Funding Opportunities

If you know of additional funding opportunities that might be of interest to communities or organizations along the Ohio River Way, please email us at info@ohioriverway.org.

EPA: Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program

Deadline: Nov. 21, 2024

EPA’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. They are designed to deliver on the transformative potential of the IRA for communities most adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution, and historical disinvestments.

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Ohio, Restoration, Community/Economic Development Ohio River Way Ohio, Restoration, Community/Economic Development Ohio River Way

Seeds of Change Grant Program

Applications due 4/30/24.

The City of Cincinnati Office of Environment and Sustainability is excited to announce the launch of a new funding opportunity called the Green Cincinnati Plan Seeds of Change Grant Program! This new pilot funding effort aims to bring the Green Cincinnati Plan to life through resident-driven sustainability, equity, and resilience projects in the neighborhoods hardest hit by climate change. Visit our landing page to learn more and please share the attached RFP and image with your networks. There will be a pre-application workshop on 3/14/24 from 5:30-7PM at Price Hill Library – all are welcome.

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Community/Economic Development, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio Ohio River Way Community/Economic Development, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio Ohio River Way

2024 AARP Community Challenge Grants

Deadline: 5pm EST, March 6, 2024

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. In 2024, the AARP Community Challenge will be accepting applications for three different grant opportunities, each described below in the "Grant Opportunities" section.

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Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program

Application dates not yet announced

Now that it is funded, the program will establish competitive grants that strategically invest in projects that connect active transportation networks and spines, accelerating local and regional plans to create safe and convenient walking and biking routes to everyday destinations and to fill gaps in trails between communities.

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Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grants

Deadline: Feb. 28, 2024

The 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grants Program is now open! This multimodal, multijurisdictional competitive grant program administered by the USDOT has provided robust funding for active transportation projects in previous cycles.

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Ohio, Recreation Ohio River Way Ohio, Recreation Ohio River Way

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Ohio

Closed Jan. 31, 2024

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) provides funding for projects defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, community improvement activities, and environmental mitigation; recreational trail program projects; and safe routes to school projects.

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Recreation, Ohio Ohio River Way Recreation, Ohio Ohio River Way

Recreational Trails Program, Ohio

Deadline: Mar. 15, 2024

This is a reimbursement grant program that provides up-to-80 percent project funding. The following projects are eligible:

  • New recreational trail construction

  • Trail maintenance/restoration

  • Trailside and trailhead facilities

  • Acquisition of easements and property for recreational trails and recreational trail corridors

  • Educational programs promoting trail safety and environmental protection

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Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Recreation, Restoration Ohio River Way Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Recreation, Restoration Ohio River Way

Rivers, Trails, & Conservation Assistance Program

Deadline: Mar. 1, 2024

The National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, & Conservation Assistance Program (NPS-RTCA) welcomes applications from community groups, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state and federal agencies. NPS-RTCA does not provide financial assistance or monetary grants. As a collaborative partner, we provide professional services to help you achieve your conservation and outdoor recreation project vision.

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Ohio, Recreation, Restoration Forest Clevenger Ohio, Recreation, Restoration Forest Clevenger

Land and Water Conservation Fund, Ohio

Deadline: Nov. 15, 2024

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program provides up to 50% reimbursement assistance for state and local government subdivisions (townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts) for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational areas.

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Ohio, Restoration Forest Clevenger Ohio, Restoration Forest Clevenger

H2Ohio River Programs

Announced but not open

Through this initiative, H2Ohio plans to:

  • Address the issue of rising salinity in Ohio’s rivers and streams;

  • Implement a river restoration program for large river tributaries and preserve the rivers in Ohio that are already in good health;

  • Remove specific dams on rivers and major tributaries to enhance water quality, fish passage, and migration;

  • Enhance Ohio’s litter cleanup program to put more focus on our rivers and streams to remove not just trash, but large objects like cars, tires, and appliances from our water; and

  • Remediate waters impacted by acid mine drainage to enhance their ability to support aquatic life.

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Kentucky, Ohio, Community/Economic Development Ohio River Way Kentucky, Ohio, Community/Economic Development Ohio River Way

Interact for Health Rural Changemaker Grant

Proposals Accepted Quarterly: March 4, June 3, Sept. 2, Nov. 4

The Rural Changemaker RFP provides strategic funding that enhances and supports grassroots work addressing community-identified challenges and inequalities related to health in the rural regions served by Interact for Health in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Grants are expected to range from $10,000- $100,000 for 12 to 18 months. Proposals are accepted quarterly.

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