Ohio Youth Grants

This grant provides funding to organizations in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, for projects that improve community well-being, promote education and cultural enrichment, and support individuals with disabilities.

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 Millennium Fund for Children of Akron Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of local children. Donor Name: Akron Community Foundation State: Ohio County: Medina County (OH), Portage County (OH), Stark County (OH), Wayne County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The fund started in 1999 when generous people all over Northeast Ohio donated their last hour’s pay of the millennium to create a permanent endowment that would benefit children in the 21st century and beyond. Each year, people continue to contribute gifts of all sizes, from a few quarters earned at a lemonade stand to thousands of dollars from corporate leaders. A partnership of Akron Community Foundation and the Akron Beacon Journal, the Millennium Fund for Children supports arts, civic, education, and health and human services programs for children throughout Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark and Wayne counties. It makes grants where even a small amount can make a big difference.  The Millennium Fund for Children grants have enabled Red Oak Behavioral Health to provide mental health treatment to underinsured and uninsured children, supported diversity and inclusion workshops by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio at Akron Public Schools and furnished the youth therapy room at the rape crisis center. Funding Information Qualified nonprofits can receive grants of up to $2,000 to support arts, education and health programs for local youth. For more information, visit ACF.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Erie County, Ohio, to address community needs in areas such as job training, mental health, childcare, and access to healthy food.

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.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that promote local engagement and environmental awareness through volunteer and grassroots initiatives.

The Wayne County Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Children’s Resource Fund. Donor Name: Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) State: Ohio County: Wayne County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Wayne County Children’s Resource Fund was established to help remove barriers which may impede children’s ability to lead meaningful and productive lives. These barriers may include poverty, drug use, bullying, discrimination, learning disabilities, low self-confidence, or a challenging home life. Grants may be made to nonprofit organizations for programs or capital projects that impact these issues. Grant Period Grants are valid for a period of up to one year. Geographic Range of Grants Grants must benefit youth in Wayne County, Ohio. Eligibility Criteria  By law, the Wayne County Community Foundation can only make grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit public organizations. Ineligibility  The Foundation normally does NOT approve grants from the Children’s Resource Fund to support: 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. No scholarships may be granted from this fund. For more information, visit WCCF.

The City of Columbus is accepting applications for its New American Civic Integration Seed Fund. Donor Name: City of Columbus State: Ohio City: Columbus Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Civic Integration Seed Grant is a new component of the New American Program. Grants made via the Seed Fund will help to create access to funding for New American serving organizations and foster community building, youth engagement, and strengthen organizations to effectively serve new arrivals. Grants will support and assist with the unique and emerging needs of the growing immigrant and refugee community in Columbus as well as provide supportive services that meet the cultural and linguistic needs of newly arrived residents. Seed Grants will support new and existing projects or programs as well as services that support integration, civic participation and the pursuit of the citizenship process. Funding will be provided through the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods’ New American Program. Of special interest are newer organizations that focus on the work of communities not fully represented and in need of urgent community programming that assist capacity building, civic Integration, youth and civic engagement, and emergency situations. Funding Information Applicants can request up to $10,000.00. Eligibility Criteria  Applying organizations must: Have 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. Serve New Americans, immigrants and refugees. Primarily serve city of Columbus residents. For more information, visit City of Columbus.

The Hudson Community Foundation provides grants to support nonprofit organizations working to meet community needs and enhance the quality of life in Hudson. Donor Name: Hudson Community Foundation State: Ohio City: Hudson Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas of Interest  The core areas of interest include Arts and Culture, Hudson Social Services, Historical and Environmental Preservation, and Youth Education and Recreation. Eligibility Criteria The Hudson Community Foundation welcomes grant requests from nonprofit organizations that are classified as nonprofit charitable organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code or, in some cases, government agencies. The Hudson Community Foundation will welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations that are located in, or provide services to Hudson, Ohio. The Foundation will look favorably on grant requests that fall into the above-mentioned areas of interest. General Exclusions Religious organizations or events Private foundations Operating deficits or debt retirement Support to individuals Advertising Testimonial dinners Political organizations or campaigns Capital campaigns Endowments For more information, visit HCFG.

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 Cleveland Foundation is accepting applications for the second round of grants from the Cleveland Neighborhood Safety Fund. Donor Name: Cleveland Foundation State: Ohio City: Cleveland Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Neighborhood Safety Fund is currently guided by a nine-person advisory committee that includes representation from Cleveland City Council, Cleveland Administration, community leaders, and community members impacted by community violence. Through a public Request for Proposals (RFP) process, this group recommends grant funding to nonprofits and/or government agencies working to enhance the safety of all Clevelanders. The Cleveland Foundation’s role is to establish, manage, and implement the NSF. This Request for Proposal (RFP) aims to appropriate up to $1M to community violence intervention and prevention partners (CVIP) focused on the summer months of June, July, and August 2024 leading into the school year. Proposals should support organizational capacity building (additional staff, program expansion, increased outreach, etc.) for programs and/or services in targeted neighborhoods working with the targeted populations. Strong proposals identify “preventative” human service supports (mental health, income, housing, workforce development, etc.). Scope of Services and Objectives  The CNSF is taking a data-driven approach to implementing community-centered violence intervention and prevention strategies that create safe and healthy neighborhoods. Community approaches to violence intervention and prevention start with people at the center of serious violence and extend outwards to their loved ones and the broader community. The CNSF aims to build the capacity of organizations and bring together a network of community providers and system partners to support people as they move toward safety, healing, and growth. The network relies on skilled workers with a personal understanding of trauma, who meet people where they are and form strong relationships. It is also a mutual commitment from partners of all sizes to engage in a violence prevention ecosystem that honors the interdependency of interventions and organizations to reduce violence. Successful applicants will be expected to participate in coordinated efforts with other funded agencies and key system partners, participate in training and technical assistance to build capacity and ensure fidelity to best practice service models, and participate in evaluation activities to inform continuous improvement and learning in the network. Program/Services Areas  This RFP will provide funding for the programs/services listed below. You can only include one program/service in your proposal. An organization can submit multiple proposals if the proposals are substantially different for different programs/services. Substantially different is defined as having a different program design, staffing, program location, or priority population receiving services. In other words, applicants may not submit the same proposal for various programs/services. Violence Interruption and Reduction Services CNSF seeks programs that use credible messengers to prevent and reduce gun violence in the City of Cleveland, Ohio. They are looking for organizations with the deployment of proactive strategies aimed at fostering meaningful relationships in Cleveland neighborhoods experiencing the most violence, steering those involved in violence (or at a high risk of violence) into alternative positive choices, mediating neighborhood conflicts, and responding to neighborhood crises related to violence. Youth Diversion/Proactive Mentoring  The purpose of diversion programs is to redirect youth from the justice system through programming, supervision, and support. This strategy area aims to help youth move away from deeper involvement in violence and the juvenile justice system through coordinated interventions. Funding is available for programs that divert youth from arrest or prosecution and help them transition back to school and community after confinement. Violence Prevention  Programs that intervene directly with individuals experiencing violence in an effort to disrupt the cycle of violence. That includes large-scale programs already considered national models and smaller grassroots efforts with a proven track record of community impact. Required Qualifications and Certifications  Organizations must have experience providing services in violence interruption and reduction, youth diversion and mentoring, or violence prevention programming. Organizations shall have experience working in partnership and maintaining fundamental relationships with other nonprofits, resident leaders, faith leaders, youth, justice partners, city agencies, and/or neighborhood-based community institutions to meet the target population’s service referral needs. Programming located in the community served is preferred or accessibility is required through reliable transportation. For participant referral services, organizations should demonstrate close links to health, mental health, vocational, educational, justice partners, and other social services, including but not limited to food, housing, and employment services. For more information, visit Cleveland Foundation.

The Aquatic Stewardship Grant Program, formerly known as the Aquatic Education Grant Program, is organized by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. It aims to foster aquatic stewardship through hands-on educational experiences facilitated by partnering organizations. Eligible projects must offer an aquatic education learning experience and include educational components beyond mere fishing skills, aimed at promoting aquatic stewardship. A final report must be submitted to the ODNR Division of Wildlife upon project completion. Suggested activities include the Teen Leadership Fishing Retreat, OSU Stone Lab Program, Water Quality & Fish Monitoring Program, and Aquarium setup for the Trout in the Classroom program. Competitive activities are excluded. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: February 1st to March 15th

The Ohio Division of Wildlife's "STEP OUTSIDE" grant program is designed to support local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other family and youth-oriented facilities in promoting outdoor skills such as fishing, hunting, trapping, archery, and shooting sports. This grant aims to fund activities that are unaffordable for the sponsoring agency or organization and is not intended to support existing programs or provide ongoing funding for new programs or activities. Eligible applicants include city, county, and community park and recreation agencies, local and state conservation clubs, and youth-oriented groups such as scouts, 4-H, YMCA/YWCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, etc. The program emphasizes that private individuals are not eligible. The application period is ongoing throughout the fiscal year, with applications required to be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the event.

United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland is excited to announce a special grant opportunity to support initiatives aimed at addressing mental health issues and gun violence prevention/intervention in the community. Donor Name: United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland State: Ohio County: Cuyahoga County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland recognize the devastating effects of these issues, and they are committed to identify and partner with organizations making a positive impact. If your organization provides programs, resources, and support to improve mental health and/or reduce the incidence of gun violence, they encourage you to apply for the “Community Thrive” grant. The funding categories are: Basic Needs, Workforce Development, Education and Social Justice. Focus Areas  Mental Health Support They are particularly interested in projects that impact mental health wellness Some recommended areas are: Depression (youth and adults) Suicide prevention (youth and adult) School violence/school absenteeism Anger management Social media addiction. Gun Violence Prevention Innovative approaches to prevent gun violence They seeks Innovative approaches to prevent gun violence, such as education and awareness, and community-based interventions that address the root causes. Proposals addressing School/University/Religious Institution/Retail shooting prevention, support for families affected by gun violence, gun culture, gun safety, and/or gun laws. Application Criteria In order to be eligible for the grant, the organization should fulfill the following criteria: Programming to support Mental Health or Gun Violence Prevention/Intervention work. The organization must have been established for atleast three years and should have a proven track record. The organization should provide data to support its impact. The organization must serve Cuyahoga County. The organization should provide a minimum of one letter of support. The organization must demonstrate that funding will be utilized for 80% programming and 20% operations and/or marketing. The organization must be a 501©3 or have a fiscal agent. A strategic plan summary outlining the use of funds should be provided (1-page outline/summary) The grant does not support one-time events, sponsorships, or fundraising campaigns. Programming should commence on January 1, 2024, and should have a minimum execution period of one year. For more information, visit UBFGC.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Mahoning and Trumbull counties for projects, operational needs, capital improvements, crisis assistance, and matching donations to enhance community services.

This funding opportunity supports various mentoring and intervention programs aimed at reducing violence and fostering positive relationships among youth and families in the community.

The Greater Jefferson County Foundation is offering grant opportunities to local non-profit organizations for capital improvements and operational expenses. The grant application period begins on May 1st and ends on June 1st at 4:00 PM CDT. Applications can be submitted online through the Foundation's website or by downloading a PDF version of the application. Non-profit organizations must provide a copy of their latest completed Federal IRS Tax-exempt status letter, financial statements, project budget sheet, and other required documentation. Grant applications will be reviewed based on specific criteria related to children, youth & families, community betterment, health & human services, education, the environment, and arts & culture. The Foundation does not fund past projects, debt reduction, individual applicants, fundraisers, political causes, religious purposes (excluding nonreligious purposes for religious organizations), equipment unless essential for the program, ongoing expenses such as wages, endowments, or tax-supported entities. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation office to confirm receipt of their application. Grant recipients will be required to sign a Grant Agreement Contract before disbursement of funds and must provide proof of purchase for the designated purpose within six months of grant distribution. It is important to note that incomplete applications or materials received after the deadline will not be eligible for funding in the current grant cycle.