Ohio Private Grants

The Dayton Foundation's Basic Human Needs Grants program is designed to support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to providing essential necessities to individuals in need within the Greater Dayton area. This program aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to address fundamental community needs and improve the quality of life for residents. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis, reflecting a consistent commitment to supporting organizations that are at the forefront of tackling critical social issues related to basic human welfare. The primary target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals and families residing in the Greater Dayton region who lack access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and clothing. The program's impact goals are centered on alleviating poverty, promoting well-being, and ensuring that all community members have their fundamental needs met. By funding organizations focused on these areas, The Dayton Foundation aims to create a more secure and equitable environment for vulnerable populations. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined, emphasizing support for organizations that provide direct services in the areas of food, shelter, healthcare, and clothing. Geographically, the Foundation primarily considers organizations located in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Preble, and Warren (north) counties, ensuring that the grants directly benefit the communities within its operational scope. This strategic focus allows the Foundation to concentrate its resources and maximize its impact on local needs. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes of this grant program inherently involve a tangible improvement in the living conditions of individuals served. This includes increased access to nutritious food, safe housing, essential medical care, and appropriate attire. The Foundation's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing in organizations addressing basic human needs, it can foster community stability, reduce hardship, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient population in the Greater Dayton area.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that implement programs benefiting the communities of Dalton, Marshallville, and Orrville, Ohio, focusing on youth development, life skills, emergency assistance, and health services.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that create programs promoting health and wellness through physical activity for youth in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

The 2024 Environmental Stewardship Pillar - Innovation Grant aims to support innovative projects that address environmental challenges in Appalachian Ohio. The grant focuses on enhancing community engagement across energy, economics, environment, and health sectors, promoting the circular economy, and expanding local organizations' capacity to access larger funding pools. Projects should involve schools, nonprofits, businesses, and other community groups in sustainable initiatives that drive forward-thinking solutions for cleaner air, water, green energy adoption, and diesel emission reduction. At least $16,000 is available for awards. Eligible applicants include public and nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals or groups working with a fiscal sponsor. Applications must be submitted online by August 2, 2024, and additional required documents must be emailed to info@ffao.org by the same deadline. Grant decisions will be announced no later than September 30, 2024. For inquiries, applicants may contact Kelly Morman at kmorman@ffao.org or call 740-753-1111.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in specific West Virginia and Ohio counties that provide programs in financial education, community development, support for teachers, services for seniors and veterans, and initiatives to combat food insecurity.

The Ingram-White Castle Foundation offers grants to combat hunger for knowledge, independence, and self-sufficiency in central Ohio. The Foundation's mission centers on empowering young people towards self-improvement and full participation in society, aligning its grant programs with values of physical, educational, emotional, and spiritual nourishment. This approach reflects a strategic priority of transforming lives through knowledge and enabling youth to realize their full potential, rooted in a theory of change that fostering self-sufficiency leads to a more engaged and empowered community. The target beneficiaries are primarily disadvantaged students and central Ohio nonprofit organizations serving them, as well as those addressing critical human service needs. The Foundation's impact goals include enhancing academic success for students, preparing them for the workforce, and strengthening educational institutions. By investing in these areas, the Foundation aims to yield substantial community benefits and promote cooperation among agencies, thereby addressing the core needs of those yearning for a better life. The Foundation prioritizes projects that encourage matching gifts or additional funding from other donors, demonstrate significant community benefit for the resources invested, and promote inter-agency cooperation without duplicating services. While the grant duration is generally one year, the emphasis is on sustainable impact and empowering individuals to help themselves. The Foundation generally avoids grants for religious purposes, budget deficits, conferences, or projects typically covered by public agencies, reinforcing its focus on targeted, impactful interventions within its defined scope. The expected outcomes include improved academic performance for disadvantaged students, enhanced workforce readiness, and stronger educational infrastructures. Measurable results would likely stem from the success of programs that align with these goals, demonstrating progress in areas like student achievement, employment rates among beneficiaries, and the overall capacity of supported educational and human service institutions. The Foundation's strategic priorities are deeply invested in the belief that providing a "helping hand to those who currently cannot help themselves" ultimately benefits all, and that stewardship in investment leads to significant and lasting impact for those seeking a better life.

The Community Foundation for Perry County, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is currently accepting grant applications. This program is designed to support nonprofits, schools, and public organizations undertaking projects and programs that directly benefit the residents and communities within Perry County, Ohio. The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in enhancing the quality of life for the Perry community, both in the present and for future generations. Established in 2012 by a collaborative effort of past and present residents, the core objective of CFPC is to build enduring funds and resources to create a tangible and lasting positive difference for Perry County. This initiative serves as an additional channel for residents to contribute locally, ensuring that resources specifically benefit the Perry County community and its citizens. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals of all ages within Perry County. The impact goals are centered around spearheading efforts that generate opportunities, address critical needs, and unlock the full potential residing within Perry County. The program's priorities and focuses are structured around five key areas of need, collectively referred to as the Pillars of Prosperity. These pillars encompass arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Projects and programs that align with and advance opportunities within these five areas will be prioritized for funding. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this grant program are broad, aiming to foster significant improvements across the identified Pillars of Prosperity. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs, and unleashing potential suggests a focus on tangible community development, improved access to essential services, enhanced educational outcomes, and strengthened cultural and environmental well-being within Perry County. The consideration of larger requests based on potential impact further indicates a desire for projects with substantial and transformative effects. Approximately $46,000 in funding is anticipated to be awarded this year. Grants typically fall within the range of $500 to $5,000, though applications for larger amounts will be given consideration if they demonstrate a greater potential for impact. The eligibility criteria are inclusive, allowing nonprofit organizations, including 501(c) organizations, public organizations such as school districts and government subdivisions, and even groups operating under fiscal sponsorship to apply, ensuring a wide reach for beneficial projects within the county.

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

The Rocky Brands Community Improvement Fund is seeking applications from 501c3 organizations and government agencies in specific Ohio counties for projects that align with their mission and values, address current or emerging needs, encourage cooperation, and can leverage additional funds, with a focus on areas such as children's welfare, hunger, education, senior citizens, health wellness, community development, and more.

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 Winter opening/closing deadline: November 15th to December 15th

The Community West Foundation's grant program is designed to support organizations that address the basic health needs of the community, specifically focusing on services for individuals with disabilities and those requiring addiction treatment and recovery services. This aligns directly with the foundation's core mission to advance the health and well-being of the community. The foundation also engages in broader philanthropic support, including managing funds and organizing fundraising events for local hospitals like Fairview and Lutheran to bolster their operations and programming, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to community health. The program primarily targets beneficiaries within Cleveland, Western Cuyahoga, and Lorain Counties. The intended impact is to improve the health and well-being of these populations by funding critical services that provide essential support. By focusing on basic needs, disability services, and addiction recovery, the foundation aims to address significant health disparities and improve the quality of life for vulnerable residents in these specific geographic areas. The key priorities and focuses of the Community West Foundation's grant-making include funding tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations whose work directly falls into the aforementioned categories. The foundation strategically prioritizes direct service provision over other types of funding, as evidenced by their exclusion of capital needs, endowments, K-12 school programs, and individual grants. This selective approach ensures that their philanthropic efforts are concentrated on tangible, immediate impacts within the health sector. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to health programming services for individuals with disabilities and increased availability and effectiveness of addiction treatment and recovery services. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided description, the implicit goal is to observe improvements in the health status and overall well-being of the targeted populations within their service areas. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in non-profit agencies that provide direct health and social services, they can create a healthier, more supported community.

The City of South Bend Department of Public Works is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Lamppost Lighting Program. This initiative is designed to assist homeowners within South Bend's city limits by providing lighting enhancements for their neighborhoods through a cost-share program. The program directly aligns with the city's mission to improve public infrastructure and enhance community safety and quality of life for its residents. By offering solar-powered lampposts for residential front yards, the program aims to address practical needs while promoting sustainable solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this program are homeowners residing within the City of South Bend. The program specifically targets two areas selected based on income levels, the number of vacant lots, and the existing need for improved lighting. Homeowners in these target areas receive a reduced cost share of $50, compared to $250 for those outside these areas, demonstrating a focus on supporting communities with greater need. The overarching impact goal is to enhance neighborhood safety, visibility, and overall aesthetics by increasing accessible lighting. The program's priorities and focuses include ease of installation, accessibility, and community empowerment. It offers easy self-install, solar-powered lampposts, placing responsibility for pickup, installation, and maintenance on the homeowner, fostering a sense of ownership. While the City's Division of Engineering will inspect installations, the emphasis is on enabling residents to directly contribute to their neighborhood improvements. A limit of one lamppost per household ensures equitable distribution among participating residents. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of illuminated residential front yards, particularly in historically underserved or underlit areas. Success can be measured by the number of lampposts installed, the geographic spread of the installations, and anecdotal evidence or surveys from residents regarding perceived improvements in safety and neighborhood appearance. The cost-share model is a strategic priority, allowing for broader participation while distributing costs, and fostering a collaborative approach between the city and its residents for community betterment.

This funding opportunity provides up to $25,000 to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for innovative programs, program expansion, and capacity-building efforts that address community needs.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is offering grants through its Environmental Sustainability Grant Program, with a deadline of July 19, 2024. This program is designed to enhance environmental sustainability in the Greater Cincinnati region by improving the accessibility and quality of greenspaces, supporting conservation efforts, promoting horticulture, and advancing nature education, particularly for historically marginalized groups. This initiative aligns directly with GCF's mission to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of the region. The target beneficiaries of this program are organizations with efforts based in the Greater Cincinnati region, specifically in Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana. The program aims to increase the benefits of nature for historically marginalized groups, including improved fresh food access and nature education, especially for children and youth. The overall impact goal is to create a more environmentally sustainable and equitable region through accessible greenspaces and quality education. GCF's priorities for this grant cycle include organizations that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, requests that beautify, create, conserve, and/or restore greenspaces (with a preference for those benefiting historically marginalized groups), and proposals that connect historically marginalized groups to the benefits of nature. Strong preference will be given to organizations demonstrating partnerships, collaboration, alignment with community-wide efforts, and insights from past results, utilizing an asset-based approach. Funding may be used for a variety of purposes, including supporting, expanding, or strengthening existing programs, enacting capital improvements, launching new programs, or building organizational capacity. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored. GCF has approximately $400,000 available for the 2024 Environmental Sustainability cycle, with individual grants awarded for up to $25,000. Expected outcomes include clear and measurable results related to greenspace improvements, increased access to nature for marginalized communities, and enhanced environmental education.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of youth under 18 in Lucas and Wood Counties, with a focus on those in Waterville and the Anthony Wayne Local School District, particularly for programs aiding children with developmental disabilities and those who have experienced abuse.

The grant opportunity is open to organizations of all types across the USA, including nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, and small businesses. The grant applications are accepted bi-annually, with a spring cycle running from March 1 to May 1 and a fall cycle running from September 1 to November 1. To apply for the grant, applicants need to create an organizational and user account in the grants portal. The application can be saved as a draft and edited before submission. The grants portal also allows grantees to check the status of their grant, submit electronic grant reports if required, and access application history. All applicants are required to create an account using their email address as the username. They need to provide contact information and their organization's information, including the EIN/Tax ID number. Organizations should consolidate all applications into one user account for easy access to their full history of grants and requests. Applicants can manage their online accounts by editing contact information, beginning the application process, accessing drafts and submitted applications, and completing the reporting process for grant awards. If a grant writer works for multiple organizations, they should contact the Van Wert County Foundation to discuss their options. Before starting the application process, it is recommended to read the Grant FAQs provided on the website. To access the Grant Portal and start the application process, applicants can visit this link: [Grant Portal Link](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=VanwertGrants)

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations focused on clean energy, water access, and environmental sustainability projects in the U.S., India, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

Leap Funding, provided by Main Street Ventures, offers equity-free funding ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to promising, revenue-generating businesses. The primary goal of this program is to help these businesses scale their community impact and enhance their long-term survival prospects. Main Street Ventures' mission, as evidenced by this grant, is to foster economic growth and community development by supporting local enterprises, particularly within the Greater Cincinnati region. This aligns with a strategic priority to strengthen local economies through direct investment in businesses that demonstrate strong potential and customer demand. The target beneficiaries of Leap Funding are established business entities, specifically C-Corps, S-Corps, or LLCs, that possess a Federal Tax ID (EIN). The program focuses on businesses within key industry areas, including retail storefronts (restaurants, coffee shops, retail shops), manufactured goods (consumer packaged goods, clothing, sporting goods), and technology companies (hardware, software). A critical geographical focus is the Greater Cincinnati region, encompassing specific counties in Ohio (Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Warren), Kentucky (Boone, Campbell), and Indiana (Dearborn). Grant requests from outside this region are explicitly not considered. The program prioritizes funding for specific growth projects rather than general operating expenses. Main Street Ventures defines a growth project as a step that will accelerate business expansion. Suitable direct expenses include key equipment, packaging support, and technology product development. Conversely, general operating expenses such as existing payroll, rent, insurance, marketing, and legal fees are not eligible for grant funds. Businesses are also required to demonstrate customer demand and consistent progression since their founding, ensuring that the funding supports businesses with a proven track record and clear growth trajectory. Expected outcomes include accelerated business growth, increased community impact, and improved long-term survival rates for the funded enterprises. Measurable results would likely include job creation, increased revenue for the businesses, expansion into new markets, or enhanced product development. Special consideration is given to women and minority-owned businesses, as well as those that can secure matching funds from other sources, reflecting a strategic priority to promote diversity and leverage additional investment. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by providing targeted, equity-free capital for specific growth initiatives, they can empower local businesses to expand, thereby creating a ripple effect of economic benefit and community resilience within the Greater Cincinnati area.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust's grant program aims to enhance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This mission aligns with the foundation's core belief in supporting innovative projects that go beyond basic care, providing long-term benefits for animals today and in the future. The trust focuses on helping organizations deliver an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include homeless and abused companion animals, native wildlife, and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas or those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Impact goals include increasing successful adoptions, improving staff and volunteer care delivery, promoting humane education, enhancing access to medical care, and controlling pet and feral animal populations through spay/neuter initiatives. The program prioritizes several key areas: animal adoption, behavior training, and fostering; continuing education and training for staff and volunteers; humane and wildlife education; medical care, rehabilitation, and wellness care for animals; pet and feral animal population control through spay/neuter; equipment directly benefiting animals; and other animal care initiatives that celebrate the human-animal bond. Preferred projects include non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity, opportunities for staff and volunteer development, school and community programs addressing humane care, and assistance for owned pets from under-resourced households. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased successful adoptions, improved delivery of care by staff and volunteers, enhanced community understanding of animal welfare, better access to medical care for vulnerable animal populations, and a reduction in unwanted pet populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting initiatives that lead to a high quality of life for individual animals and significant improvements for large numbers of animals. Their theory of change is that by funding innovative projects and supporting eligible organizations, they can foster better humane care, improve animal well-being, and address critical issues such as overpopulation and lack of access to care, ultimately creating a more compassionate environment for animals.