Ohio Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to law schools and legal advocacy organizations in Ohio to help individuals with exceptional rehabilitation stories navigate the expedited pardon process and secure clemency.

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.

This grant provides financial assistance for transportation to local baseball and hockey games for accredited schools and nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan that demonstrate a need.

This grant provides financial support to artists in Franklin County, Ohio, for creating public exterior murals, requiring a secured location and partial funding from a commissioning organization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that deliver comprehensive services for individuals affected by sickle cell disease and related conditions, focusing on health equity and community engagement in designated regions of Ohio.

The Sisters of St. Francis (Sylvania) Foundation Grant Program, in partnership with the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, is offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in selected counties of Ohio and Michigan, to support programs that combat human trafficking, assist immigrants and refugees, advance social justice and equal opportunity, and promote environmental preservation and sustainability.

This grant provides funding to Ohio libraries to develop innovative projects that enhance community engagement, literacy, and outreach services for residents.

This grant provides up to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations for innovative projects that address critical community needs in areas such as culture, education, environment, family, and health & wellness within the Tri-State region.

This funding provides up to $2,000 for specific projects that benefit women, children, and families in Licking County, focusing on tangible outcomes rather than broader programs.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Toledo to create public arts projects that enhance community engagement, celebrate local culture, and strengthen neighborhood connections.

The Millennium Fund for Children, established in 1999 by generous individuals across Northeast Ohio, is a permanent endowment of the Akron Community Foundation dedicated to improving the lives of local children. Its mission aligns perfectly with the foundation's broader goal of supporting community well-being through strategic philanthropy. The fund accepts grant applications from nonprofit organizations that specifically serve the youth in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties. This initiative directly reflects the foundation's commitment to nurturing future generations and addressing critical needs within its service areas. The primary target beneficiaries are children and youth within the specified Ohio counties. The impact goals are to support arts, civic, education, and health and human services programs that make a tangible difference in children's lives. The fund prioritizes initiatives where even a small amount of funding can yield significant results, demonstrating a focus on effective and impactful interventions rather than large-scale, generalized programs. This strategic approach ensures that resources are directed to areas with the greatest potential for positive change for children. The fund's strategic priorities are to provide support to underinsured and uninsured children for mental health treatment, foster diversity and inclusion through educational workshops, and furnish youth therapy rooms in critical support centers. These examples illustrate the range of needs the fund addresses and its commitment to comprehensive child welfare. The theory of change is that by investing in targeted programs that address critical needs in arts, education, and health, the fund can create lasting positive outcomes for children, thereby contributing to a healthier, more equitable community for future generations. Expected outcomes include improved mental health access for vulnerable children, enhanced understanding and acceptance through diversity and inclusion initiatives, and a safe, therapeutic environment for young victims of trauma. Measurable results are demonstrated by examples such as Red Oak Behavioral Health providing mental health treatment, the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio conducting workshops at Akron Public Schools, and the furnishing of youth therapy rooms at rape crisis centers. Qualified nonprofits can receive grants of up to $2,000, indicating a focus on empowering smaller, community-based initiatives that often have direct and measurable impacts.

This program provides funding to residents and community groups in the Worthington School District for projects that strengthen community ties and enhance local neighborhoods.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

This program provides flexible funding to Ohio arts and cultural organizations of all sizes to support high-quality artistic experiences for the community.

The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP), supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF), aims to engage primary and secondary students in creative, hands-on STEM activities and inquiry-based exploration within North Carolina. This initiative directly aligns with BWF's broader mission to foster scientific talent and advance biomedical sciences, by targeting foundational STEM education at the K-12 level. Since its inception in 1996, SSEP has significantly contributed to this mission, awarding 288 grants totaling $43.3 million to 136 organizations, ultimately reaching over 43,000 North Carolina students. The primary beneficiaries of SSEP are K-12 students across North Carolina, with a particular focus on enabling diverse participation. The program's impact goals are clearly defined through its three core objectives: improving students’ competence in science and mathematics, nurturing their enthusiasm for these subjects, and interesting them in pursuing careers in research or other science-related fields. By focusing on these areas, SSEP aims to build a stronger pipeline for future scientific and mathematical professionals, contributing to the state's intellectual capital and economic development. SSEP's priorities and focuses revolve around providing experiential learning opportunities. Successful projects typically include activities such as helping students learn basic scientific inquiry skills (observing, comparing, measuring, communicating, analyzing, generating, and evaluating), increasing their insight into and appreciation of the investigative process, and supplying them with STEM-related career information. Furthermore, the program emphasizes connecting science and mathematics to students’ daily lives, providing opportunities to use technology, enabling interaction with STEM professionals, and involving parents in program activities. These guidelines illustrate a comprehensive approach to STEM education. The expected outcomes and measurable results of SSEP grants include increased student competence and enthusiasm in science and mathematics, and a greater interest in STEM careers. While specific metrics beyond the number of grants and students reached are not detailed, the program's long-standing success and continued funding suggest a positive impact on these goals. The grant provides up to $60,000 per year for three years, with a maximum of $180,000 per award. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina, including public and private schools, colleges, universities, community groups, museums, zoos, and scientific groups that can offer experiential K-12 activities. Individuals and organizations offering religious programming are explicitly excluded.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

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.

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.

The King County Flood Control District is offering Flood Reduction Grants to address flood risks and enhance community resilience within King County, Washington. This program aligns with the District's mission to protect residents and infrastructure from flooding, demonstrating a commitment to proactive environmental management and public safety. The grants are designed to support a variety of projects that contribute to flood reduction and related environmental benefits. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a broad spectrum of entities such as non-profit organizations, special purpose districts, Tribes, cities and towns within King County, and King County agencies. Homeowner associations and schools are also eligible for the "Original Flood Reduction Grant" category. The impact goal is to significantly reduce potential or existing flood risks to property and public infrastructure, while also promoting ecological improvements such as fish passage restoration and shoreline stabilization. The program prioritizes projects across four distinct categories: Original Flood Reduction, Urban Streams, Coastal Erosion/Coastal Flooding, and Culvert Replacement/Fish Passage. Each category has specific focuses, from general flood reduction projects and stormwater retrofits in the Original Flood Reduction category, to green infrastructure and stream restoration in Urban Streams. Coastal Erosion/Coastal Flooding projects emphasize increasing resiliency to sea level rise and restoring shorelines without increasing hard armored shorelines. Culvert Replacement/Fish Passage projects focus on restoring fish passage while also demonstrating flood risk reduction. Expected outcomes include tangible reductions in flood frequency and severity, improved water quality, enhanced habitat for fish and wildlife, and increased community resilience to climate change impacts, particularly sea level rise. Measurable results will be tied to the successful implementation of projects, such as the number of culverts replaced, acres of shoreline restored, or properties protected from flooding. The District's strategic priority is to invest in solutions that offer both immediate flood protection and long-term environmental sustainability, reflecting a theory of change that integrates ecological restoration with hazard mitigation to create more resilient communities. The total amount available for 2024 is at least $12 million, with matching funds encouraged but not required, demonstrating a robust commitment to these outcomes over a grant duration of three years.