Since the founding of the Ohio & Erie Canalway, Congress has awarded more than $19 million for projects, plans, and programs within the National Heritage Area. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association's Strategic Initiatives Program focuses on the disbursement of these funds through grants aligned with key elements of the Congressionally designated Corridor Management Plan.

This program allows the Ohio & Erie Canalway to contribute to projects like the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, America’s Byway, and visitor facilities. Additional projects funded enrich local cities, towns, and villages through community development efforts that feature historic preservation or natural conservation. Since receiving its National Heritage Area designation in 1996, the Ohio & Erie Canalway has leveraged over $355 million in federal, state, local and private investments throughout the region.

The Ohio & Erie Canalway is now accepting Letters of Intent for the 2026 Strategic Initiatives Program through Friday, February 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST. See below to download the Letter of Intent form and submit proposals to George Ebey at gebey@ohioeriecanal.org by the deadline.

2026 Letter of Intent Form

After submitting a Letter of Intent, a representative will be required to attend an orientation session via Zoom the week of February 16. Full applications will be made available at a later date. 

To view awardees by program year, click the links below: 

2023 Strategic Initiatives Recipients
2022 Strategic Initiatives Recipients
2021 Strategic Initiatives Recipients 
2020 Strategic Initiatives Recipients 
2019 Strategic Initiatives Recipients
2018 Strategic Initiatives Recipients 

Who is Eligible to Apply?

• State of Ohio political subdivisions

• Non-profit organizations

• Other persons or projects that fall within the boundaries of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area.

To balance diminishing appropriations and maximize use of federal funds, grant awards are capped at $50,000, and a minimum match ratio of 2:1 is required. To be eligible, you must be considered a non-profit organization, a State of Ohio Political Subdivision or another person/project that falls within the boundaries of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. Final awards are made based on availability of federal funds. 

For questions about the program, please contact George Ebey at gebey@ohioeriecanal.org or (330) 374-5657.