Coastal Management Assistance Grants
Coastal Management Assistance Grants support public bodies, academics, and nonprofits in research, planning, education, and restoration to protect and enhance Ohio’s Lake Erie coastal resources.
Funder: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: December 20, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (Full application) | September 30, 2026 (Webinar, past)
Funding Amounts: $25,000–$150,000 recommended in cycle guidance; 1:1 match; 12–18 months
Summary: Competitive grants support research, planning, education, restoration, acquisition, and public access benefiting Ohio’s Lake Erie coastal resources.
Key Information: Government entities only for public access, acquisition, and on-the-ground restoration categories; active SAM registration required before application.
Description
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) administers this annual competitive program through its Office of Coastal Management. Funding comes from NOAA within the U.S. Department of Commerce, which provides oversight and final approval of project selections. The program supports protection, restoration, enhancement, and sustainable use of Ohio’s Lake Erie coastal resources.
Supported work includes coastal planning, water quality improvement, education and outreach, land acquisition, habitat restoration, public access, and research and data collection. Projects may address wetlands and nearshore habitat, beneficial use of dredged material, historical and cultural resources, or underutilized waterfronts and ports. Research can include coastal economics, social impacts of resource use, environmental valuation, and coastal resource data that inform management and sustainable community development.
