Ohio · Federal Grant

EPA Environmental Education Grants (Ohio)

The EPA Environmental Education Grant Program funds K-12 environmental education initiatives in Ohio, supporting projects that build environmental literacy, critical thinking, and STEM skills connected to Ohio environmental challenges.

Funding

$50,000–$100,000

Eligibility

Ohio nonprofits, schools, and government agencies

Grade Focus

K-12

Subject

Environmental Science / STEM

Deadline

Annual (spring solicitation)

Type

Federal Grant

About This Grant

The EPA's Environmental Education Grant Program funds projects across the U.S. that help students understand and address environmental challenges. Ohio presents compelling environmental contexts: Lake Erie algal blooms, the Cuyahoga River's recovery story, Appalachian reclamation, and urban air quality challenges in Cleveland and Columbus all provide rich material for meaningful K-12 environmental programs.

Ohio programs funded by EPA EE often combine hands-on environmental monitoring with STEM skill-building. Using sensors to measure water quality in a Lake Erie tributary, tracking air quality near an Ohio industrial corridor, or studying soil health in an Appalachian watershed are all compelling project models that use technology in service of genuine environmental investigation.

EPA EE grants are distributed through regional offices. Ohio schools apply through EPA Region 5 (Chicago), which covers the Great Lakes states. Ohio applicants benefit from strong regional environmental themes — particularly the Lake Erie Great Lakes region — that resonate with regional program staff.

View EPA Environmental Education Grants (Ohio) →

Eligibility

Ohio nonprofits, local education agencies, and state and local government entities
Programs focused on environmental education for K-12 students
Projects must promote environmental understanding — not advocacy or lobbying
Applications must address a real Ohio environmental issue relevant to the community

Allowable Uses

Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
CS and AI literacy curriculum
Teacher professional development
Environmental monitoring equipment, sensors, and outdoor investigation materials

Forward Education Products for This Grant

Forward Education offers classroom-ready kits that align with Ohio CS standards and fit cleanly into grant budgets. All kits include teacher guides and curriculum.

micro:bit Starter Kit — Entry-level physical computing, perfect for introducing coding and computational thinking.
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — Hands-on AI literacy curriculum covering machine learning concepts for K-12 classrooms.
Coding for Good Kit — Project-based learning kit connecting coding skills to real-world community challenges.
micro:bit Robotics Kit — Advanced robotics and engineering challenges for deeper CS exploration.

Keep in Mind

Lake Erie and the Great Lakes are compelling Ohio environmental contexts — connect your program to one of Ohio's signature environmental stories.
EPA EE grants prohibit advocacy; frame your program as building scientific literacy, not pushing environmental positions.
Modest grant sizes ($50-100K) make EPA EE a good first federal grant for Ohio organizations building their federal funding track record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which EPA region covers Ohio?

Ohio is in EPA Region 5, based in Chicago, which covers the Great Lakes states. Proposals reflect Great Lakes environmental priorities.

Does EPA EE fund technology and sensors?

Yes. Environmental monitoring tools, water quality sensors, and data collection equipment are all allowable when they serve the environmental education program goals.

Can a single school apply directly?

Schools can apply, but nonprofits with environmental education track records are most competitive. School-nonprofit partnerships work well.

What makes an Ohio EPA EE application competitive?

Strong applications show a clear environmental issue, a research-based educational approach, measurable outcomes, and a qualified team with community relationships.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Ohio CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for qualifying applications. Reach out before you apply.