Soil & Water Gives Back
The Licking Soil & Water Conservation Mini-Grant Program provides grants of up to $1,000 to nonprofit organizations, schools, and local government entities that demonstrate the need and ability to carry out on-the-ground conservation projects.
This program is made possible through the Licking Soil & Water 75th Anniversary Fund. In 2026, up to $5,000 will be awarded to support conservation projects located within Licking County, Ohio.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and grants are awarded first come, first served.
Who May Apply
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations such as:
- Schools
- Watershed groups
- Local government entities and municipalities
- Community organizations
- Homeowners associations (HOAs) and condominium associations
- Civic associations
Organizations that have previously received a Mini-Grant may not apply in consecutive years to allow opportunities for new applicants.
If you have questions regarding your organization’s eligibility, please contact our office prior to applying.
Grant Details
- Maximum grant request: $1,000
- Projects must be completed within one year of receiving funding
- Applications are reviewed by the Licking Soil & Water Mini-Grant Committee with final approval by the Licking Soil & Water Board of Supervisors
Funding options:
- Continuous project reimbursement
- Lumpsum payment after project completion
Previously completed projects are not eligible for funding.
Eligible Expenses
Grant funds may be used for:
- Supplies and tools needed for project implementation
- Educational materials
- Conservation project materials
- Signage or outreach materials may also be funded, but may not exceed 20% of the total grant request.
Grant funds cannot be used for:
- Design or consulting fees
- Research
- Administrative costs
- Food
The Licking Soil & Water team is available to provide complimentary technical assistance throughout the project.
Grant recipients are required to:
- Sign a Grant Agreement
- Provide progress and final reports
- Participate in a final site visit upon project completion
Project Examples
Preferred projects may include:
- Native tree and plant installations, pollinator habitats, or outdoor classrooms
- Professional development such as conservation conferences or training
- Classroom equipment and supplies for soil and water conservation education
- Streambank or riparian zone stabilization using native vegetation
- Stormwater management projects such as rain gardens, buffer zones, or green infrastructure
Soil improvement practices including compost, green manures, or cover crops
Congratulations to the 2025 Conservation Mini-Grant Program Fund Recipients!
Village of Buckeye Lake
Plans to plant native trees and flowers at town entrances to conserve water, encourage native landscaping in new development, and enhance the natural beauty of the Buckeye Lake region.
Family of Faith Community Church
Is expanding its community garden to provide fresh produce for its food pantry while engaging youth in hands-on gardening. The project includes planting fruit trees, increasing vegetable production, constructing raised beds with improved soil, and installing irrigation to boost productivity and community impact.
Hopewell Commons Condominiums
Will expand its pollinator pathway by removing invasive shrubs and replacing them with Ohio native cultivars to improve habitat, support wildlife, reduce maintenance, and enhance biodiversity throughout the community.
McKean Community Organization
Is revitalizing flower beds at Ellas Park with low-maintenance native perennials and trees to create a welcoming, pollinator-friendly space, with future plans to transition portions of the park to native prairie.
Pataskala Public Library
Continues to provide free seeds to residents to promote home gardening, local food production, biodiversity, and pollinator habitats, while offering education on sustainable growing practices and native species.
Second Presbyterian Church – Newark
Is creating pollinator garden plots in a restored green space to promote conservation, provide wildlife habitat, and support environmental education within the community.
