODNR Division of Wildlife does not accept any liability for damage or injury resulting from activities supported through the Aquatic Education Grant. The cost of liability insurance, however, is an eligible grant expense under this grant program.