Ohio Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides financial support to artists and creatives in Summit County, Ohio, for professional development opportunities that enhance their skills and career growth.

This grant provides financial support to artists and creative entrepreneurs in Montgomery County, Ohio, to help them pursue professional development and create new works that enhance their artistic careers.

The Women’s Fund through Stark Community Foundation in Ohio offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Stark County, focusing on economic stability, mental health support, and neighborhood-based programming.

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

The Women’s Fund through Stark Community Foundation in Ohio offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Stark County, focusing on economic stability, mental health support, and neighborhood-based programming.

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.

The Granville Community Foundation in Ohio is offering grants to non-profit organizations and public agencies for projects that enrich the lives of Granville residents, with a focus on arts, culture, education, and social services, and prioritizes initiatives that enhance quality of life, cultural opportunities, historical preservation, social support, public spaces, and youth experiences.

The City of Wickliffe (City) is pleased to offer commercial, non-franchised property owners and/or business owners a reimbursement grant program for the purpose of improving the appearance of storefronts, including front façade, parking lots, signage or street-visible hardscaping. Donor Name: The City of Wickliffe State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: More than 10 Years Details: Goals Promote reinvestment and restoration of commercial property  Support efforts to improve the exterior aesthetics of commercial buildings  Contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of Wickliffe  Attract, retain and support locally-owned businesses Types of Eligible Projects Front Exterior Façade  May include new/restored front doors and windows, painting, siding, tuck pointing (which does not exceed 50% of the project cost), awnings or outdoor cafes (which are visible from the street). Signage  May include items that bear company marks, such as signage, awnings and/or window/door graphics, along with any restorations that are necessary due to the project.  Parking Lot  May include seal coating, resurfacing or full reconstruction, either in asphalt and/or concrete. Pot hole filling or concrete repairs are permissible only when they are part of a larger, approved project. Maximum grant amount for parking lot funding not to exceed $1,000.00.  Street-Visible Hardscaping  May include perennial plantings, if they are part of a larger, hardscape project.  Annual Plantings: $200.00 maximum grant. Funding Information Reimbursement assistance of up to 50% of total, eligible project costs, with the reimbursement amount not to exceed $10,000. Requirements One grant per Applicant, per building, within a calendar year.  The City reserves the right to permit additional grants for businesses at a single location, in the event the City deems it is in the City’s best interest.  If a business/tenant is the Applicant, the property owner must confirm support of the project.  The Applicant is responsible to pay for 100% of the project cost up front, as the grant is intended to be a reimbursement once the project is complete.  All real estate taxes must be paid and current, all City income taxes (collected by RITA) will need to be current, and there may not be any delinquent bills owed to the City or to Lake County, Ohio. There must be no violations with any City, County or State code requirements.  Any/all businesses must have current occupancy certificates and business licenses before a grant will be issued. All City requirements must be met, including securing the necessary zoning permits, building permits and approvals from the Architectural Board of Review, Board of Zoning Appeals and/or City Planning Commission, as may be required. For more information, visit City of Wickliffe.

The Visit BG Ohio 2025 Tourism Grant Program offers financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for projects, events, and activities that promote tourism, increase overnight stays, and provide economic benefits to the City of Bowling Green, with a focus on capital improvement, sports, conferences, festivals, large events, and arts and culture.

The Springfield Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Competitive Grant Program. Donor Name: Springfield Foundation State: Ohio County: Clark County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Springfield Foundation serves the entire Clark County community through its support in six focus areas-Arts & Culture, Civic Affairs, Education, Environment, Conservation & Animal Welfare, Heath, and Human Services. Focus Areas Arts & Culture- Having opportunities available for individuals to experience art and culture on a personal basis are critical to having a community with strong cultural vitality. Increase the diversity, and attendance levels of audiences attending arts and culture events. Programs are available that allow a diverse audience opportunities for interaction with arts & culture. Programs are available that increase audience attendance at arts and culture events. Community residents of all ages acquire knowledge or skills in arts and culture. Programs are available that allow children and adults opportunities to create art. Individuals will have opportunities to engage with artists. Increase the number of opportunities for artists. Increase the number of opportunities available for artists to increase their talents. Civic Affairs- Civic engagement is an essential element in democracy and key to making smart and creative decisions that allow communities to flourish today and meet the challenges of tomorrow. Educate and engage active citizens of all ages. Improve the civic knowledge and participation of Clark County citizens Environment, Conservation & Animals– By bringing conservation and environmental issues into focus and motivating the community to join in making improvements they affect positive change. Increase the number of citizens participating in activities that foster an appreciation of the environment Increase community awareness of conservation and environmental issues in Clark County to educate the citizens and businesses and encourage their participation and appreciation of the natural environment. Decrease the number of homeless and unwanted pets in Clark county Provide free or discounted spay/neuter vouchers to pet owners in underserved areas of Clark County. Shelter cats and dogs will be spayed/neutered before released for adoption Education- To increase the number of people receiving a quality education that will set the basis for a successful life. Increase the number of students who are ready to begin kindergarten. Increase the number of children enrolling in early childhood quality educational programs such as pre-school. Increase parental involvement with children’s education. Increase the college and career readiness for clark county residents. Increase the number of students participating in post-secondary preparation programs. Increase the number of Clark County residents who participate in job training programs. Health– The economic impact of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, poor mental health and chronic diseases is an important consideration for the community, as is the long-term impact on individuals’ health and wellness. Healthy individuals have a prevention-oriented mindset toward their health. Impact the health of the community by decreasing the incidence of unintended pregnancies and infection with sexually transmitted infections (stis). Increase outreach and information, taking into consideration Clark County populations who may be at higher risk or more vulnerable to disparate health outcomes. Increase access to and awareness of Reproductive Health Services, including use of a Reproductive Life Plan. Decrease the state-reported rate of Clark County individuals testing positive for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Improve the Mental Health of the community by providing individuals with the skills and services necessary to successfully handle challenging situations and to understand and manage their conditions and behaviors. Increase outreach and information, taking into consideration Clark County populations who may be at higher risk or more vulnerable to disparate health outcomes. Improve the understanding and application of trauma informed practices throughout various disciplines/initiatives in Clark County. Equip Clark County youths with self-management skills to cope with or avoid depression, suicide and drug abuse. Improve Management of Chronic Diseases in Clark County. Increase outreach and information, taking into consideration Clark County populations who may be at higher risk or more vulnerable to disparate health outcomes. Individuals with congestive heart failure will manage their disease and will decrease hospital re-admissions for congestive heart failure. Patients with diabetes will manage their disease outside of taking medication alone. Decrease the number of asthma attacks that require emergency services/treatment by implementing home-based environmental assessments and interventions. Human Service– Meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life is the focus of the human services program To help families and individuals become stable and financially independent To assist families and individuals in meeting emergency needs to stabilize a crisis, and for which no other or inadequate funding sources are available. Examples: emergency assistance with food, clothing, shelter, crisis intervention or refuge in abuse cases. To provide services that prevent or intervene in cases of family breakdown, violence or poverty. To assist families and individuals in removing barriers to obtaining and maintaining economic self-sufficiency. Examples: child care, transportation, transitional housing, and rehabilitation programs. To assist individuals with physical or developmental disabilities in maintaining an independent or semi-independent lifestyle. To promote positive outcomes for all people To foster good relationships between youth, especially minority youth, and law enforcement. To provide youth, especially those most at risk, with the skills, knowledge and a variety of other personal and social assets to function well during adolescence and adulthood. To provide senior citizens, especially those most at risk, with the opportunity to continue contributing to society while having the best quality of life. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for funding from the Springfield Foundation charitable organizations are required to: Be a nonprofit organization exempt from Federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, churches, or government units including public schools and municipalities. If you do not have a 501(c)(3), you may enter into an agreement with a qualified nonprofit that will act as your fiscal agent. Have a governing board, and conduct business without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, or national origin. Provide programs and projects serving the Clark County, Ohio Community. Provide to the Springfield Foundation a board approved diversity, equity, and inclusion statement. The Springfield Foundation does not award grants from discretionary funds for the following purposes: Awards to individuals, including fellowships, travel, study, research, camps. Support for individual political candidates and/or lobbying efforts, Annual campaigns or dues, Endowments outside of the Springfield Foundation. Sectarian worship, instruction, or proselytizing, Fraternal, political, labor, athletic, and social or veterans’ groups, School bands and school choral groups, drill teams, or color guards, Annual fund drives or fund-raising activities, Returning applicants who did not complete their previous grant requirements (i.e., reporting). For more information, visit Springfield Foundation.

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

Applications are now being accepted for the Community Development Corporation Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Akron State: Ohio County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The purpose of this grant program is to partner with CDC’s to invest in projects that promote population and tax revenue growth through the revitalization and repurposing of vacant, underutilized, blighted or historic buildings, increase investment in place-based infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and public services. By utilizing federal Community Development Block Grant Funds to support investments the City aims to foster the environment necessary to attract, develop, add new housing options, enable business creation and attraction and provide resources for Akron residents and neighborhoods Funding Information The City of Akron set aside a total of $500,000 for grants. The awards will be available up to $125,000 per applicant. Grant Period One Year Eligible Criteria Organizations must be a Community Development Corporation – 501(c)(3) nonprofit located within Akron, Ohio city limits. Must be able to meet all reporting and compliance obligations of the federal funds. Must be able to demonstrate an appropriate use of the funding in accordance with the stated purpose of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Certificate of good standing with the State of Ohio at the time of application submission. Must be registered on SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identification Number. Must provide documentation of at least 3 previous projects undertaken by your CDC in your CDC footprint area For more information, visit City of Akron.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Lincoln & Gilbert Small Business Relief Grants. Donor Name: Lincoln & Gilbert Initiative State: Ohio Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Lincoln & Gilbert Initiative is designed to help double the number of Black (MBE) employer firms in Cincinnati to 1,000+ in 5 years. The Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio, The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, and the Cincinnati Chamber USA Minority Business Accelerator will cooperatively lead Lincoln & Gilbert. It will do so by leveraging the knowledge and expertise of these economic development organizations: the Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI), MORTAR and Lightship Foundation. Funding Information Grants are open to small, medium, and large MBE’s based on revenue. There are three applicant tiers: $10,000 to $75,000 in revenue ($2,500 grant) $75,000 to $250,000 in revenue, ($5,000 grant) or $250,000 TO $1.5 million in revenue ($15,000 grant) Eligibility Criteria You can apply for a grant based on your business revenue. These grants are open to MBEs and individuals who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, or that predominately serve businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID. For more information, visit Lincoln & Gilbert.

The Wayne County Community Foundation is excited to announce the Competitive Community Grants. Donor Name: Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) State: Ohio County: Wayne County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Foundation was established in 1978 as a tax-exempt community foundation. Gifts from individuals, families, and businesses are used for scholarships, community projects and other charitable purposes throughout our area. All unrestricted donations to the Foundation are added to the General Community Fund. These unrestricted gifts provide the Foundation with flexibility in its charitable purpose, allowing the Board of Trustees to respond to innovative projects and changing community needs.  Focus Areas The Foundation’s charitable grantmaking includes both capital and program grants which are awarded in the following categories: Arts, Culture, & Humanities; Civic & Community Affairs; Conservation & Environment; Education; Health & Wellness; and Human Services. Grant Period Grants are valid for a period of up to one year. Geographic Range of Grants Grants are limited to activities and organizations benefiting the greater Wayne County area. Eligibility Criteria  By law, the Wayne County Community Foundation can only make grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit public organizations.  Ineligibility  Normally, the Foundation does not approve grants to support: General operating expenses of well-established organizations; Deficit financing; Endowment funds; Annual appeals or membership contributions; Conferences, field trips, travel or recognition events; The Foundation does not support religious organizations for religious purposes. However, WCCF does support non-religious programs like hunger centers, job training or childcare. For more information, visit WCCF.

Ohio’s Premier Manufacturing Pitch Competition with prizes such as engineering design or operations services to help move your startup to the next milestone. If you have a physical product, idea, or manufacturing innovation, apply today. Donor Name: MAGNET State: Ohio County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Prizes and Benefits Prizes and benefits include MAGNET’s manufacturing consulting services adapted to meet the needs and services of a company or product, such as: Engineering Design Assistance  Operational Services and/or Lean Operations Sales and Marketing Innovation Award, sponsored by Huntington, for up to $10K for diverse founders Exposure to The Advanced Manufacturing Fund Visibility to a judging panel of local services providers and investors Guidance from MAGNET’s team of manufacturing experts Funding Information Prizes totaling more than $75,000. Eligibility Criteria Any Ohio-based entrepreneur with a physical product, idea, or manufacturing innovation. For more information, visit MAGNET.

The purpose of the John W. and Edna McManus Shepard Fund of The Columbus Foundation is to provide cultural and/or economic programs that benefit the residents of Cambridge and/or Guernsey County.

The Youngstown Foundation welcomes applications from local nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities that serve the people of Youngstown and vicinity (Mahoning and Trumbull Counties) and do not discriminate in the hiring of staff or service providers. Donor Name: The Youngstown Foundation State: Ohio County: Mahoning County (OH), Trumbull County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Youngstown Foundation’s grants reflect the desire to be innovative, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the local community. Each year, approximately 500 grants ranging from $1,000 to $300,000 are awarded to effective 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. Program Areas  Health Environment Education and Youth Community Development Arts and Culture Social/Family Services Women Seniors Types of Grants  Program Grants The Youngstown Foundation considers grants to support a specific project, connected to a set of activities, with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives and a predetermined cost. Funds are restricted to use for the program described and designed in the application serving residents of Mahoning County and/or Trumbull County. Operational Grants The Youngstown Foundation considers operational grants to support an organization’s overall activities, including operating expenses and overhead. Organizations that consistently serve Mahoning and/or Trumbull county residents may use funds at their discretion—wherever it is most needed. Grantees are considered for operational funding based on strategic alignment, relationship with and knowledge of the organization. Capital Investment Grants All projects related to improving physical spaces must be located within Mahoning and/or Trumbull counties. Crisis Assistance Program Grants The Crisis Assistance Program provides a resource for The Youngstown Foundation to respond quickly to emergency funding needs of qualified 501(c)(3) agencies in Youngstown and vicinity to ensure continuity of essential, direct services to clients. Criteria: Crisis Assistance grants cap at $5,000. One request per agency per year will be considered. To qualify, records of the agency’s 501(c)(3), most recent audit, current board roster, executive staff roster, mission statement and history must be on file at The Youngstown Foundation or provided at time of request. Completed applications will be processed within 48 hours of receipt. Approved requests will receive funding within four business days. Support Fund Grants The Williamson Fund of The Youngstown Foundation invites small to midsize local charities to receive an additional matching grant for contributions received from individuals. Donors can simply make contributions directly payable to approved organizations. The Youngstown Foundation will provide support (valued at $5,000) that may include primetime television advertisement. Preferred Qualifications The Youngstown Foundation’s grantmaking decisions reflect a preference for innovative proposals that: Originate from a local organization or the local office of a larger organization Target a population that lives in Youngstown and vicinity Demonstrate strong volunteer leadership and involvement Promote collaboration and reduce duplication of services Strengthen the ability of the community to respond effectively to needs Build on strengths of the community Apply the Foundation’s resources optimally Confirm the agency’s sustainability/strategic plan, with no expectation of annual funding from the Youngstown Foundation. Grant Restrictions Grants are generally not awarded for: Film, video, radio or television projects Endowments, debt reduction or budget deficits Political projects Religious organizations for religious purposes Grants or loans to individuals Short-term events (conferences, festivals, fundraisers, award programs) Travel, tours or trips Sabbatical leaves; scholarly research. For more information, visit The Youngstown Foundation.

The City of Shelby will help commercial property and business owners improve the appearance of their storefronts by providing grants for part of the cost of eligible improvements. Donor Name: City of Shelby State: Ohio City: Shelby Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information A special fund is available for the assistance program. Grants will be awarded on a 50% matching basis to the applicant’s 50% contribution, (i.e., for a $1,200 project, the business owner would pay $600 and a grant would be available for the remaining $600). The grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis on work approved by the City of Shelby or it’s assigns. Grants will be typically be capped at $5,0000 per individual project, subject to review by committee, number of applicants, and impact of project. Eligible Improvements Eligible improvements include: Exterior painting, signage, awnings, storefront/facade cleaning and/or restoration; sidewalks, lighting, storefront security devices, new roof, permanent flower boxes and planters, and related exterior improvements. Applications will not be accepted to finance improvements already completed. Grants are limited to one grant per business and or storefront per year. For more information, visit City of Shelby.

The Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program, initially established by House Bill 110 of the 134th Ohio General Assembly and further funded by House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly, is designed to support Ohio livestock and poultry producers. This program offers grants up to $500,000 to assist in the improvement and expansion of meat harvesting/processing services. These grants aim to enhance processing efficiency and support the expansion or construction of facilities on existing sites. Administered by the Ohio Department of Development, eligible businesses must be for-profit entities operating a Federal or State registered meat harvesting/processing facility in Ohio as of July 1, 2023. Funding can cover a range of costs associated with plant construction/expansion and the purchase of new/upgraded machinery or technology, excluding personnel costs, land purchases, and non-eligible expenses. A total of $14 million in funds is available for Fiscal Year 2024, with grants covering no more than 65% of project costs, requiring matching funds for the remainder. Grant renewed every year.

The Brownfield Remediation Program for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 aims to award grants for the remediation of brownfield sites across Ohio, focusing on the removal of hazardous substances or petroleum to facilitate economic development. The program targets industrial, commercial, or institutional properties, including acquisition, demolition, and necessary infrastructure installation or upgrade for economic activity. Funding of nearly $350 million is available, with $175 million allocated for each fiscal year, including a $1 million set-aside for each of Ohio's 88 counties, with the remainder available on a first-come, first-served basis.