Conservancy Launches $1 Million Grant Program
Press Release
NEW PHILADELPHIA – The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District announces the launch of its new Connecting Communities Grant Program, a $1 million initiative designed to expand public areas to outdoor recreation across its 18-county region.
Funded through MWCD’s oil and gas revenue, the program represents a strategic reinvestment of natural resource development back into the communities of the Watershed. This initiative reflects MWCD’s long-standing commitment to investing in outdoor spaces that improve quality of life and support communities and will focus on capital projects that create outdoor recreational infrastructure, including rails, playgrounds, waterfront access and park improvements.
“Connecting people to the outdoors is fundamental to our mission,” said Pete Novotny, MWCD Chief of Recreation. “This program is about more than building trails or parks, it’s about strengthening communities, improving quality of life, and ensuring that every resident in our watershed has access to meaningful outdoor experiences close to home.”
The program focuses exclusively on permanent, high-impact projects beginning at $25,000 that provide measurable public benefit and long-term access to outdoor recreation. Eligible applicants include Ohio political subdivisions such as municipalities, counties, townships and park districts, as well as 501c(3) nonprofit organizations located within MWCD’s service area.
In addition to the primary grant program, MWCD will offer a Small Opportunity Grant for smaller, time-sensitive projects. These awards will range from $5,000 to $25,0000 and will be available on a rolling basis to support immediate community needs.
For more information and to apply, information is posted on the MWCD website.
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