Ohio Arts Grants

The Millennium Fund for Children, established in 1999 by generous individuals across Northeast Ohio, is a permanent endowment of the Akron Community Foundation dedicated to improving the lives of local children. Its mission aligns perfectly with the foundation's broader goal of supporting community well-being through strategic philanthropy. The fund accepts grant applications from nonprofit organizations that specifically serve the youth in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties. This initiative directly reflects the foundation's commitment to nurturing future generations and addressing critical needs within its service areas. The primary target beneficiaries are children and youth within the specified Ohio counties. The impact goals are to support arts, civic, education, and health and human services programs that make a tangible difference in children's lives. The fund prioritizes initiatives where even a small amount of funding can yield significant results, demonstrating a focus on effective and impactful interventions rather than large-scale, generalized programs. This strategic approach ensures that resources are directed to areas with the greatest potential for positive change for children. The fund's strategic priorities are to provide support to underinsured and uninsured children for mental health treatment, foster diversity and inclusion through educational workshops, and furnish youth therapy rooms in critical support centers. These examples illustrate the range of needs the fund addresses and its commitment to comprehensive child welfare. The theory of change is that by investing in targeted programs that address critical needs in arts, education, and health, the fund can create lasting positive outcomes for children, thereby contributing to a healthier, more equitable community for future generations. Expected outcomes include improved mental health access for vulnerable children, enhanced understanding and acceptance through diversity and inclusion initiatives, and a safe, therapeutic environment for young victims of trauma. Measurable results are demonstrated by examples such as Red Oak Behavioral Health providing mental health treatment, the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio conducting workshops at Akron Public Schools, and the furnishing of youth therapy rooms at rape crisis centers. Qualified nonprofits can receive grants of up to $2,000, indicating a focus on empowering smaller, community-based initiatives that often have direct and measurable impacts.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and institutions in Cuyahoga County to implement or expand recycling and composting programs, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

The Hudson Community Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to addressing community needs and improving the quality of life within Hudson, Ohio. This aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the well-being of the Hudson community by investing in key areas that foster a vibrant and thriving environment. The grants are designed to empower organizations that share this commitment to local improvement and community development. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit organizations classified under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, or in some instances, government agencies. These organizations must either be located in Hudson, Ohio, or provide services directly to its residents. The foundation aims to achieve significant community impact by funding initiatives that address critical needs and contribute to the overall enhancement of life for Hudson's citizens. The foundation's core areas of interest, which represent its strategic priorities and focus, include Arts and Culture, Hudson Social Services, Historical and Environmental Preservation, and Youth Education and Recreation. These areas reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that investing in these sectors will lead to a more enriched, supported, preserved, and educated community. Grant requests falling within these specific areas are viewed favorably, indicating a clear alignment with the foundation's strategic vision. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the foundation's focus on "meeting community needs and enhancing the quality of life" implies a commitment to tangible improvements. Successful grant applications would likely demonstrate how their proposed projects contribute to these overarching goals within the identified areas of interest. The foundation's exclusions, such as support for religious organizations, political campaigns, or endowments, further define its strategic boundaries and reinforce its focus on direct community benefit.

The Youngstown Foundation offers various grant programs designed to be innovative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the local community in Youngstown and vicinity (Mahoning and Trumbull Counties). The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in supporting effective 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that do not discriminate. Each year, approximately 500 grants, ranging from $1,000 to $300,000, are awarded across several program areas including Health, Environment, Education and Youth, Community Development, Arts and Culture, Social/Family Services, Women, and Seniors. This broad scope reflects the foundation's commitment to addressing diverse community needs and aligning its resources with key areas for local impact. The target beneficiaries of The Youngstown Foundation's grants are the people of Youngstown and vicinity, specifically residents of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. The foundation aims for significant impact by supporting projects and organizations that strengthen the community's ability to respond effectively to needs, promote collaboration, and reduce duplication of services. Expected outcomes include improved health, environmental quality, educational opportunities, youth development, community infrastructure, arts and culture, social and family well-being, and support for women and seniors. The Crisis Assistance Program, for example, specifically targets agencies needing emergency funding to ensure continuity of essential, direct services to clients, with a clear outcome of maintaining critical community support during times of crisis. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its preference for innovative proposals that originate from local organizations, target local populations, demonstrate strong volunteer leadership, and build on community strengths. The foundation seeks to apply its resources optimally and confirms an agency's sustainability/strategic plan, with no expectation of annual funding, thereby fostering long-term impact and self-sufficiency. Its theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in local, well-led, and collaborative initiatives, it can create a resilient community that effectively addresses its own needs. The types of grants offered further illustrate these priorities. Program Grants support specific, time-bound projects with explicit objectives and predetermined costs, focusing on measurable results within defined program areas. Operational Grants support an organization's overall activities and overhead, allowing grantees discretion to use funds where most needed, particularly for organizations consistently serving Mahoning and/or Trumbull county residents, thus ensuring ongoing vital services. Capital Investment Grants are specifically for improving physical spaces within the designated counties, contributing to the community's infrastructure. The Crisis Assistance Program and Support Fund Grants, including the Williamson Fund, highlight the foundation's responsiveness to immediate needs and its strategy to amplify individual contributions to small and midsize charities.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Erie County, Ohio, to address community needs in areas such as job training, mental health, childcare, and access to healthy food.

The Lawrence County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is offering grants for projects and programs that benefit Lawrence County residents and communities. These grants aim to advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster growth and address critical needs within the county. The grants specifically target individuals of all ages who are leading efforts to create opportunities, address pressing needs, and unlock the potential within Lawrence County. The primary goal is to support local initiatives that have a tangible impact on the well-being and development of the community. Funding requests are generally between $500 and $2,500, though larger requests may be considered if they demonstrate significant potential impact. Priority is given to volunteer-led, grassroots, and community-driven projects that require funding or resources to achieve their objectives. This focus emphasizes empowering local residents to drive positive change. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (501(c) organizations), public organizations such as school districts and government subdivisions, and groups operating under fiscal sponsorship with a nonprofit or public entity. The emphasis on community-driven projects reflects a strategic priority to foster local engagement and self-sufficiency, aligning with a theory of change that posits local ownership and participation lead to more sustainable and impactful outcomes. The expected outcome is a strengthening of Lawrence County through targeted support for initiatives that align with the Pillars of Prosperity, with measurable results including improved access to arts, education, and health services, as well as enhanced community and economic vitality.

The City of Wickliffe's reimbursement grant program aims to enhance the appearance of commercial storefronts for non-franchised property and business owners. This initiative directly aligns with the City's broader mission to foster economic growth and prosperity by encouraging reinvestment and restoration of commercial properties. The program is designed to improve the exterior aesthetics of commercial buildings, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and attractive business environment within Wickliffe. The primary beneficiaries of this program are commercial, non-franchised property owners and business owners within the City of Wickliffe. The program's impact goals include supporting locally-owned businesses, attracting new businesses, and retaining existing ones. By providing financial assistance for property improvements, the City seeks to create a more appealing commercial landscape that benefits both businesses and the community as a whole. The program prioritizes projects that enhance the visible aspects of commercial properties, including front exterior façades, signage, parking lots, and street-visible hardscaping. Specific focuses include new or restored front doors and windows, painting, siding, tuck pointing, awnings, outdoor cafes, company signage, seal coating or resurfacing of parking lots, and perennial plantings as part of larger hardscape projects. The maximum grant amount for parking lot funding is $1,000, and for annual plantings, it is $200. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the overall aesthetics of commercial properties, increased reinvestment in the commercial sector, and enhanced economic vitality in Wickliffe. The program offers reimbursement assistance of up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000, ensuring that significant improvements can be undertaken. The duration of the grant is stated as more than 10 years, suggesting a long-term commitment to these strategic priorities and a theory of change that posits sustained investment in commercial aesthetics will lead to lasting economic benefits and community development.

This program provides flexible funding to Ohio arts and cultural organizations of all sizes to support high-quality artistic experiences for the community.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio that serve youth under 18, particularly those with developmental disabilities or who have experienced abuse.

The Meigs County Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is currently accepting grant applications. These grants are designed to support nonprofits, schools, and public organizations working on projects and programs that benefit Meigs County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to advance opportunities and unleash the potential within Meigs County, focusing on local leadership and community-driven solutions. Grants will be awarded for projects and programs that address five core areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The primary focus is on supporting individuals of all ages who are leading efforts to create opportunities and meet pressing needs within the county. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on fostering growth and well-being across these critical sectors. The target beneficiaries for these grants are the residents and communities of Meigs County. The expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the quality of life, increased access to resources, and enhanced community development across the five pillars. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in locally-led initiatives within these key areas, it can drive sustainable positive change and empower the community. Funding requests are generally between $500 and $5,000, though larger requests may be considered if they demonstrate a significant potential for impact. Eligibility criteria include 501(c) nonprofit organizations, public school districts, higher education institutions, and government subdivisions. Groups without formal status may apply with a fiscal sponsor, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to inclusivity and supporting a wide range of community-driven efforts to achieve measurable results.

The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP), supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF), aims to engage primary and secondary students in creative, hands-on STEM activities and inquiry-based exploration within North Carolina. This initiative directly aligns with BWF's broader mission to foster scientific talent and advance biomedical sciences, by targeting foundational STEM education at the K-12 level. Since its inception in 1996, SSEP has significantly contributed to this mission, awarding 288 grants totaling $43.3 million to 136 organizations, ultimately reaching over 43,000 North Carolina students. The primary beneficiaries of SSEP are K-12 students across North Carolina, with a particular focus on enabling diverse participation. The program's impact goals are clearly defined through its three core objectives: improving students’ competence in science and mathematics, nurturing their enthusiasm for these subjects, and interesting them in pursuing careers in research or other science-related fields. By focusing on these areas, SSEP aims to build a stronger pipeline for future scientific and mathematical professionals, contributing to the state's intellectual capital and economic development. SSEP's priorities and focuses revolve around providing experiential learning opportunities. Successful projects typically include activities such as helping students learn basic scientific inquiry skills (observing, comparing, measuring, communicating, analyzing, generating, and evaluating), increasing their insight into and appreciation of the investigative process, and supplying them with STEM-related career information. Furthermore, the program emphasizes connecting science and mathematics to students’ daily lives, providing opportunities to use technology, enabling interaction with STEM professionals, and involving parents in program activities. These guidelines illustrate a comprehensive approach to STEM education. The expected outcomes and measurable results of SSEP grants include increased student competence and enthusiasm in science and mathematics, and a greater interest in STEM careers. While specific metrics beyond the number of grants and students reached are not detailed, the program's long-standing success and continued funding suggest a positive impact on these goals. The grant provides up to $60,000 per year for three years, with a maximum of $180,000 per award. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina, including public and private schools, colleges, universities, community groups, museums, zoos, and scientific groups that can offer experiential K-12 activities. Individuals and organizations offering religious programming are explicitly excluded.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Toledo area to collaborate effectively, improve service delivery, and achieve cost savings through shared resources and strategic partnerships.

The Greater Jefferson County Foundation is offering grant opportunities to local non-profit organizations for capital improvements and operational expenses. The grant application period begins on May 1st and ends on June 1st at 4:00 PM CDT. Applications can be submitted online through the Foundation's website or by downloading a PDF version of the application. Non-profit organizations must provide a copy of their latest completed Federal IRS Tax-exempt status letter, financial statements, project budget sheet, and other required documentation. Grant applications will be reviewed based on specific criteria related to children, youth & families, community betterment, health & human services, education, the environment, and arts & culture. The Foundation does not fund past projects, debt reduction, individual applicants, fundraisers, political causes, religious purposes (excluding nonreligious purposes for religious organizations), equipment unless essential for the program, ongoing expenses such as wages, endowments, or tax-supported entities. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation office to confirm receipt of their application. Grant recipients will be required to sign a Grant Agreement Contract before disbursement of funds and must provide proof of purchase for the designated purpose within six months of grant distribution. It is important to note that incomplete applications or materials received after the deadline will not be eligible for funding in the current grant cycle.

The Mayor’s Office of African Affairs (MOAA) is offering its FY2025 African Community Grant to qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the African community in the District of Columbia. This grant aims to support initiatives that contribute to the District's strategic priorities, fostering a vibrant, safe, and educated community. The program's mission is directly aligned with strengthening the African community by supporting organizations that provide direct services and address key areas of need within the District. The grant targets the African community of all ages residing in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are broadly focused on improving the quality of life for this community. This includes contributing to a "Downtown Comeback" by reimagining vibrant centers of activity, enhancing "Public Safety" by reducing all forms of violence and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development, and improving "Education" by ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential through academic and recreational activities. The grant prioritizes services in three key funding areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. For the Downtown Comeback, the focus is on creating spaces where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play, positioning DC as a global and forward-thinking leader. For Public Safety, the emphasis is on creating lasting change, reducing violence, and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development. In Education, the priorities are fundamental skills like reading and math, as well as recreational activities such as sports, arts, civic engagement, and youth engagement. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, are implied through the funding areas. For example, in Public Safety, the expected outcome is a reduction in violence and improved quality of life through various investments. In Education, the goal is for children to reach their full potential, suggesting improved academic outcomes and increased participation in enriching activities. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by investing in CBOs providing direct services in these critical areas, the overall well-being and strength of the African community in the District of Columbia will be enhanced, contributing to a more equitable and thriving city for all.

The Harrison County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is seeking grant applications for projects and programs that benefit Harrison County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to advance opportunities across five critical areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The grant program is designed to support efforts that foster opportunity, address pressing needs, and unlock the potential within Harrison County. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals of all ages within Harrison County. The program places a strong emphasis on empowering local leaders who are actively working to create positive change. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the community by investing in projects that address key areas of need, thereby improving the quality of life for residents and promoting sustainable growth within the county. The program prioritizes initiatives that fall under the Pillars of Prosperity, ensuring a broad and impactful reach across various sectors. Funding requests are typically between $500 and $5,000, though larger requests may be considered based on their potential for significant impact. This flexible funding approach allows for support of both smaller, localized efforts and more ambitious projects that promise a greater return on investment for the community. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the areas of arts and culture, economic vitality, educational attainment, environmental health, and access to health and human services. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs and unleashing the potential" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate clear, positive changes in these areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to support community-led initiatives that directly address identified needs, operating under a theory of change that posits local investment and empowerment will lead to broad-based community development and resilience.

The Vinton County Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is accepting grant applications to support projects and programs that benefit Vinton County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across the region, particularly focusing on local community needs. The fund seeks to foster positive change and development within Vinton County by supporting various community-driven efforts. The grants are specifically targeted towards nonprofits, schools, and public organizations, as well as groups working under fiscal sponsorship. The primary beneficiaries are individuals of all ages residing in Vinton County. The program's impact goals are centered on creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs, and unleashing the potential within the county, aiming for tangible improvements in the quality of life for its residents. The program prioritizes projects and programs that advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. This strategic focus ensures that funding addresses a diverse range of critical needs and supports holistic community development. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that are spearheaded by individuals committed to making a difference in their community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the expected outcomes are implicitly tied to the advancement of opportunities within the five pillars. Projects are expected to demonstrate potential impact, with funding requests between $500 and $2,500 generally preferred, though larger requests may be considered based on the scale of their potential influence. This framework reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that investing in these key areas, through local initiatives, will lead to sustainable community growth and improved well-being for Vinton County residents.

The EQT Foundation Grant program is designed to support nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts within their communities. The foundation is deeply committed to fostering education and training for both children and adults, developing diverse and livable communities, and preserving natural environments. This mission aligns with their belief in meaningful community engagement and responsible corporate citizenship, emphasizing trust-based philanthropy to ensure resources directly contribute to community stability and, in turn, support successful business operations in their operational footprint. The foundation's funding strategy prioritizes organizations and programs that directly impact community residents. They seek proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. The target beneficiaries include children and adults receiving education and training, residents of diverse and livable communities, and those benefiting from natural environment preservation efforts. The impact goals revolve around creating positive and needed change, fostering community stability, and contributing to the overall well-being of the areas where EQT Corporation operates. The EQT Foundation focuses on three core areas: Community Enrichment, Education & Workforce, and Environment. Community Enrichment encourages the development of diverse, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities, with examples ranging from food banks and libraries to arts programs and community festivals. Education & Workforce aims to promote STEM proficiency for youth and create a skilled future workforce through initiatives like in-school STEM curricula, computer camps, and career planning. The Environment focus supports natural resource preservation and educates communities on conservation techniques, including community gardens, watershed conservation, and green space restoration. Beyond these thematic priorities, the EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of a geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations, effective management of available resources, and outreach that garners solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs, and sponsors. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the emphasis on "positive, needed, and trusted impacts" and "creative approaches to addressing critical issues" suggests a commitment to tangible community benefits. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in education, community development, and environmental preservation in their operational areas, they contribute to the long-term stability and success of these communities, which in turn supports their business operations.

The Asheville Area Arts Council's Arts for Schools grant program aims to provide in-school arts programming for students attending economically disadvantaged schools in Buncombe County and the City of Asheville K-12 public school system. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support arts education and ensure access to enriching artistic experiences for all students, particularly those in underserved communities. For a limited time, the program also extends support to arts-focused after-school and camp programs, demonstrating a broader commitment to arts accessibility outside of traditional school hours. The target beneficiaries of this grant are K-12 students in Buncombe County and City of Asheville public schools, with a specific focus on those attending economically disadvantaged schools. The program seeks to impact students by providing free arts-focused performances, workshops, residencies, and field trips. The ultimate goal is to enhance arts education and foster artistic engagement among students who might otherwise lack such opportunities due to economic barriers. The extension to after-school and camp programs further broadens the reach and potential impact on youth development through the arts. The program prioritizes applicants located in Buncombe County for at least one year and requires them to be either a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization or a qualified teaching artist. Qualified teaching artists must possess a BA or BFA in their specific art form, or equivalent training and experience, along with at least five years of experience in arts education. All programs must serve students in Buncombe County or City of Asheville K-12 public schools, be free for students and schools, and align with North Carolina’s Common Core curriculum and Essential Standards. These criteria ensure that the funding supports high-quality, accessible, and educationally relevant arts programming. Expected outcomes include an increase in arts participation and appreciation among students, improved access to arts education in economically disadvantaged schools, and the development of artistic skills and creative thinking. Measurable results for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and for out-of-school programs, from $500-$5,000. Programs must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. For in-school programs, a school partnership agreement form is required. For out-of-school programs, applicants are ineligible if they already receive funding for the proposed arts-focused program from Dogwood Health Trust’s WNC After 3pm initiative. For camps, only 501c3 nonprofit arts organizations may apply. The Asheville Area Arts Council's strategic priorities are centered on fostering a vibrant arts community and ensuring equitable access to arts education. Their theory of change posits that by investing in arts programming for students, particularly in underserved areas, they can contribute to positive educational outcomes, personal development, and community enrichment. The emphasis on qualified artists and alignment with educational standards underscores their commitment to effective and impactful arts interventions. This grant program is a direct manifestation of their belief in the transformative power of the arts for young people.

The Nelsonville Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, is offering grants to nonprofits, schools, and public organizations. These grants are specifically for projects and programs that benefit Nelsonville and the surrounding communities of Buchtel, Carbon Hill, and Murray City, Ohio. The program's core mission aligns with improving the health and quality of life in the community through education, research, and service, consistent with the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation's long-standing commitment to Nelsonville and southeastern Ohio. The grant program targets individuals of all ages within the specified communities who are leading efforts to create opportunities, address pressing needs, and unlock potential in the Nelsonville area. The overarching impact goal is to advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. This framework guides the selection of projects that are expected to yield tangible benefits for the community. Grants will be awarded to projects and programs that demonstrate a clear focus on these five pillars. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each pillar in the provided information, the emphasis is on supporting initiatives that create opportunities and meet critical needs. The program implicitly seeks to improve the overall well-being and development of the Nelsonville area through targeted interventions in these strategic sectors. Funding requests are generally expected to be between $500 and $5,000. However, the foundations are open to considering larger requests if they demonstrate significant potential for impact. Eligible applicants include 501(c) nonprofit organizations, public organizations such as school districts and government subdivisions, and groups working under fiscal sponsorship with an eligible nonprofit or public entity. This inclusive eligibility criteria reflects the foundation's strategic priority to engage a broad range of community stakeholders in their efforts to drive positive change.