Ohio Education Grants

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 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.

The Carroll Community Fund, an affiliate of Stark Community Foundation, offers a grant program designed to provide flexible funding that allows Carroll County residents to make a positive and immediate impact within their community. This program is exclusively for Carroll County, supporting a wide array of projects and programs that address local issues. The overall mission alignment is to empower local initiatives and foster community development by providing essential financial support to organizations directly benefiting the county. The primary target beneficiaries are tax-exempt private agencies, 501(c)(3) organizations, and government entities located within or directly benefiting Carroll County, Ohio. Religious institutions are eligible if their program's purpose is primarily secular or civic, any religious activity is incidental or paid for by other sources, and services are provided without religious limitation. Private schools are considered for grants focused on non-religious educational activities, where the institution is non-sectarian, equipment purchases act as a catalyst for new programs, there are multiple funding sources, or the programs serve the disadvantaged or handicapped. The impact goals are to address local issues, support artistic diversity, promote recreational facilities with community support, and ensure the survival of key agencies or programs facing funding changes. The fund prioritizes projects and programs that are locally focused and demonstrate a clear benefit to Carroll County. While not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities" or a "theory of change," the types of projects that are generally not considered—such as operating expenses for well-established organizations, debt financing, annual community celebrations, annual fund drives, conferences/recognition dinners, and most endowment funds—reveal an emphasis on new initiatives, short-term critical support, and programs with a direct, tangible impact. The fund seeks to avoid supplanting existing operational budgets or covering past deficits, instead focusing on catalytic support and filling gaps where funding is critical. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse projects that address local needs, enhanced community well-being through supported arts and recreational programs, and the sustained operation of crucial agencies during periods of funding uncertainty. The emphasis on challenge grants or partial funding for arts proposals suggests an outcome of fostering broad community support and engagement. For recreational proposals, proof of ongoing maintenance capacity indicates a desire for sustainable community assets. The grant-making contingencies, requiring that grants be met within one calendar year or rescinded, suggest an outcome of timely and efficient use of funds to achieve immediate community impact.

This grant provides funding to municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and local agencies in Cuyahoga County to support projects that reduce waste, promote recycling and composting, and address illegal dumping.

This funding opportunity supports educational projects in Ohio that raise awareness and understanding of environmental issues, targeting schools, nonprofits, and local governments to engage diverse audiences in making informed environmental decisions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Ohio for initiatives that improve cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment coordination for economically disadvantaged women, minorities, and those in underserved areas.

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: [email protected]. For more information and to download the grant application, visit their website at www.wyandotcommunityfoundation.org.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local agencies in Ohio to implement school-based dental sealant programs aimed at preventing tooth decay in high-risk children.

This grant provides funding to public and non-religious private schools, as well as nonprofit organizations partnering with public schools in Ohio, to support innovative educational projects that improve teaching and learning.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This grant provides funding to libraries in Ohio for the conservation and preservation of culturally or monetarily significant items, ensuring the protection of the state's historical and artistic heritage.

The Event Waste Reduction Grant (EWRG), offered by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), aims to significantly reduce event-generated waste and increase material diversion from the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill. This initiative directly aligns with SWACO's mission to promote sustainable waste management practices within its jurisdiction. The grant provides reimbursement funding for activities that enhance waste reduction, reuse, recycling, food scrap composting, and food donation at public events. It also supports outreach and education to raise public awareness about these critical activities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are local event organizers in Franklin County, Ohio, who host public events with a projected attendance of 2,000 people or more. The impact goals are to not only reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills but also to build the necessary infrastructure to sustain these diversion efforts beyond the initial grant funding year. By supporting a wide range of waste reduction and diversion activities, SWACO seeks to foster a more environmentally responsible community and encourage long-term sustainable practices for event management. The EWRG prioritizes funding for activities that establish, improve, or expand waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, or food donation at eligible events. Events must occur in Franklin County, Ohio, during 2024, and be open to the public. Funding tiers are based on projected attendance: up to $2,000 for events with 2,000 to 10,000 attendees, up to $4,000 for events with 10,000 to 30,000 attendees, and up to $6,000 for events with 30,000 to 60,000 attendees or greater. Recipients are required to provide a 20% cash contribution toward the project, emphasizing a shared commitment to the environmental goals. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in waste diversion rates at events, a reduction in the volume of waste sent to the landfill, and enhanced public awareness regarding waste reduction and recycling. The grant's focus on building sustainable infrastructure ensures that the positive impacts extend beyond the grant period, fostering lasting changes in event waste management. SWACO's strategic priorities are clearly centered on promoting a circular economy, and the EWRG serves as a practical application of this theory of change by directly investing in and incentivizing tangible waste reduction efforts at the community level.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan that promote understanding of Muslims and the Islamic faith through educational programs and community dialogue initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit initiatives in Franklin County that promote social equity and economic mobility for marginalized populations through community-wide programs and education on inclusivity.

The Morgan Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is offering grants to nonprofits, schools, and public organizations for projects and programs that benefit residents and communities within Morgan County, Ohio. This grant initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities and unleash potential within the Appalachian region, specifically focusing on local community development. The program seeks to support efforts that address critical needs and foster growth in the county, reflecting a commitment to local empowerment and sustainable development. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include individuals of all ages within Morgan County. The program's impact goals are centered on creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs, and unleashing the potential within the community. Projects and programs that demonstrate a clear benefit to Morgan County residents and communities are prioritized, with an emphasis on those that can generate meaningful and lasting positive change. The fund encourages applications from organizations that are deeply rooted in the community and have a strong understanding of local challenges and opportunities. The grant program focuses on five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. These pillars represent the strategic priorities of the Morgan Community Fund and the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, aiming to holistically address various facets of community well-being and growth. The fund particularly supports individuals who are leading initiatives in these areas, recognizing the importance of local leadership in driving change. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the quality of life for Morgan County residents, enhanced community resources, and increased opportunities across the five pillars. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "advancing opportunities," "meeting pressing needs," and "unleashing potential" suggests a focus on quantifiable improvements in community indicators relevant to each pillar. Funding requests between $500 and $2,500 are common, though larger requests may be considered if they demonstrate significant potential impact, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the scope and potential benefits of proposed projects.

The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) annually awards Community Grants to support charitable programs and initiatives across diverse fields including education, health, social services, economic development, natural resources, and the arts. These grants are funded through various sources such as Unrestricted and Donor Advised Funds, alongside annual donations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving Ottawa County, who must submit their proposals exclusively via the Foundation’s online application portal between January 1 and March 1 at 11:59 p.m. each year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Ohio that focus on improving children's vision health and safety, particularly for underserved populations, through initiatives like vision screening, protective eyewear, and educational programs.

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.

This grant provides funding to eligible organizations that support community programs focused on health, basic needs, workforce development, and youth development for low-income families in Wayne and Holmes Counties, Ohio.

The School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG) has been expanded to also help cover the costs of inspections, assessments, maintenance, and improvements to indoor heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as the purchase of other secondary devices to control the spread of airborne contaminants, including viruses, for eligible applicants. This additional funding of $15,000 is available to any qualifying entity under the SSSG program policy and is available specifically for the purchase of HVAC improvements only. An exact list of qualifying expenses can be found here or on page four of the application. This offering is available to employers with no matching amount required. Eligible applicants may apply even if they have exhausted all previously available SSSG funds. Please continue reading below for full eligibility requirements, instructions for completing an application, and steps to receiving grant funds.