Conservation Action Grant & Scholarship Fund

Cuyahoga SWCD established the Conservation Action Grant & Scholarship Fund to support conservation education and hands‑on projects that protect and improve soil and water resources across Cuyahoga County.

Through this fund, we award grants, scholarships, rebates, and vouchers to help local residents, students, and organizations bring meaningful conservation efforts to life. Our original goal was to award 75 grants and scholarships in honor of our 75th Anniversary in 2024, and we’ve already surpassed that milestone.

We’re excited to keep the momentum going and to offer even more opportunities to you.

Successful project applications align with our mission to foster a healthy, resilient urban environment through soil and water conservation practices, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. These awards prioritize projects that meaningfully engage underserved communities or help overcome financial barriers to implementation. 

Got questions? Read below!

What’s the maximum award amount we can request?

• Grants and scholarship requests for up to $1,000 will be considered. 

What project ideas should we bring to Cuyahoga SWCD?

• Neighborhood tree plantings
• Rain garden installations
• Pollinator habitats
• Rain barrel systems
• Educational signage
• AND MANY MORE!

Who is eligible?

• 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.

Anything else we should know before we apply:

• Eligible costs for reimbursement will not include staff time and/or 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.
• Grantees who receive more than $600 in one year must provide information for the IRS 1099 (income) form.

This is a wonderful program, and we’d like to support it financially, how can we do that?

• We love that! To support the Conservation Action Grant & Scholarship Fund, visit our Support page!

Still have questions? Contact Meg Hennessey or Tim Becker!

Cuyahoga SWCD 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.

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