Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program Mini-Grants

Mini-Grant Forms (pdfs)

• Mini-Grant Application
• Grantee’s Request for Funds Release
• Project Completion Report

STAC Mini-Grants fund projects that further the goals of the STEP program. Mini-grants are available up to $2,000. The purpose of the Mini-Grant program is to provide small grants that help fund projects and activities that further the goals and objectives of the STEP program, or that are part of a STEP project. Projects should promote volunteerism or community engagement with the STEP program and the local community.

The grant program is administered by the Salmon and Trout Advisory Committee (STAC), which approves the grant proposals at its quarterly meetings. The mini-grant program is funded through a $50,000 biennial grant from the ODFW Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program.

• Mini-Grant Deadlines and STAC Meeting Schedules

Grant categories

To be eligible for a mini-grant, projects should fall into one of these categories:

• Habitat restoration
• Education
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Fish culture
• Research
• Angler Access & Opportunity

Preference will be given to proposals with strong matching funds and that encourage development of partnerships and use of volunteers. 

Ineligible expenses

Except in certain circumstances, the following expenses are not usually funded:

• Ongoing expenses (e.g. Rent or utilities, perpetual re-occurring projects, land or building lease)
• Travel costs (e.g. mileage, fuel, vehicle rental)
• Staff time or administrative costs
• Food
• Bus Trips
• Items that require engineering without an engineer's stamp (e.g. ADA platforms, Bridge, Cranes, etc.)
• Classroom Aquariums

However, these expenses are welcomed as project match.


How to apply for a Mini-Grant

STEP 1: Contact your local STEP biologist and STAC member to discuss and refine your proposal.

• Contact your STEP Biologist (pdf)
• Current STAC member list (pdf)

STEP 2: Fill out the two-page application.

Make sure all relevant fields are completed. If a field is not applicable to your project, please enter “N/A”. Be sure to incorporate information and recommendations from the local STEP biologist and STAC member.

STEP 3: Get local STEP biologist and STAC member signatures prior to submittal.

Your application must be reviewed and signed by both your local STEP biologist and STAC member. Make sure to leave enough time to obtain signatures before the submission deadline as incomplete application may be returned or tabled until the next review period (3-4 months). The STEP biologists can often help secure the STAC representative’s signature.

STEP 4: Submit the application by the application deadline

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Applications must include the requested information including a description of the proposed project or work to be undertaken, a detailed budget, STAC and STEP Biologist signatures, any other pertinent information. The application must be received at ODFW Headquarters by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the deadline in order to be included in a given review cycle.

• Mini-grant deadlines and meeting dates

STEP 5: Application reviewed by STAC at its next meeting.

Once received, proposals will be reviewed by program staff for completeness. If additional information is required, the applicant or sponsor will be contacted. At the next scheduled meeting STAC will review proposals and recommend funding. Proposals may be approved, denied, or tabled for further clarification.

Applicants are not required to attend the meeting. However, if your time and resources allow applicants are welcome to attend and answer questions that may come up. In some cases STAC members may act on your behalf if they have been included during development of the proposal. This is one reason why it is important to talk with them during development of your proposal.

Preference will be given to proposals with strong matching funds and that encourage the development of partnerships and volunteerism.

• Mini-grant evaluation criteria (pdf)

STEP 6: Applicants will be notified in writing of STAC decision.

Applicants will be sent a letter 1-2 weeks following the STAC meeting. Successful applicants can begin the project after they receive a confirmation letter.  Please review this letter carefully as some projects may be approved for partial funding, denied, fully funded, or applicants may be given an opportunity to resubmit applications pending a response to questions or concerns from STAC members. Please note that any curriculum developed through funds granted by STAC must be made publicly available.

STEP 7: Expend funds and request reimbursement.

Successful applicants will need to request a release of funds once they have been expended and submit an invoice and project completion report before funds are reimbursed.

Mini-Grant funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis only. Invoices, credit card receipts, and other proof-of-purchase documents are adequate for reimbursement. The Grantee’s Request for Funds Release must be submitted with supporting documentation for all payments. Please note that payment processing can take 2 to 6 weeks depending on agency workloads.

STEP 8: Project Completion Reporting.

Upon project completion a Completion Report must be submitted. A Completion Report is required once the portions of the project funded by STAC have been completed. If the grant is for a small portion of a larger or long term project please report once that small portion is completed. On occasion, STAC may request a more detailed project report from certain projects to evaluate the success of the project. Be sure to review your award letter for details.