Ohio History Fund

The Ohio History Fund is a competitive matching grant program administered by the Ohio History Connection, a statewide nonprofit organization established in 1885 to preserve and share Ohio’s history. The program was created to address funding needs for local, regional, and statewide history-related projects. Funding is primarily derived from voluntary contributions by Ohio taxpayers and donors, which results in variable funding availability each year. The program supports the organization’s broader mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories while promoting stewardship, collaboration, inclusion, and sustainability across historical initiatives. The program’s purpose is to fund projects that preserve, interpret, and disseminate Ohio’s historical resources. Grants are offered across three primary categories: Bricks & Mortar, Organizational Development, and Programs & Collections. These categories encompass a wide range of activities including historic preservation construction projects, organizational capacity building, and public programming or archival initiatives. All funded projects must demonstrate public benefit, contribute to stronger community relationships, and support a more inclusive and accurate representation of Ohio’s history. Funding is provided as a reimbursement grant, meaning recipients receive funds after submitting and obtaining approval of a final report. Awardees may request up to 40 percent of their grant as partial reimbursement during the project if sufficient progress is demonstrated. All grants require matching contributions from recipients, which may include both cash and in-kind support. Match ratios vary depending on the grant category, with common structures including 60/40 or 80/20 splits. Certain costs are ineligible, including general operating expenses, acquisition of collections, and unrelated capital improvements. Eligibility is limited to Ohio-based nonprofit organizations in good standing and public entities such as local governments, public libraries, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include for-profit businesses, private individuals, and organizations with active History Fund grants. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete the proposed project and adhere to relevant professional standards and best practices, such as those governing archives, archaeology, or historic preservation. Projects must also be inclusive, non-discriminatory, and capable of demonstrating measurable community impact. The application process is conducted entirely through an online portal. Applicants must first create an account to access the system, after which they complete required sections including Applicant Information, Project Narrative, and Budget. Additional required uploads include a Work Schedule Form, Budget Form, and Signatures of Authorization Form. While the application document appears lengthy, much of it consists of instructions and blank fields. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review a submission checklist and sample materials before submitting to ensure completeness and competitiveness. Applications are due annually on the second Tuesday of September, establishing a recurring submission cycle. Confirmed deadlines include September 8, 2026; September 7, 2027; and September 5, 2028. This recurring structure allows applicants to anticipate future cycles and plan accordingly. Projects typically last between one and two years depending on category, and applicants must submit a final report documenting outcomes and expenditures to receive full reimbursement. Expert reviewers evaluate submissions based on criteria such as project feasibility, alignment with program goals, and community benefit. The Ohio History Connection oversees the program and provides support throughout the application process. Questions can be directed to program staff, including the program manager for the History Fund. Through this structured and competitive funding process, the Ohio History Fund plays a critical role in strengthening historical organizations and preserving Ohio’s cultural heritage statewide.

Prioritize project narrative and budget sections; follow submission checklist; ensure all required uploads are complete