Franklin Soil and Water’s annual Conservation Mini-Grant program continues in its ninth year by offering up to $2,000 to three organizations that demonstrate the need and ability to carry out on-the-ground conservation projects.
All local conservation projects within Franklin County, Ohio will be considered and encouraged. Franklin Soil and Water’s preferred projects are those directly benefitting Underserved Communities.
Franklin Soil and Water’s Conservation Fund is a pool of fees and proceeds originating from donations and events including the Annual Meeting and Tree Sale. This fund supports our Mini-Grant program and allows the District to support partner programming and projects throughout the year. Nearly 35 organizations have been awarded full or partial funding in the last 9 years.
Grant Application
To apply for the grant, please fill out an online application.
Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns.
501(c) non-profit organizations such as schools, watershed groups, municipalities, and community groups in Franklin County, Ohio may apply. This includes governing bodies and associations such as HOAs, condo associations and civic associations. These types of organizations may also serve as a fiscal sponsor for another organization.
The following criteria are considered when evaluating your project:
• Environmental Impact: Environmental improvement and ecological benefit.
• Connection to SWCD Mission: Demonstrates clear promotion of responsible land use decisions for the conservation, protection, and improvement of soil and water resources.
• Visibility: Potential number of people reached/impacted by the project.
• Cost Efficiency: The impact of the project relative to the funds requested.
• Underserved Community: Whether the project will be located in a historically underserved community.
Each project application will be evaluated by the FSWCD Conservation Implementation Team. Each project will be individually scored on how well it meets the five criteria. The score for each project will then be totaled, with the Underserved Community criteria being weighted 20% more than the other criteria. The FSWCD Conservation Implementation Team will then choose the awardees based on these scores and discretion.
• Rainwater storage/harvesting with rain barrels/cisterns
• Reducing or slowing stormwater runoff by planting rain gardens or buffer zones
• Green infrastructure with blue or green roofs, underground detention, and pervious surfaces
• Landscaping and gardening with native trees and plants
• Invasive species removal
• Habitat improvement, such as litter collection, addition of wildlife shelter(s), bird houses, or pollinator sites
• Soil improvements such as the addition of compost, green manures, or cover crops
This is a competitive grant issued on a reimbursement basis. Applicants’ score is based on their project's relative strength and adherence to "Ranking & Criteria" metrics, listed above. Please contact our office to sign up or for additional details. We regret that not all applicants will receive funding. However, in most cases, technical assistance is available regardless of award granted.
Simultaneous in-person/virtual Q&A sessions for interested parties are available in February, and first-time applicants are especially encouraged to meet with us prior to submitting their application.
1. Funds are issued on a reimbursement basis, with documentation (receipts, photos, etc.) of work completed. Some exceptions may be made for organizations that are unable to provide up-front expenses. Funds must be used by the end of the year.
2. Grant recipients must review and sign our Grant Agreement, provide brief progress updates and final report, and host a final site visit upon project completion. Updates may be simple phone calls and emails to ensure progress. Final report consists of a few visual aids such as photos/video, and 1-page written summary.
3. Only one application per organization/individual is accepted. Awardees will not be considered for funding two consecutive years in a row.
4. Primary expenses should include supplies and tools for permanent on-the-ground materials. Signage, outreach, and single-use items are limited to 20% of the total cost.
5. Grant proposals are reviewed by Franklin Soil and Water staff with final approval of the Director and Board of Supervisors.
6. Ineligible expenses include:
o projects previously completed or in progress
o design and consulting fees
o research
o salary and administration
o food or gifts
o sales tax
o pass-through costs like subsidies, discounts, or contractor fees
o educational displays that exceed more than 20% of the total cost
Applications due: February 28, 2023
Information Sessions: February 8 and 15, 2023 at 6:30pm