The Coastal Management Assistance Grant program is a competitive annual grant opportunity offered through the Ohio Coastal Management Program. Grants can be issued to eligible entities for water quality improvement, coastal planning, education programs, land acquisition, research, public access, habitat restoration, and other purposes. More than $8 million in Coastal Management Assistance Grants have been awarded for 155 projects in Ohio since the program began in 1998. Including non-federal match, over $13 million has been invested in CMAG projects since program inception.

Grant Details

Funding is provided through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Approximately $200,000 to $400,000 total is typically available for projects annually. Applications should request $50,000 to $150,000 in federal funds. 

A minimum 1:1 non-federal match is required, and federal funds cannot be used as match (other than Community Development Block Grants). Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible recipients include units of local government (municipalities, townships, counties, school districts, park districts, port authorities, etc.), state agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit corporations. Only public entities are eligible to receive grants for construction, engineering/design, or land acquisition projects. 

Timeframes

• Pre-proposals are required and are typically due in September/October. 
• Approved Pre-proposals are notified in November to submit an Application, which is due in December.
• Funding is for projects that begin no earlier than July 1 of the following year.

Eligible Uses of Funds

• Feasibility studies and engineering reports for enhancing coastal resources
• Protection/enhancement of wetlands, dunes, and other coastal habitat
• Habitat enhancement using dredge material
• Increased public access to Lake Erie and its tributaries
• Protection of historical and cultural coastal resources
• Redevelopment of deteriorating or underutilized waterfronts and ports
• Other purposes approved by the Director of ODNR

Ineligible Uses of Funds

• Restroom facilities
• Erosion control structures
• Beach nourishment
• Maintenance activities
• Active recreation facilities, such as ball fields, etc.
• Parking lots or roads
• Water or sewer lines
• Activities required as a permit condition or mitigation
• Construction on private property
• Construction or acquisition outside the designated Coastal Area
• Other uses that are deemed ineligible

Grant Information Webinar

A one-hour live webinar is being offered by the Office of Coastal Management. The webinar will focus on the Coastal Management Assistance Grant program and include tips on successful grant application writing. Several other grant programs will also be covered as well. Webinar information is as follows:

• Time/Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 1:00pm
• Click HERE to register for the 2025 Grants Webinar
• You can email coastal.grants@dnr.ohio.gov to ask any questions you may have. 

Application Process

• Preproposals will be due TBD. Full applications will only be accepted for projects that were the subject of a Preproposal submitted by the TBD deadline.
• Full Applications must be submitted to coastal.grants@dnr.ohio.gov by 11:59 pm on TBD.

Full Application and Supplemental Forms

The following forms are required to be submitted with Full Applications (not Preproposals). Refer to the Coastal Grant Subrecipient Guide under "Additional Downloads" for an application checklist and additional grant details. 

1. Basic Electronic Application — Cycle 29 Full Project Application [pdf]
2. Supplemental Forms — Some of these are required for all projects, others are required based on the type of project. Consult the checklist for details.
   - Budget Detail [xlsx]
   - Financial Audit [pdf]
   - Resolution of Authorization [pdf]
   - Data Sharing Plan [pdf]
   - 306A Questionnaire
   - Federal Consistency Certification [pdf]
   - Acquisition Cost Analysis [pdf]
   - Attorney Title Opinion [pdf]
   - Public Ownership Affidavit [pdf]