The ODNR Division of Wildlife Step Outside Grant Program is offered to local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other family and youth-oriented facilities to promote outdoor skills such as fishing, hunting, trapping, archery and shooting sports. These grants are designed to provide funding for activities that are otherwise unaffordable for the sponsoring agency or organization.
Suggested activities that are eligible for funding include:
- Family Fishing Days (fishing and aquatic education activities)
- Outdoor Skills Days (shooting and fishing activities)
- Shooting Skills Days (rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, archery shooting)
- Beginning Trapping Skills Days (hands-on trapping activities)
- Advanced Hunting Clinics (species specific to include hands-on participation)
- National Hunting and Fishing Day Activities
- Free Fishing Days Activities and Celebration
- National Fishing Week Activities
- National Trapping Month Activities
Expenses that grant money be used for include:
- Insurance
- Picnic supplies/refreshments
- Ammunition, shooting supplies, targets and clay targets
- Live bait and terminal fishing tackle
- Advertisement flyers and brochures for the scheduled event
- Special population supplies and services (interpreters, adaptive equipment)
In some situations, an organization can apply for two (2) Step Outside Grants in a fiscal year.
None is available.
Activities supported through the grant must include a minimum of 25 participants OR be open to the public. A ratio of one instructor for every five participants is recommended.
These grants are not meant to fund existing programs or to provide ongoing funding for newly established programs or activities. Activities involving competition are not eligible. Activities and events must have an educational value and include a hands-on experience.
Private individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. Applicants must allow a minimum of 60 days to receive funds. A grant cannot be awarded for an event that has already taken place.