Ohio Food and Nutrition Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities for projects that improve education, address essential human needs, promote social justice, and support environmental stewardship in communities served by American Electric Power.

This grant provides funding for Ohio-based public universities, nonprofit organizations, and government entities to conduct a two-year research study on the health impacts and benefits of high-THC cannabis and hemp-derived products.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to Ohio County Engineer offices and Soil and Water Conservation Districts for constructing conservation ditches to improve water quality and manage nutrient runoff.

This program provides $40 million in funding to support environmental and public health initiatives in underserved communities across the Great Lakes region, prioritizing tribal governments, small nonprofits, and local organizations addressing environmental challenges.

This funding initiative provides financial support to local communities in the Appalachian Region for projects that enhance critical infrastructure and promote business and workforce development.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Summit County, Ohio, that provide programs focused on economic empowerment, safety from violence, and health and wellness for women and girls.

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

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, churches, and government entities that serve residents of Knox County, Ohio, focusing on initiatives that address hunger and improve community well-being.

This program provides nutritional assistance and support to eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children in Ohio to improve health outcomes and promote early childhood development.

This grant provides funding to programs in Logan County, Ohio, that promote health, education, and financial stability, with a focus on mental health, substance abuse, housing support, workforce development, and educational opportunities.

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.

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.

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

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is currently accepting grant applications for its 2025 Community Waste Reduction Grant Program (CWRG). This competitive grant program provides funding for innovative projects aimed at significantly reducing waste and/or increasing the diversion of recoverable materials from the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill. The program aligns with SWACO's mission to promote waste reduction and diversion efforts within its jurisdiction. The CWRG targets local governmental and non-profit organizations, including cities, townships, villages, parks, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and churches. These entities are eligible to apply for funding. The program's impact goals are centered on addressing the unique waste reduction, diversion, recycling, and composting needs of Central Ohio, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable waste management system in Franklin County. The program prioritizes projects that establish, improve, or expand waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, or food donation activities. Eligibility requires that projects occur within SWACO's jurisdiction area of Franklin County, Ohio. A key focus is on projects that can demonstrate a clear plan for waste reduction and material diversion. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in waste sent to the landfill and an increase in the diversion of recoverable materials. Grant recipients are required to provide a twenty percent (20%) cash contribution toward the project and must document and measure the impact of the project's activities. A final report detailing the successes, challenges, and impacts of the project’s waste reduction and diversion efforts is also required, ensuring accountability and data-driven results. The grant amounts range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $35,000.

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

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is offering grants through its Environmental Sustainability Grant Program, with a deadline of July 19, 2024. This program is designed to enhance environmental sustainability in the Greater Cincinnati region by improving the accessibility and quality of greenspaces, supporting conservation efforts, promoting horticulture, and advancing nature education, particularly for historically marginalized groups. This initiative aligns directly with GCF's mission to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of the region. The target beneficiaries of this program are organizations with efforts based in the Greater Cincinnati region, specifically in Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana. The program aims to increase the benefits of nature for historically marginalized groups, including improved fresh food access and nature education, especially for children and youth. The overall impact goal is to create a more environmentally sustainable and equitable region through accessible greenspaces and quality education. GCF's priorities for this grant cycle include organizations that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, requests that beautify, create, conserve, and/or restore greenspaces (with a preference for those benefiting historically marginalized groups), and proposals that connect historically marginalized groups to the benefits of nature. Strong preference will be given to organizations demonstrating partnerships, collaboration, alignment with community-wide efforts, and insights from past results, utilizing an asset-based approach. Funding may be used for a variety of purposes, including supporting, expanding, or strengthening existing programs, enacting capital improvements, launching new programs, or building organizational capacity. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored. GCF has approximately $400,000 available for the 2024 Environmental Sustainability cycle, with individual grants awarded for up to $25,000. Expected outcomes include clear and measurable results related to greenspace improvements, increased access to nature for marginalized communities, and enhanced environmental education.

The Mansfield City Schools Fine Arts Fund, administered by the Richland County Foundation, provides grants to enhance arts and visual cultural integrated education in Mansfield City Schools. The fund supports classroom experiences that connect students with local and regional arts resources. Grants may support structured field experiences at local cultural institutions, as well as participation in regional, state, or national art integration programs. Applicants should outline measurable goals and educational outcomes and coordinate details such as budgets, scheduling, and transportation with partner organizations prior to applying. The annual grant budget generally ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 dollars. Eligibility is limited to teachers employed by Mansfield City Schools. Applicants must identify the appropriate approver for funding requests and ensure projects align with educational objectives. The fund does not support storage containers and rugs, substitute teacher costs, seating and furniture, or physical technology items such as cameras or tablets. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the Richland County Foundation.

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.

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.