Ohio Safety Grants

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is currently accepting applications for its Safety Net Grant Program. This program is directly aligned with the foundation's mission to ensure that all individuals in the Greater Cincinnati region have access to essential resources such as food and shelter, while also increasing access to well-integrated, trauma-informed mental and behavioral health services. This initiative reflects GCF's strategic priority to address fundamental community needs and support the well-being of its residents through a comprehensive approach to health and stability. The target beneficiaries of the Safety Net Grant Program are the residents across the Greater Cincinnati region, encompassing specific counties in Indiana (Dearborn), Kentucky (Boone, Kenton, Campbell), and Ohio (Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont). The program aims to achieve significant impact by supporting or expanding existing programs, enacting capital improvements, launching new initiatives, or building organizational capacity within these communities. The overarching goal is to strengthen the safety net for vulnerable populations, thereby improving their access to critical support systems. For the 2024 Safety Net cycle, GCF has approximately $800,000 available, with individual grants awarded for up to $50,000. Preference will be given to organizations that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, demonstrating GCF's commitment to equitable outcomes. Proposals with clear and measurable outcomes are highly favored, as are organizations that have demonstrated partnerships, collaboration, and alignment with community-wide efforts. GCF also prioritizes organizations that have shown insights from past results and utilize an asset-based approach to their work, indicating a theory of change that values evidence-based practices and community-led solutions. The expected outcomes of the Safety Net Grant Program include increased access to food, shelter, and high-quality mental and behavioral health services for individuals in the region. Organizations applying must be tax-exempt (501(c)(3) status) or a government agency, or utilize a fiscal agent. While the grant duration is not specified, the funding is intended to support sustainable efforts. Funding will not be awarded for campaigns or special events, emphasizing GCF's focus on direct program support and capacity building to achieve lasting positive change within the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the development and implementation of a self-defense training program specifically designed to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by enhancing their safety skills and confidence.

This program provides financial support to Ohio law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and crime laboratories for expenses related to the investigation and processing of sexual assault kits.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Ohio that focus on improving children's vision health and safety, particularly for underserved populations, through initiatives like vision screening, protective eyewear, and educational programs.

This grant provides funding to eligible organizations that support community programs focused on health, basic needs, workforce development, and youth development for low-income families in Wayne and Holmes Counties, Ohio.

The School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG) has been expanded to also help cover the costs of inspections, assessments, maintenance, and improvements to indoor heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as the purchase of other secondary devices to control the spread of airborne contaminants, including viruses, for eligible applicants. This additional funding of $15,000 is available to any qualifying entity under the SSSG program policy and is available specifically for the purchase of HVAC improvements only. An exact list of qualifying expenses can be found here or on page four of the application. This offering is available to employers with no matching amount required. Eligible applicants may apply even if they have exhausted all previously available SSSG funds. Please continue reading below for full eligibility requirements, instructions for completing an application, and steps to receiving grant funds.

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 funding to organizations in Ohio to develop and implement boating safety education programs that promote safe boating practices and compliance with state laws.

This grant provides funding to cities and townships served by CenterPoint Energy for purchasing safety equipment and implementing safety-related projects to enhance community safety.

This funding program provides financial support to state agencies, local governments, and universities for residential treatment initiatives aimed at helping incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders reintegrate into their communities.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

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 provides financial support to organizations in Preble County for new or expanded programs that address the opioid crisis through prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Trumbull County, Ohio, focused on improving health equity and addressing community health challenges, particularly in mental health, substance abuse, and access to care.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Georgia that are working on recovery projects following the recent wildfires.

This program provides financial assistance to rural and volunteer fire departments in Ohio to acquire essential equipment for improving wildfire response and safety.

This program provides funding to support community development projects initiated by local organizations and individuals within a 24-county service area, focusing on enhancing quality of life through various charitable efforts.

This grant provides funding to local organizations in Ohio to implement strategies that prevent child injuries through community coalitions and policy changes.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local health departments and organizations in Ohio to implement community-based initiatives aimed at preventing falls among older adults.