The Request for Proposals for the July 2012 grant cycle will open in late April.

The Letter of Intent deadline is July 9, 2012 at 5:00pm.

The applicaton deadline is July 16, 2012 at 5:00pm. 

To apply, go to the eBusiness Center link at the top of this page and create a user ID and password.  Once you have done that, click on the OEEF grant service link to continue.

Ohio Environmental Education Fund

The OEEF was created by the General Assembly in 1990 to enhance Ohio citizens’ awareness and understanding of environmental issues. It is administered by the Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and provides approximately $1 million annually in grants to support environmental education efforts within the state of Ohio.  The OEEF derives its monies from one-half of the civil penalties collected from violations of Ohio's air and water pollution control regulations. 

The OEEF funds education projects that target three audiences: (1) pre-school through university students and teachers; (2) the general public; and (3) the regulated community. General grants are available for $5,000 to $50,000, and mini grants for projects costing between $500 and $5,000. Application guidelines spell out application requirements, current funding priorities, the application review process, and preferred characteristics for projects targeting the respective audiences. OEEF grant coordinators are also available to assist in preparing grant proposals prior to the deadline dates, and to advise applicants on the eligibility of possible projects. OEEF grant writing workshops are also offered around the state several times yearly.

There are two grant cycles annually, with application deadlines on January 15 and July 15 at 5:00 pm(or the next business day, if these fall on a holiday or weekend).

OEEF supports innovative projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues, and provide the skills to make informed decisions and take responsible actions. Environmental education is based on objective and scientifically sound information, and does not advocate a particular viewpoint or course of action. It teaches individuals how to weigh various sides of an issue through critical thinking, and it enhances their problem-solving and decision-making skills.

A list of past grant recipients illustrates the variety of projects that have been funded. Descriptions of OEEF Outstanding Project Award Winners showcase successful environmental education efforts that we encourage grant applicants to emulate.