Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund

Winter 2025/2026 Call for Proposals

The Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee is pleased to announce an opportunity for funding for conservation and recreation projects in 2025-2026.

• The Winter 2025 Request for Proposals is an online only application process. APPLY HERE. Use ACCESS CODE “OCRF”. The application questions are HERE for those that want to get a head start off-line (please note that some features of the online application won’t appear in the PDF).
• Accepting applications through the ODFW online grant portal. Here is a Guide for applicants on how to apply. Strongly encourage all applicants to read through the guide, it includes a video tutorial, guidance on how to create an account/log on, apply for a grant, navigate your dashboard, and important information on completing application forms.
• The application period opens on December 15, 2025 and closes on February 9, 2026. Please make sure you complete the funding application before 11:59pm on February 9, 2026. For the complete grant cycle timeline, refer to the Winter 2025/2026 timeline.
• Based on available funds, approximately $400,000 will be granted to projects in conservation/ outdoor recreation that have a significant impact in alignment with the OCRF Program Priorities. The maximum allowable grant request for projects will be $25,000. The OCRF Program seeks to continue its support for smaller, newer organizations particularly those arising from underserved, environmental justice communities.
• Project eligibility is broad and the program invites proposals for research, monitoring, restoration, education/awareness, outdoor access, community engagement, technical assistance projects. The OCRF will prioritize projects that implement the State Wildlife Action Plan (formerly known as the Oregon Conservation Strategy), a blueprint for conserving Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats before they become more difficult to protect. The OCRF will also invest in outdoor recreation opportunities that connect Oregonians to the natural world and increase equity for underserved communities.
• The OCRF Program will accept one project proposal per organization. Exceptions being if a lead organization is a fiscal sponsor applying on behalf of different organizations, or an institution of higher education.
• • Please note the required cap on institutional/organizational indirect overhead rates at 20% of the requested project budget.
• • Eligible entities include any tribe, watershed council, soil and water conservation district, not-for-profit corporation, school, institution of higher education, state agency, federal agency, local government, or private not-for-profit institution of higher education. Private not-for-profit organizations must have tax-exempt status under the IRS Code Section 501(c)(3). For more information on eligibility and other grant rules, visit the OCRF Division 98 Administrative Rules.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to read through our project insurance guidelines before applying.
• For any questions on applying for an OCRF grant, please reach out to: odfw.ocrf@odfw.oregon.gov. Or call 541-961-8421. We are here to help!

How to Apply to a Grant Apply Here Steps for Contracting an Awarded Grant