The Ohio State University Extension is announcing the 2026 version of the Village Vistas, a matching grant program geared toward visible enhancements to support Noble County Villages and Business. 

The idea was born from recent discussions at the Noble County Convention and Visitors Bureau board around the need for visible enhancements along key tourism areas, specifically Belle Valley and Caldwell, located at Interstate 77 exits 25 and 28, as well as where Wolf Run State Park is located and near Caldwell where key tourism lodging is available.  

Community Development Educators at Ohio State University Extension in Noble County researched some Ohio-specific programs and developed the localized Village Vistas program that will afford matching grants for beautification projects. They are required to be new or a rehabilitation of an entry feature such as a sign, stone wall, fence, landscape area, other amenities or painting project. To qualify, the projects must be visible from the public right-of-way. 

2026 individual grant awards will range between $500 and up to $5,000, unless otherwise approved by the grant committee. An individual village is limited to no more than one grant for each cycle. Each grant requires at least an equal match from the applicant. 

The Village Vistas of Noble County program will reimburse the applicant with the grant amount awarded upon successful completion of the project and conformance with program standards. Applications are received in an ongoing manner as program funds are available. Projects must be completed by Dec. 1, 2026. 

Details and 2026 applications are available at https://noble.osu.edu/program-areas/community-development/noble-county-resources/village-vistas-noble-county

Learn more about Ohio State University Extension services and programs in Noble County at www.noble.osu.edu or by calling Cathryn Stanley at 740-305-3187.