Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund 2026 Grant Round
Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund 2026 Grant Round supports West Virginia land-conservation organizations and state agencies in acquiring and stewarding property to protect habitats, working lands, and recreation areas.
Funder: West Virginia Department of Commerce
Due Dates: October 31, 2026 (grant applications)
Funding Amounts: Small grants: $5,000–$25,000; large grants: over $25,000; up to $700,000 available in total
Summary: Competitive grants support conservation of West Virginia land through property acquisition, due diligence, and stewardship.
Key Information: Large grants require at least a 25% committed match.
Description
The Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund (OHCF), administered by the West Virginia Department of Commerce, supports projects that protect the state’s wildlife habitats, natural areas, working forests and farmlands, and lands used for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Created by the West Virginia Legislature, the fund can acquire interests in real property for conservation and award competitive grants for land-protection projects consistent with the Wildlife Conservation Action Plan or other conservation plans.
Grants support the purchase of conservation easements, land in fee, or other real-property interests; due diligence associated with acquiring or receiving donated interests; and stewardship of conserved property. An 11-member Board of Trustees guides the fund and makes final award decisions.
