SLF Mitigation Partnership Initiative Pilot Program

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) offers grants of up to $15,000 (with a required 10% match, funds or in-kind) to organizations working to control the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) and its primary host, tree of heaven, which threaten Ohio's grapes, hops, and stone fruits. Grants are paid as reimbursement after project completion and reporting. Eligible activities include tree-of-heaven removal, herbicide and insecticide treatment, egg-mass identification and treatment, and community SLF-control events. Funding is provided under a cooperative agreement with USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine.

State and local government agencies, park systems, and nonprofit organizations (such as cooperative weed management associations and land conservancies) with a track record in invasive plant or pest management. Universities and extension offices are excluded. Priority is given to applicants working in the most heavily infested areas. Recipients must register on SAM.gov (with a UEI), hold an Ohio ID, and be set up as a state payee.

Award size and match. "To support local efforts, a limited number of grants—up to $15,000 each with an in-kind match of 10%—are available to organizations working to control SLF populations (universities and extension offices excluded)." No minimum award is published. The match may be either cash or in-kind: applicants must "provide a 10% match (either matching funds or in-kind match of labor, supplies, equipment, etc.)."

How you get paid. Reimbursement only, and only at the end: "ODA will provide reimbursement after the project is completed and reports are submitted." Grantees therefore carry the full project cost up front. The budget submitted with the application must be "itemized and reflects realistic costs."

Reporting tied to payment. "There will be a reporting requirement to be completed 30 days after award end date." The final report must describe "the project activities, participants, number of trees removed or treated, insects or egg masses addressed, expenses, and outcomes" and is due "no later than 30 days following the end of the award period." Grantees are also expected to give "project updates ... through participation in regular program meetings during the award period."

Administrative prerequisites before money moves. "Recipients will need to register on sam.gov and have an AUI ID and also need to have an Ohio ID and be set up as a payee."

Term. The award period is bounded by the funding cycle rather than a multi-year contract — the application states "Funding cycle runs through July 31, 2026."

One condition that can stop a project. "If accessing private landowner's property, documented authorization to access the landowner's property must be obtained prior to the commencement of any work and before acceptance of the proposal."

Funding flows from a cooperative agreement with USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine. Priority "will be given to agencies working in the most infested areas."

Complete the SLF Community Control Grant application and submit it to plantpest@agri.ohio.gov; direct questions to Jonathan Shields (Jonathan.Shields@agri.ohio.gov). Round 2 applications are due September 30, 2026. Applicants must provide a 10% match and an itemized budget; a final report is due within 30 days of the award end date. Grants are reimbursement-based.