Ohio Private Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit and government organizations in Licking County, Ohio, to address critical issues related to behavioral health, children and families, and poverty.

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 United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland (UBFGC) has announced the "Community Thrive" grant, a special funding opportunity designed to combat mental health issues and gun violence in the community. This initiative aligns with UBFGC's mission to identify and partner with organizations that are making a positive impact on the devastating effects of these issues, demonstrating a commitment to community well-being and social justice. The grant supports programs, resources, and support services that aim to improve mental health and/or reduce the incidence of gun violence, reflecting a strategic priority to foster a healthier and safer Cuyahoga County. The grant targets organizations serving Cuyahoga County that provide programming to support mental health or gun violence prevention/intervention work. The beneficiaries include youth and adults affected by depression, those at risk of suicide, individuals struggling with school violence/absenteeism, anger management, and social media addiction. In terms of gun violence, the grant aims to support families affected by gun violence, promote gun safety, and address gun culture and laws. The expected impact is a reduction in mental health crises and gun violence incidents, leading to improved community well-being and safety. The "Community Thrive" grant prioritizes projects that impact mental health wellness, including addressing depression, suicide prevention, school violence, anger management, and social media addiction. For gun violence prevention, the grant seeks innovative approaches such as education and awareness campaigns, and community-based interventions that tackle root causes. Specific areas of interest include preventing shootings in schools, universities, religious institutions, and retail locations, as well as supporting affected families. The grant also considers proposals addressing gun culture, gun safety, and gun laws. Applicants must be established organizations with a proven track record of at least three years, demonstrating their impact through data. They must serve Cuyahoga County and provide a minimum of one letter of support. A key criterion is that funding must be utilized for 80% programming and 20% operations and/or marketing. The organization must be a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal agent, and a one-page strategic plan summary outlining the use of funds is required. The grant does not support one-time events, sponsorships, or fundraising campaigns, emphasizing a focus on sustained programming with a minimum execution period of one year, commencing January 1, 2024. These criteria reflect UBFGC's theory of change, which emphasizes evidence-based, long-term, and community-focused interventions.

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.

Ohio: Call for Applications for Facade Improvement Grant. The Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) program aims to enhance the appeal of commercial areas in Knox County, Ohio, by supporting building improvements. The program prioritizes projects that align with historic preservation standards, design guides, and municipal plans. By investing in fixed assets, the initiative seeks to stimulate business development and downtown growth while creating a more inviting environment for residents and visitors.

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.

United Way of Fostoria 2024 Community Impact Grants The United Way of Fostoria is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Community Impact Grants. These grants are designed to support programs in various crucial areas, including education, basic human needs, physical and mental health, and income stability. Grant Details: Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 Grant Types: Startup projects, expansion of existing successful programs, and addressing unmet community needs. Special Grant Opportunity: This year, in recognition of a generous bequest from lifelong United Way supporter Laverne Anderson, we are soliciting grant proposals in the following areas: Gardening Music programs Golf Swimming Playing bridge Previous Grant Impact: Recent Community Impact Grants have had a profound effect on the Fostoria community, including: Expansion of the welding lab at Fostoria Learning Center Provision of 40-plus beds for Fostorians in need through St Vincent de Paul Creation of the Staying Ahead program as part of the Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World program Application Process: Grant application forms can be obtained by: Visiting the United Way office at 105 S. Main St Calling 419-435-4484 Emailing admin1@uwfostoria.org About United Way of Fostoria: The United Way of Fostoria is a charitable organization founded by the citizens of Fostoria with the aim of enriching the lives of Fostorians. Funds for Community Impact Grants are sourced from a foundation dedicated to supporting the work of the United Way of Fostoria. It's important to note that campaign donations are solely used to fund services provided by the Agency Partners of UWF.

This grant provides financial support to tax-exempt organizations in Northeast Ohio and beyond that focus on improving health and wellness, nature, education, and the arts within their communities.

This grant provides funding for youth-led programs in Ohio to develop and implement effective suicide prevention activities that address mental health challenges among middle and high school students.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is offering a Youth-led Grant Program, providing $250 to $2,500 for projects developed and implemented by youth in partnership with a nonprofit, school, or public organization, focusing on areas such as arts, education, community development, environmental stewardship, and health services in selected counties of Ohio.

This grant provides funding to local nonprofits and governmental organizations in Wayne and Holmes Counties to address critical community needs in areas such as health, basic needs, workforce development, and youth development.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for projects that promote understanding of Muslims and the Islamic faith through education, dialogue, and community cooperation.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that promote local engagement and environmental awareness through volunteer and grassroots initiatives.

The Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA), a department of the City of Gainesville, offers the "Downtown Event Program" to support event programming within Downtown Gainesville. This initiative aligns with the GCRA's mission to foster community engagement and economic vitality in the downtown area by providing financial assistance to organizations and businesses. The program aims to enrich the cultural landscape and draw visitors to the city center, contributing to the overall strategic plan for downtown development. The primary beneficiaries of this program are not-for-profit organizations and businesses actively planning and executing events within Downtown Gainesville. The impact goal is to facilitate a vibrant event scene that enhances public spaces and provides diverse cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The program specifically targets events held on publicly owned spaces such as parks and roads, ensuring accessibility and broad community benefit. Government entities are excluded to focus resources on private organizations and businesses. Key priorities for this grant include events that do not already receive direct financial funding from the City of Gainesville and those that align with the City's goals and core programs. The program prioritizes events that are not predominantly religious or political, and strictly prohibits those that involve discrimination, promote illegal activities, or contain obscene content. Funding can be used for various event-related expenses, including advertising, entertainment, equipment rental, facility rental, and security, with flexibility for other uses deemed in the program's spirit. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and diversity of events held in Downtown Gainesville, leading to greater community participation and economic stimulation. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of funded events, the types of organizations supported, and potentially attendance figures for these events. The program's success will be evaluated by its ability to create a more dynamic and engaging downtown environment, contributing to the GCRA's broader strategic goal of sustainable urban development. This temporary program acts as a strategic initiative to bridge the gap until a permanent replacement program is established and approved by the City Commission. The maximum allocation for this program is $50,000, demonstrating a focused, short-term investment to maintain momentum in downtown event programming. The grant period is limited to events occurring between June 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, highlighting a deliberate and time-bound approach to achieving immediate impact while a more comprehensive, long-term strategy is developed.

Main Street Ventures offers Launch Funding to emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a prototype or product. This grant program aims to support the growth and scaling of businesses within the Greater Cincinnati region, aligning with the foundation's mission to foster economic development and innovation in the area. The funding is specifically designed to cover key direct costs associated with growth projects, rather than general operating expenses, reflecting a strategic priority to provide tangible support for business acceleration. The primary target beneficiaries are business entities (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN) located in the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Businesses must demonstrate customer demand and strong progression since their founding. The program focuses on specific growth projects that will accelerate business growth, with examples of suitable direct expenses including key equipment, packaging support, and technology product development. This targeted approach ensures that the grant funds directly contribute to measurable business expansion. Special consideration is given to women and minority-owned businesses, as well as businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. This reflects the foundation's strategic priorities to promote inclusivity and leverage additional investment, thereby maximizing the overall impact on the regional economy. The expected outcomes include the scaling of businesses, job creation, and increased economic vitality within the Greater Cincinnati region, with successful applicants demonstrating a clear impact of the grant funds on their business or the region. The Main Street Ventures' theory of change is rooted in providing early-stage, direct financial assistance to promising businesses to help them overcome critical growth hurdles. By focusing on direct costs and specific growth projects, the program aims to create a ripple effect, enabling these businesses to achieve significant milestones that would otherwise be out of reach. The emphasis on local businesses and underrepresented founders further amplifies the foundation's commitment to building a robust and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Cincinnati area. The grant duration of three years allows for sustained support and monitoring of the businesses' progress.

The Wyandot County Community Foundation Grants Program supports organizations that meet the educational, cultural, health, social service, recreational, and economic development needs of Wyandot County in Ohio. Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)(3) or a unit of government such as a county, city, township, or public school board. The grants are limited to organizations operating and/or serving residents of Wyandot County. The deadline for applications is July 31st. Applications can be submitted by mail or email. The grants are awarded annually in October. The contact information for the Wyandot County Community Foundation is as follows: PO Box 364, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351; Phone: 419-294-3556; Email: wyandotfoundation@gmail.com. For more information and to download the grant application, visit their website at www.wyandotcommunityfoundation.org.

Stark County native and activist Craig Covey has dedicated his life to advocating for marginalized communities. Now, he’s awarding non-discrimination grants to local organizations as a way to continue to support racial, cultural and sexual minorities in our community. Through the recently established Craig Covey LGBT and Diversity Pride Fund at Stark Community Foundation, he plans to award $5,000 to Stark County nonprofits that have or plan to adopt non-discrimination clauses in their staff, board, volunteer and program policies. “A community that recognizes and embraces the diversity of its people is a stronger and more attractive and interesting community. Inclusion at the table has always been the American way,” said Covey.

This grant provides financial assistance to commercial property owners in Wooster's Central Business District for renovations that enhance downtown activity and preserve the area's visual appeal.