Conservation Action Grant & Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Cuyahoga SWCD Conservation Action Grant & Scholarship Fund is to reduce the financial barriers of adopting conservation practices at home and in our community – practices such as rain gardens, rain barrels, planting trees, landscaping with native plants, teacher training and workshops, and more!

Cuyahoga SWCD will award grants, scholarships, rebates and/or vouchers to support conservation efforts in Cuyahoga County. Successful project applications are those related to environmental and conservation programs with a special emphasis on engaging underserved populations or those with financial barriers to project implementation.

Cuyahoga SWCD established the Conservation Action Grant & Scholarship Fund and is offering small grants and scholarships for conservation education and projects aimed at improving soil and water resources, with an initial goal to provide 75 grants and/or scholarships by our 75th Anniversary in 2024. We have well surpassed that and are excited to provide more to you!

Grants and scholarship requests for up to $1,000 will be considered. The application deadline for this round of funding is September 28, 2025. Award notifications will be made at the conclusion of Ohio Stormwater Awareness Week on October 7, 2025. Funded projects must be completed by September 30, 2026. 

To apply, complete the online Application Form.

Successful project applications are those related to Cuyahoga SWCD’s mission to foster a healthy and resilient urban environment through soil and water resources conservation practices, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. These awards aim for a special emphasis on engaging underserved populations or those with financial barriers to project implementation. Examples of previously funded projects include (but are not limited to) neighborhood tree planting, rain garden installation, pollinator gardens, rain barrel systems and educational signage.

Eligible applicants include residents, teachers, schools, organizations and local units of government. While applicants who have successfully completed Conservation Action Grant projects in the past are eligible to apply, special consideration will be given to new applicants.

Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

Note that grantees who receive more than $600 in one year must provide information for the IRS 1099 (income) form.

Eligible costs for reimbursement will NOT include:

• Staff time
• Consultant costs

Food and beverage costs are eligible up to 10% of the total application amount. Expenses for single use plastic water bottles will not be reimbursed.

To support scholarships and conservation action grants in your community, visit our SUPPORT page for more details. 

Please email questions to Jared Bartley. 

GRANTEE RESOURCES