Ohio Local Grants

Applications are now being accepted for the Community Development Corporation Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Akron State: Ohio County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The purpose of this grant program is to partner with CDC’s to invest in projects that promote population and tax revenue growth through the revitalization and repurposing of vacant, underutilized, blighted or historic buildings, increase investment in place-based infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and public services. By utilizing federal Community Development Block Grant Funds to support investments the City aims to foster the environment necessary to attract, develop, add new housing options, enable business creation and attraction and provide resources for Akron residents and neighborhoods Funding Information The City of Akron set aside a total of $500,000 for grants. The awards will be available up to $125,000 per applicant. Grant Period One Year Eligible Criteria Organizations must be a Community Development Corporation – 501(c)(3) nonprofit located within Akron, Ohio city limits. Must be able to meet all reporting and compliance obligations of the federal funds. Must be able to demonstrate an appropriate use of the funding in accordance with the stated purpose of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Certificate of good standing with the State of Ohio at the time of application submission. Must be registered on SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identification Number. Must provide documentation of at least 3 previous projects undertaken by your CDC in your CDC footprint area For more information, visit City of Akron.

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is currently accepting grant applications for its 2025 Community Waste Reduction Grant Program. Donor Name: Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio State: Ohio County: Franklin County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Waste Reduction Grant (CWRG) is a competitive grant program that provides funding for innovative projects that significantly reduce waste and/or increase the diversion of recoverable materials that would otherwise be sent to the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill for disposal.  Local governmental or non-profit organizations including cities, townships, villages, parks, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and churches are eligible to apply.  Proposed projects should address the unique waste reduction, diversion, recycling, and composting needs of Central Ohio. Funding Information  The minimum grant amount that can be requested is five hundred dollars ($500.00). The maximum grant amount that can be requested is thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000.00). Eligibility Criteria Must occur within SWACO’s jurisdiction area of Franklin County, Ohio. Funding is available for establishing, improving, or expanding waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, or food donation activities. Recipients must provide a twenty percent (20%) cash contribution toward the project. If a project is awarded grant dollars, SWACO requires grantees to document and measure the impact of the project’s activities.  No approved purchases can be made before the execution of a grant agreement. A final report detailing the successes, challenges, and impacts of the project’s waste reduction and diversion efforts must be provided at the end of the project.  For more information, visit SWACO.

The Carroll Community Fund, an affiliate of Stark Community Foundation, is seeking applications to provide a flexible and meaningful way for Carroll County residents to make a positive and immediate impact in the community. Donor Name: Carroll Community Fund State: Ohio County: Carroll County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This source of funding, used exclusively for Carroll County, supports a wide range of projects and programs addressing issues on a local level. Eligibility Criteria Tax-exempt private agencies, 501(c)(3) organizations (that are recognized as public charities) and government entities located within Carroll County, Ohio only or directly benefitting Carroll County are eligible to apply. Religious Institutions A grant proposal from a religious congregation, a religious-sponsored organization or a non-affiliated religious organization will be considered if: the purpose of the program for which the grant is primarily secular or civic in nature, any religious activity or instruction is incidental to the program for which the grant is requested or is paid for by other sources or the program for which the grant is requested will service participants without limitation to religion or creed. Private Schools A grant proposal from a private school (higher education institutions are exempt from this policy) under the following conditions will be considered if: the purpose of the grant is for educational activities that are clearly non-religious in nature, the institution is non-sectarian, the purchase of equipment will serve as a catalyst for a new, innovative program, the proposal has multiple funding sources or the funding for educational programs focuses on serving the disadvantaged or handicapped. Computer and Education Proposals for multiple station computerization projects from public/private school systems or other educational institutions will not be considered. Operating Expenses Grants are not usually made to support operating expenses of well-established organizations and/or programs either through the grant process or in response to annual fund drives for sustaining support. On occasion, support on a short-term basis may be awarded when it is critical to the survival of a key agency or program, which has been placed in jeopardy by changes in funding patterns. Debt Financing Grants are not made to subsidize previously accrued operational deficits nor debt incurred for capital items or repairs. Carroll County Community Celebration Annual community celebrations will not be considered. Annual Fund Drives Support of annual fund drives will not be considered. Conferences/Recognition Dinners Conferences or recognition dinners will not be considered. Endowment Funds Support of endowment funds are generally not considered. In the special case where an organization’s endowment fund is a component fund of The Carroll County Foundation, the Foundation may make a contribution to the organization’s endowment fund. Arts Proposals supporting artistic diversity and quality in the arts within the entire community will be considered. Grants will be made on a challenge grant or partial funding basis to ensure broad community support of the institution or program. Recreational Recreational proposals should have evidence of significant neighborhood and community financial support before funding is solicited. The maximum use of existing school or community facilities should be demonstrated before the Carroll County Foundation will consider supporting additional facilities. Proof of the capacity to provide ongoing maintenance of a facility is a criterion of funding. Grant-Making Contingencies All contingency grants shall be held for no longer than one calendar year before contingency must be met. After a period of one year, the grant money will be automatically rescinded. For more information, visit SCF.

The Delaware County Foundation is currenlty accepting applications for its Community Grant Program to support numerous non-profit organizations that work to improve community. Donor Name: Delaware County Foundation State: Ohio County: Delaware County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Focus Areas Consideration will be given to nonprofit organizations that are specifically addressing these areas:  Animal Welfare: Promoting the proper care of animals and the many ways they bring quality to their lives.  Arts & Culture: Support for arts and cultural activities that enrich the lives of individuals, promote interactions among residents, and build community.  Basic Needs: Investment in approaches that combat food insecurity, provide affordable housing, and remove barriers to transportation, childcare, and education for low-income residents.  Education: Support for innovative programs for all students, preschool through adult.  Economic Opportunity: Investment in the workforce of tomorrow by funding programs that build prosperity, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life in their communities.  Environment: Funding solutions that contribute to healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable Ohio. Funding Information Grants are expected to range between $2,500 to $20,000. Grant Period  Grant projects are typically completed by the applicant within 12 months. Grant Requirements Nonprofit organizations and government entities with projects that benefit Delaware County Ohio residents are eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals. Eligibility Criteria Organizations that either (a) have established their tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are not “private foundations” as defined under section 509(a) of the Code; or (b) have tax exemption as a governmental or other publicly-funded entity; or (c) have a qualified, tax-exempt fiscal sponsor. All organizations and programs aligned with the Foundation’s areas of funding are invited to apply. Preference will be given to programs addressing recovery, housing, mental health, basic needs (i.e. food insecurity, utilities), ESL, and workforce development. For more information, visit Delaware County Foundation.

The Cleveland Foundation is excited to announce the fifth round of grantmaking from the Cleveland Black Futures Fund. Donor Name: Cleveland Foundation State: Ohio County: Cuyahoga County (OH), Geauga County (OH), Lake County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/12/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The overarching goal of the Cleveland Black Futures Fund is to strengthen the ecosystem of Black leaders and Black-serving organizations in Greater Cleveland by providing intentional resources to help grow organizational infrastructure and capacity. In the long term, the foundation aims to deepen the field of leaders working to dismantle systemic racism and advance the community toward racial equity. Criteria Black-led, Black-serving nonprofit organizations operating in Cuyahoga, Lake or Geauga counties with budgets of $25,000 to $1 million can apply. For more information, visit Cleveland Foundation.

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 Wayne County Community Foundation is excited to announce the Competitive Community Grants. Donor Name: Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) State: Ohio County: Wayne County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Foundation was established in 1978 as a tax-exempt community foundation. Gifts from individuals, families, and businesses are used for scholarships, community projects and other charitable purposes throughout our area. All unrestricted donations to the Foundation are added to the General Community Fund. These unrestricted gifts provide the Foundation with flexibility in its charitable purpose, allowing the Board of Trustees to respond to innovative projects and changing community needs.  Focus Areas The Foundation’s charitable grantmaking includes both capital and program grants which are awarded in the following categories: Arts, Culture, & Humanities; Civic & Community Affairs; Conservation & Environment; Education; Health & Wellness; and Human Services. Grant Period Grants are valid for a period of up to one year. Geographic Range of Grants Grants are limited to activities and organizations benefiting the greater Wayne County area. Eligibility Criteria  By law, the Wayne County Community Foundation can only make grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit public organizations.  Ineligibility  Normally, the Foundation does not approve grants to support: General operating expenses of well-established organizations; 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. For more information, visit WCCF.

This grant provides emergency funding to nonprofit organizations in Wayne County, Ohio, that deliver essential services like food, shelter, and healthcare during crises.

This grant provides financial support to educational institutions, local governments, and non-profit organizations for projects that promote recycling, composting, and waste reduction in the Ottawa-Sandusky-Seneca District.

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 Darke County Foundation is seeking applications for its Community Grants. Donor Name: Darke County Foundation State: Ohio County: Darke County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Approximately 40 organizations will receive awards. Grants are usually $1,000-$3,000. Eligibility Requirements for Organizations Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or government agency. Organizations must provide services that improve the health, education or welfare of Darke County residents. The following groups are not eligible: Organizations that limit their services to members of any one religious group. Organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation. political viewpoint, or promotion of a political candidate. For more information, visit Darke County Foundation.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners in Maple Heights for exterior home repairs and improvements, promoting neighborhood revitalization and community stability.

The City of Shelby will help commercial property and business owners improve the appearance of their storefronts by providing grants for part of the cost of eligible improvements. Donor Name: City of Shelby State: Ohio City: Shelby Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information A special fund is available for the assistance program. Grants will be awarded on a 50% matching basis to the applicant’s 50% contribution, (i.e., for a $1,200 project, the business owner would pay $600 and a grant would be available for the remaining $600). The grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis on work approved by the City of Shelby or it’s assigns. Grants will be typically be capped at $5,0000 per individual project, subject to review by committee, number of applicants, and impact of project. Eligible Improvements Eligible improvements include: Exterior painting, signage, awnings, storefront/facade cleaning and/or restoration; sidewalks, lighting, storefront security devices, new roof, permanent flower boxes and planters, and related exterior improvements. Applications will not be accepted to finance improvements already completed. Grants are limited to one grant per business and or storefront per year. For more information, visit City of Shelby.

The Hispanic Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, is accepting applications to provide grants to improve and promote socioeconomic and educational opportunities within the Hispanic community. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Lorain County State: Ohio County: Lorain County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A volunteer Advisory Board encourages giving to establish new, and grow existing, endowment funds to support annual grants and scholarships that fulfill the mission. The Hispanic Fund grant program provides funding to non-profit organizations and community members whose projects provide or work to improve: Citizen empowerment within the Hispanic Community Neighborhood revitalization or environmental issues within the Hispanic Community Public safety, education and prevention of crime/violence within the Hispanic Community Collaborative solutions or new approaches to a problem that exists within the Hispanic Community Projects/programs that address the root causes of social ills within the Hispanic Community Projects/programs that positively affect Hispanic educational achievement in public or higher education For more information, visit Hispanic Fund.

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 Mansfield City Schools Fine Arts Fund provides grant support to enhance the quality of arts and visual cultural-integrated education in Mansfield City Schools. Donor Name: Richland County Foundation State: Ohio City: Mansfield Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant requests may include field experiences for structured programs at local art/culture resources (Mansfield Art Center, Renaissance Theater, etc.) Additionally, awards may be granted for regional, state, or national art integration programs in the classroom. Funding Information Annually, the grant budget ranges from $1,500 – $3,000. Criteria Only teachers working for Mansfield City Schools are eligible to apply for the Fine Arts Fund grant. Educators applying for this grant should have already talked with the art resource and have determined information for their request (ie-budget, date/time of program, transportation needs, etc.) Applicants should be prepared to outline measurable goals/outcomes for their request and the educational value of the requested materials. The applicant will be responsible for identifying the contact who approves funding requests (ie- principal, treasurer, curriculum director). Not Eligible for Funding: Storage containers and rugs Substitute teacher costs Seating and furniture Physical technology items (cameras, printers, tablets, etc.) For more information, visit Richland County Foundation.

Applicants are invited to apply for the 2024 Harry and Lois McCullough Fund. Donor Name: Richland County Foundation State: Ohio County: Richland County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These requests can come from  K-12 classrooms, or other organizations who provide programming matching the mission. Requests for Harry and Lois McCullough Fund grants should encompass ALL, if not most of the following areas: Writing Literature Appreciation Music Ohio History Programs should be creative, innovative, and effective. Applicants should be prepared to outline measurable goals/outcomes for their request and the educational value of the requested materials. The applicant will be responsible for identifying the contact who approves funding requests (ie- principal, treasurer, curriculum director). Funding Information Annually, the grant budget ranges from $250 – $1,500. Not Eligible for Funding: Storage containers and rugs Substitute teacher costs Seating and furniture Physical technology items (cameras, printers, tablets, etc. For more information, visit Richland County Foundation.

City of Kettering’s Demolition Grant Program in Ohio offers financial assistance to commercial and residential property owners for the demolition of structures and clearance of sites to support redevelopment, economic development, removal of non-conforming structures, and elimination of blight. The program aims to remove blighting influences and their impact on adjacent properties, promote property maintenance responsibility, encourage sustainable property reuse, and ensure compliance with the city's Zoning Code.

The 2024 Housing Development and Beautification Grant Program in Ohio offers substantial redevelopment grants of $5,000 for eligible projects exceeding $20,000 per unit, with contractor estimates required. There is also a $7,500 grant for eligible new home construction, with developer budgets required. The grants can be used to subsidize the cost of constructing new housing units or rehabilitating existing ones, as well as for creating new housing units through adaptive reuse of non-residential properties. Additionally, there is a 50% grant assistance (up to $3,000) for exterior home repairs visible from the street, such as painting and roof repairs. The program also provides a $5,000 grant for eligible home purchases of one-, two-, and three-family residences that will be owner-occupied. Certain permits, inspections, and registered contractors may be required to participate in the program.

This program provides financial incentives to businesses expanding or establishing operations in Toledo, Ohio, by rewarding them for creating new, high-paying jobs that contribute to the city's economic growth.