Ohio Education Grants

Stark Community Foundation and its family of donors help improve the lives of area residents by providing Community Responsive Grants to local organizations in support of community-based programs and services. Grants are awarded from the Foundation's Community Charitable Fund to areas such as arts, education, environment, health, human services and neighborhoods. Donors also provide grant funding in scholarships and directly to organizations through their established Donor Advised Funds, Designated Funds and Field of Interest Funds.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Ohio educational institutions for enhancing school safety and improving school climate through training and equipment, with a focus on collaboration with local law enforcement.

Since 1985, this grant program has been dedicated to funding non-profit organizations located or operating within the northeastern Kentucky counties of Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, and Robertson, and the southeastern Ohio counties of Adams and Brown. Focused on projects that promote mental or physical health, or education, the program has awarded over $10.6 million for various projects. Grant renewed every year. Annual opening/closing deadline: June 1st to August 1st

This grant provides funding to municipalities in Cuyahoga County for projects that educate residents on waste reduction, recycling, and composting to promote sustainable waste management practices.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for innovative programs that improve community well-being, support families, and foster youth development.

The Community Waste Reduction Grant (CWRG) is a competitive program offered by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) in Franklin County, Ohio. Its primary mission is to fund innovative projects that significantly reduce waste and/or increase the diversion of recoverable materials from the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill. This aligns with SWACO's broader objective of promoting sustainable waste management practices within central Ohio. The program targets local governmental or non-profit organizations, including cities, townships, villages, parks, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and churches, that serve the unique waste reduction and material diversion needs of central Ohio. The impact goal is to assist these organizations in building sustainable programs, projects, and services that address these needs, ultimately benefiting the community and the environment by reducing landfill dependence. Projects should prioritize addressing specific waste reduction, diversion, recycling, and composting needs within Central Ohio, emphasizing partnership building and collaboration. A key focus is on leveraging the waste stream for community and economic benefit. Funding is available for infrastructure, and outreach and education activities that promote reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Applications that implement reduction and diversion processes and systems, alongside outreach and education, are strongly encouraged. Expected outcomes include establishing, improving, or expanding waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, or food donation activities within SWACO's jurisdiction. Grantees are required to document and measure the impact of their project's activities, with projects needing to be completed by December 31, 2025, and a final report submitted. While specific strategic priorities and a formal theory of change from a "foundation" are not explicitly detailed, SWACO's role as the donor suggests its strategic priority is the overall reduction of waste and increased material diversion in Franklin County, achieved through community-led initiatives and measurable results.

This grant provides funding to established nonprofits in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for innovative programs that address community needs and empower families and youth.

The Hocking County Community Fund is currently accepting applications for grants to support projects and programs that benefit residents and communities within Hocking County, Ohio. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission 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 fund seeks to empower local efforts that address pressing needs, create opportunities, and unlock the potential within Hocking County. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are individuals of all ages within Hocking County, with a particular emphasis on those who are leading community-driven projects. The overarching impact goal is to foster positive change and development across the specified Pillars of Prosperity. By supporting a diverse range of initiatives, the fund aims to improve the quality of life, enhance community resources, and promote sustainable growth throughout the county. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear alignment with one or more of the five Pillars of Prosperity. While funding requests typically range from $500 to $5,000, larger requests will be considered based on their potential for significant impact. The emphasis is on supporting efforts that are locally driven and directly address the needs and aspirations of Hocking County residents. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the areas of arts and culture, economic well-being, educational attainment, environmental health, and access to human services. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the focus on "creating opportunities," "meeting pressing needs," and "unleashing potential" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate a clear positive change within their respective areas. The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's strategic priorities are implicitly linked to the success of these grant-funded projects, with a theory of change rooted in empowering local communities to address their own challenges and build a more prosperous future.

The Women’s Fund through Stark Community Foundation in Ohio offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Stark County, focusing on economic stability, mental health support, and neighborhood-based programming.

This grant provides funding to eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations in Ohio to host events that promote responsible fatherhood and strengthen father-child relationships during June 2025.

The Gallia Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is offering grants to nonprofits, schools, and public organizations for projects and programs that benefit residents and communities within Gallia County, Ohio. This grant program aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity. These pillars—arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services—form the strategic framework for both organizations, ensuring that funding is directed towards comprehensive community development and upliftment in the region. The target beneficiaries of this program are individuals of all ages within Gallia County. The impact goals are centered on supporting those who are actively working to create opportunities, address pressing needs, and unlock the inherent potential within the county. The program emphasizes grassroots efforts and local initiatives, fostering a sense of community ownership and sustainable progress. By investing in these local leaders and their projects, the foundations aim to build a stronger, more resilient Gallia County. The grant program prioritizes projects and programs that directly address the five Pillars of Prosperity. This focus ensures that funding is strategically distributed across a spectrum of critical areas, from enhancing cultural experiences to improving educational outcomes and fostering economic growth. The foundations seek to fund initiatives that demonstrate a clear commitment to these areas, providing a holistic approach to community development rather than isolated interventions. Expected outcomes and measurable results are a key component of this grant program. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on "advancing opportunities" and "meeting pressing needs" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate tangible improvements in the quality of life, access to resources, and overall well-being for Gallia County residents. Projects that can articulate clear objectives and potential for measurable positive change, particularly within the framework of the Pillars of Prosperity, are likely to be highly regarded. The funding range of $500 to $5,000, with consideration for larger requests based on impact, indicates a desire to support both smaller, targeted initiatives and larger, more transformative projects.

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 Woodruff Foundation provides funding to tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations located in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, aiming to enhance behavioral health. This initiative supports programs across several focus areas, including treatment, education and prevention, coordination of resources in the community, research, and advocacy. Past funded programs have covered a wide range of services, such as bereavement support, integrated care, guardianship services, and recovery support from addiction and substance abuse. To qualify for funding, organizations must comply with specific eligibility criteria, including being tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, serving in one of the foundation's focus areas, operating in Cuyahoga County, and having submitted reports on any previous grants. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Spring opening/closing deadline: April 1st to May 1st

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.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that enhance community well-being through charitable, educational, and service-oriented projects in specific counties of Ohio and West Virginia.

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.