Ohio Environment Grants

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) offers the Environmental Sustainability Grant Program to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of the Greater Cincinnati region. This aligns with GCF's mission to increase accessibility and quality of greenspaces, conservation, horticulture, and nature education, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for historically marginalized groups. The program aims to address environmental disparities and promote equitable access to nature's benefits. The primary beneficiaries of this program are organizations whose efforts are based in the Greater Cincinnati region, specifically within the counties of Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell in Kentucky; and Dearborn in Indiana. The program targets historically marginalized groups by prioritizing requests that connect them to the benefits of nature, including fresh food access and nature education, particularly for children and youth. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more environmentally sustainable and equitable region. The program prioritizes proposals that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, recognizing that environmental issues often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Key focus areas include beautifying, creating, conserving, and restoring greenspaces, with a preference for those benefiting historically marginalized groups. Additionally, the program seeks to connect these groups to nature's benefits through various initiatives, such as increased fresh food access and nature education programming. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored, as is an asset-based approach to the work. Expected outcomes include expanded or strengthened existing programs, successful capital improvements, the launch of new initiatives, and enhanced organizational capacity among grantee organizations. Proposals are expected to articulate clear and measurable outcomes, demonstrating how their efforts will contribute to the program's goals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general intent to increase accessibility and quality of greenspaces and nature education, the emphasis on "clear and measurable outcomes" suggests a commitment to tracking the tangible impact of funded projects. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its preference for organizations demonstrating partnerships, community alignment, insights from past results, and an asset-based approach, all contributing to a theory of change that values collaborative, data-informed, and community-centric environmental solutions with a strong equity focus.

This grant provides funding to educators in Miami County, Ohio, for environmental education programs focused on solid waste issues, including recycling and waste reduction activities.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This funding opportunity supports organizations working to restore and sustain forests and freshwater habitats in Central Appalachia, benefiting native wildlife and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Ohio that are working to improve health equity and access to essential resources for underserved populations.

This grant provides funding to Black-led and Black-serving organizations in Appalachian Ohio to support community-driven projects that promote equity and empower African American communities across various sectors.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profits, neighborhood associations, and community-focused organizations in Akron for projects that engage residents and improve local neighborhoods.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Toledo, Ohio, for community-based projects that enhance neighborhood quality of life, focusing on areas like land reuse, safety, and youth engagement.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofits, schools, and public organizations in Gallia County, Ohio, to implement projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as arts, education, economic development, environmental stewardship, and health services.

This grant honors individuals in Appalachian Ohio who demonstrate exceptional community service and leadership, providing unrestricted cash awards to support their impactful volunteer efforts.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in specific regions to support programs that assist low- to moderate-income individuals and families in areas such as community development, education, health services, arts, and the environment.

This grant provides financial support to local governments and nonprofit organizations in Butler County, Ohio, to improve outdoor recreational facilities and increase community access to parks.

This program provides funding to villages and townships in Portage County for community projects that improve public parks and trails while preserving natural resources.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on combatting human trafficking, aiding immigrants and refugees, promoting social justice, and addressing environmental concerns, particularly within a 100-mile radius of Sylvania, Ohio.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Cuyahoga County to support initiatives that promote job creation, economic growth, and equitable access to opportunities in the maritime industry.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and public entities in Highland County, Ohio, to implement projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as arts, education, economic development, environmental stewardship, and health services.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on addressing climate change, racial equity, and threats to democracy through innovative projects and initiatives.

This program provides funding for graduate students in the North Central Region to conduct research that promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations for projects and events that enhance tourism and community engagement in Dublin, Ohio.