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Connecting Communities Grant Application

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Connecting Communities Grant supports capital projects that expand public access to outdoor recreation throughout the following counties served by MWCD: Ashland, Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Knox, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Richland, Stark, Tuscarawas, Washington, and Wayne.

Recreation has always been a core component of MWCD’s mission. Through our parks, marinas, trails, and public facilities, we have long invested in outdoor access to enhance the quality of life across the watershed. This program builds on that experience by extending recreation investment beyond MWCD-owned facilities and into communities.

Funded through MWCD’s oil and gas revenue, the program represents a strategic reinvestment of natural resource development back into the communities of the watershed to support projects that enhance quality of life and create lasting public benefit.

The program will fund capital projects that create outdoor recreational infrastructure, including trails, playgrounds, waterfront access, and park improvements. The initiative reflects MWCD’s long-standing commitment to investing in outdoor spaces that improve quality of life and support communities.

The program focuses exclusively on permanent, high-impact projects beginning at $25,000 that provide measurable public benefit and long-term access to outdoor recreation. Eligible applicants include Ohio political subdivisions such as municipalities, counties, townships, and park districts, as well as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located within MWCD’s service area.

Connecting Communities Grant Guidelines
Small Opportunity Grant Application

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Connecting Communities Grant Application

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2. Project Information

Eligibility check: Is the project located within one of the following counties?

The MWCD service area includes the following Ohio counties: Morgan, Washington, Noble, Monroe, Belmont, Harrison, Carroll, Stark, Wayne, Holmes, Coshocton, Muskingum, Guernsey, Tuscarawas, and Perry.
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3. Project Description

Describe the proposed project, including existing conditions, proposed improvements, key infrastructure components, and how the project enhances outdoor recreation access. Explain the community need to be addressed, who will benefit, expected usage and long-term impact, and how the project expands equitable or inclusive access. Supporting data or documented recreation gaps are encouraged. (250 words maximum.)

4. Project Readiness and Required Attachments

Required at Time of Application:

5. Project Budget

6. Public Access & Site Control Acknowledgment

The applicant acknowledges that public access will be provided for multiple years following project completion and that acceptable site control documentation will be provided prior to execution of the grant agreement.

7. Certification

By signing below, the applicant certifies that all information provided in this application is accurate and that the proposed project complies with the requirements of the MWCD Connecting Communities Grant Program.
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