Ohio 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.

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 grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Shelby County, Ohio, to support innovative projects that address community needs and benefit local residents.

Research grants support studies that address critical gaps in our understanding of natural history and contribute to the conservation and enhancement of aquatic ecosystems and healthy habitats. FAO seeks to fund projects that advance scientific knowledge and practical solutions for environmental challenges in the region, particularly those impacting aquatic biodiversity, water quality, and healthy habitats. Eligible projects include aquatic biodiversity assessments, water quality monitoring and analysis, development and application of innovative technologies and methodologies, collaborative research partnerships across disciplines and sectors, and habitat restoration and conservation efforts. FAO prioritizes projects that can result in scalable change and impact multiple counties. The maximum funding request per project is $25,000, with a total of at least $75,000 available to award. Eligible applicants include public and nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and groups operating under fiscal sponsorship within the Muskingum Watershed and Appalachian Ohio regions. Applications must be submitted online, and supporting documents emailed to FAO by August 2, 2024. Grant decisions will be announced by September 30, 2024.

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

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas that focus on education and community development initiatives, particularly for low- to moderate-income populations.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Akron focused on revitalizing underserved neighborhoods through projects that improve housing, infrastructure, and public services.

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.

The Community Foundation for Kettering, funded by The Dayton Foundation, offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) for the initiation of unique, self-sufficient projects that benefit the Greater Kettering area and promote community resource efficiency, but does not support endowment funds, travel, individual funding, specific research, religious activities, fundraising drives, award ceremonies, principal financial support, or deficit reduction.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Greater Dayton for special projects, program expansions, or capacity building initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities that implement health and wellness programs for residents in specific counties of Ohio.

The Delaware County Foundation's Community Grant Program aims to bolster numerous non-profit organizations dedicated to community improvement within Delaware County, Ohio. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government entities with projects that directly benefit Delaware County residents. The foundation strategically partners with organizations that demonstrate a commitment to addressing critical community needs, operating under a theory of change that by investing in key focus areas, they can foster a healthier, more vibrant, and prosperous community. The grant program targets a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, including animals through welfare initiatives; individuals enriched by arts and cultural activities; low-income residents combating food insecurity, seeking affordable housing, or facing barriers to transportation, childcare, and education; students of all ages through innovative educational programs; and the broader workforce through economic opportunity initiatives. The impact goals are comprehensive, aiming to promote proper animal care, enrich lives through arts, combat basic needs deficiencies, provide quality education, build prosperity, create jobs, and foster a healthier and more sustainable environment. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated across six key areas: Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Basic Needs, Education, Economic Opportunity, and Environment. Within these broader categories, preference is given to programs specifically addressing recovery, housing, mental health, basic needs (such as food insecurity and utilities), ESL, and workforce development. This targeted approach ensures that funding is directed towards areas identified as having the most pressing needs and potential for significant positive change within the community. Expected outcomes include improved animal well-being, increased participation in cultural activities, reduced food insecurity, enhanced access to affordable housing, removal of transportation and childcare barriers, improved educational outcomes, greater economic prosperity, and tangible improvements in environmental health. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative descriptions of impact, the grant duration of one year suggests that projects are expected to achieve their objectives within this timeframe, allowing for regular assessment of progress and impact by the foundation. Grants are expected to range from $2,500 to $20,000, providing crucial support to qualifying organizations.

The Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Initiative aims to strengthen regional economies by investing in energy resilience through research and planning grants, and implementation grants. The initiative focuses on establishing a regional energy hub for natural gas and natural gas liquids, including hydrogen production. Eligible applicants include local development districts, Indian Tribes, states, counties, cities, and higher education institutions, among others. The total funding available is $5 million, with a grant proposal due by July 24, 2024.

This program provides free training and funding opportunities to nonprofit organizations in the Appalachian region, helping them build capacity to better address community challenges and improve their operational effectiveness.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations conducting medical research, especially those focused on improving disease treatment and health outcomes, with a preference for projects based in the Midwest.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

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 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.

This grant provides urgent financial support to nonprofit organizations in Wayne County, Ohio, that deliver essential services like food, shelter, and healthcare during emergencies.