Ohio Community Development Grants

This funding opportunity supports K-12 public schools and organizations in Appalachian Ohio to enhance civics education and promote civic engagement among students, particularly those from low-income and nonwhite backgrounds.

The Community Grants Program, managed by the Marion Community Foundation, is an annual initiative designed to support nonprofits and charities with IRS 501(c)(3) or equivalent status that serve Marion County, Ohio. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address diverse community needs by offering competitive grants for a wide range of charitable purposes within the Marion area. The foundation has approximately $500,000 available for distribution, with individual grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and a grant duration of one year. The program primarily targets beneficiaries across various sectors, including Animal Care, Arts, History, Culture, Children, Families, Seniors, Community Development, Education, Food, Shelter, Support, Health & Wellness, Parks, Environment, and Faith-based initiatives. The impact goals are broad, aiming to foster positive change and address critical needs within these primary areas. By supporting a diverse array of organizations, the foundation seeks to improve the overall quality of life and well-being for residents of Marion County. The program's priorities and focuses are evident in the types of requests it supports, which include Capital or Equipment, One-time Projects, and Operating Support. This flexibility allows organizations to apply for funding that best suits their specific needs, whether it's for infrastructure, a new initiative, or ongoing operational costs. The foundation's strategic approach is to empower local organizations to implement effective solutions to community challenges, thereby maximizing the impact of its funding. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the designated areas of impact, such as enhanced access to services, improved educational opportunities, increased community engagement, and better support systems for vulnerable populations. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the competitive nature of the grants suggests an expectation of clear objectives and demonstrable impact from applicants. The funding period, from October 2024 through September 2025, allows for the implementation and initial assessment of these outcomes, reflecting the foundation's commitment to supporting impactful, short-to-medium-term projects that align with its broader theory of change for community betterment.

This funding opportunity provides up to $1 million over two years to local nonprofits in Summit County for collaborative projects that address housing, mental health, and public safety while promoting diversity and sustainable community impact.

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 funding opportunity is designed to help organizations provide essential eye exams and glasses to kindergarten through third-grade students in Ohio who face barriers to accessing vision care, ensuring they receive timely support for their educational success.

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 [email protected] by the same deadline. Grant decisions will be announced no later than September 30, 2024. For inquiries, applicants may contact Kelly Morman at [email protected] or call 740-753-1111.

This funding opportunity supports Ohio-based government agencies, nonprofits, and research institutions in projects that protect and restore Lake Erie and its watershed, focusing on ecological health and sustainability.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Lancaster for purchasing essential equipment to help create jobs and boost local economic growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based nonprofit projects that promote civic pride, historical education, environmental stewardship, and veteran assistance in areas served by Duke Energy, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

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.

This program provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations in Cuyahoga County for tree planting and maintenance projects to improve urban tree canopies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Ohio that assist families affected by sickle cell disease through education, outreach, and resource development.

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 Development Corporation Grant Program, offered by the City of Akron, Ohio, is designed to partner with Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to invest in projects that foster population and tax revenue growth. This is achieved through the revitalization and repurposing of vacant, underutilized, blighted, or historic buildings, increased investment in place-based infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and public services. The program's core mission aligns with promoting urban renewal and economic development within Akron's neighborhoods. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Community Development Corporations (501(c)(3) nonprofits located within Akron, Ohio city limits) and, by extension, the residents and neighborhoods of Akron. The impact goals include creating new housing options, enabling business creation and attraction, and providing essential resources for Akron residents. The program prioritizes projects that utilize federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds to support investments, aiming to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and community well-being. The program focuses on several key areas. These include revitalizing and repurposing distressed properties, investing in infrastructure, improving housing, and delivering public services. Eligible organizations must demonstrate an appropriate use of funding in accordance with the CDBG purpose, hold a certificate of good standing with the State of Ohio, and be registered on SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identification Number. A crucial requirement is also the ability to provide documentation of at least three previous projects undertaken by the CDC within its footprint area, ensuring a track record of effective community development. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased population and tax revenue growth, a reduction in vacant or blighted properties, an increase in new housing options, and the creation and attraction of businesses. While a specific "theory of change" or "foundation's strategic priorities" is not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the City of Akron's strategic priority is clearly to utilize CDBG funds to stimulate local investment, enhance community infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for its residents. The overall goal is to foster an environment that attracts development and provides resources, thereby strengthening Akron's neighborhoods. The City of Akron has allocated a total of $500,000 for this grant program, with individual awards available up to $125,000 per applicant. The grant duration is one year, indicating a focus on projects with a relatively swift implementation and impact. This funding structure and duration suggest a strategy aimed at initiating and supporting tangible, short-to-medium-term development projects that contribute to the broader, long-term revitalization goals of the city.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Franklin County, Ohio, to enhance community services focused on public improvements, health equity, and community engagement.

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 Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) announces $56 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to enhance Ohio's Developmental Disability Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). This one-time funding will support projects in areas such as support for individuals and families, workforce, innovative technology, youth with complex needs, and waiver modernization. Projects aim to improve community integration, independence, and quality of life for Ohioans with developmental disabilities.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial resources to local law enforcement agencies involved in drug task forces to enhance their collaboration with treatment and education providers in addressing the drug epidemic and promoting recovery strategies.

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