The Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee is pleased to announce an opportunity for funding for
conservation and recreation projects in 2026-2027. It will open Dec 15, 2026 - Feb 9, 2027.
- The Winter 2026 Request for Proposals is an online only application process. The link to apply will be posted on December 15. The
application questions from our last round 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, 2026 and closes on February 9, 2027. Please make sure you complete the
funding application before 11:59pm on February 9, 2027. 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
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife