Ohio Private Grants

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

This program provides early-stage startups in Cincinnati with free mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities to help them grow and prepare for investment.

The Woodruff Foundation provides funding to tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations located in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, aiming to enhance behavioral health. This initiative supports programs across several focus areas, including treatment, education and prevention, coordination of resources in the community, research, and advocacy. Past funded programs have covered a wide range of services, such as bereavement support, integrated care, guardianship services, and recovery support from addiction and substance abuse. To qualify for funding, organizations must comply with specific eligibility criteria, including being tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, serving in one of the foundation's focus areas, operating in Cuyahoga County, and having submitted reports on any previous grants. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Spring opening/closing deadline: April 1st to May 1st

The Bernard McDonough Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. For more than 50 years the foundation has supported the nonprofit community in West Virginia and Washington County, Ohio. The foundation is committed to providing financial support to non-profits whose mission is to assist with basic human needs including those that address basic health and social welfare. Your work changes lives and we’re behind you 100%

The Hudson Community Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to addressing community needs and improving the quality of life within Hudson, Ohio. This aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the well-being of the Hudson community by investing in key areas that foster a vibrant and thriving environment. The grants are designed to empower organizations that share this commitment to local improvement and community development. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit organizations classified under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, or in some instances, government agencies. These organizations must either be located in Hudson, Ohio, or provide services directly to its residents. The foundation aims to achieve significant community impact by funding initiatives that address critical needs and contribute to the overall enhancement of life for Hudson's citizens. The foundation's core areas of interest, which represent its strategic priorities and focus, include Arts and Culture, Hudson Social Services, Historical and Environmental Preservation, and Youth Education and Recreation. These areas reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that investing in these sectors will lead to a more enriched, supported, preserved, and educated community. Grant requests falling within these specific areas are viewed favorably, indicating a clear alignment with the foundation's strategic vision. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the foundation's focus on "meeting community needs and enhancing the quality of life" implies a commitment to tangible improvements. Successful grant applications would likely demonstrate how their proposed projects contribute to these overarching goals within the identified areas of interest. The foundation's exclusions, such as support for religious organizations, political campaigns, or endowments, further define its strategic boundaries and reinforce its focus on direct community benefit.

The Youngstown Foundation offers various grant programs designed to be innovative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the local community in Youngstown and vicinity (Mahoning and Trumbull Counties). The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in supporting effective 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that do not discriminate. Each year, approximately 500 grants, ranging from $1,000 to $300,000, are awarded across several program areas including Health, Environment, Education and Youth, Community Development, Arts and Culture, Social/Family Services, Women, and Seniors. This broad scope reflects the foundation's commitment to addressing diverse community needs and aligning its resources with key areas for local impact. The target beneficiaries of The Youngstown Foundation's grants are the people of Youngstown and vicinity, specifically residents of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. The foundation aims for significant impact by supporting projects and organizations that strengthen the community's ability to respond effectively to needs, promote collaboration, and reduce duplication of services. Expected outcomes include improved health, environmental quality, educational opportunities, youth development, community infrastructure, arts and culture, social and family well-being, and support for women and seniors. The Crisis Assistance Program, for example, specifically targets agencies needing emergency funding to ensure continuity of essential, direct services to clients, with a clear outcome of maintaining critical community support during times of crisis. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its preference for innovative proposals that originate from local organizations, target local populations, demonstrate strong volunteer leadership, and build on community strengths. The foundation seeks to apply its resources optimally and confirms an agency's sustainability/strategic plan, with no expectation of annual funding, thereby fostering long-term impact and self-sufficiency. Its theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in local, well-led, and collaborative initiatives, it can create a resilient community that effectively addresses its own needs. The types of grants offered further illustrate these priorities. Program Grants support specific, time-bound projects with explicit objectives and predetermined costs, focusing on measurable results within defined program areas. Operational Grants support an organization's overall activities and overhead, allowing grantees discretion to use funds where most needed, particularly for organizations consistently serving Mahoning and/or Trumbull county residents, thus ensuring ongoing vital services. Capital Investment Grants are specifically for improving physical spaces within the designated counties, contributing to the community's infrastructure. The Crisis Assistance Program and Support Fund Grants, including the Williamson Fund, highlight the foundation's responsiveness to immediate needs and its strategy to amplify individual contributions to small and midsize charities.

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

This 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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to designated Ohio communities for projects that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States through storytelling and educational initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that enhance community well-being through charitable, educational, and service-oriented projects in specific counties of Ohio and West Virginia.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan that are seeking financial assistance for capital improvement projects to enhance community quality of life.

The OneOhio Recovery Foundation’s first round of grants will be awarded to eligible organizations that apply and are selected for funding by one of the 19 OneOhio Regions. To be considered for funding, applicants must demonstrate the program or services intended for funding align with the Approved Purposes and the Ohio Abatement Strategies detailed in the OneOhio Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The Woodruff Foundation provides funding to tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations located in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, aiming to enhance behavioral health. This initiative supports programs across several focus areas, including treatment, education and prevention, coordination of resources in the community, research, and advocacy. Past funded programs have covered a wide range of services, such as bereavement support, integrated care, guardianship services, and recovery support from addiction and substance abuse. To qualify for funding, organizations must comply with specific eligibility criteria, including being tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, serving in one of the foundation's focus areas, operating in Cuyahoga County, and having submitted reports on any previous grants. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Summer opening/closing deadline: August 1st to September 1st

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

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit and government organizations in Licking County, Ohio, to address critical issues related to behavioral health, children and families, and poverty.

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.

The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland (UBFGC) has announced the "Community Thrive" grant, a special funding opportunity designed to combat mental health issues and gun violence in the community. This initiative aligns with UBFGC's mission to identify and partner with organizations that are making a positive impact on the devastating effects of these issues, demonstrating a commitment to community well-being and social justice. The grant supports programs, resources, and support services that aim to improve mental health and/or reduce the incidence of gun violence, reflecting a strategic priority to foster a healthier and safer Cuyahoga County. The grant targets organizations serving Cuyahoga County that provide programming to support mental health or gun violence prevention/intervention work. The beneficiaries include youth and adults affected by depression, those at risk of suicide, individuals struggling with school violence/absenteeism, anger management, and social media addiction. In terms of gun violence, the grant aims to support families affected by gun violence, promote gun safety, and address gun culture and laws. The expected impact is a reduction in mental health crises and gun violence incidents, leading to improved community well-being and safety. The "Community Thrive" grant prioritizes projects that impact mental health wellness, including addressing depression, suicide prevention, school violence, anger management, and social media addiction. For gun violence prevention, the grant seeks innovative approaches such as education and awareness campaigns, and community-based interventions that tackle root causes. Specific areas of interest include preventing shootings in schools, universities, religious institutions, and retail locations, as well as supporting affected families. The grant also considers proposals addressing gun culture, gun safety, and gun laws. Applicants must be established organizations with a proven track record of at least three years, demonstrating their impact through data. They must serve Cuyahoga County and provide a minimum of one letter of support. A key criterion is that funding must be utilized for 80% programming and 20% operations and/or marketing. The organization must be a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal agent, and a one-page strategic plan summary outlining the use of funds is required. The grant does not support one-time events, sponsorships, or fundraising campaigns, emphasizing a focus on sustained programming with a minimum execution period of one year, commencing January 1, 2024. These criteria reflect UBFGC's theory of change, which emphasizes evidence-based, long-term, and community-focused interventions.

The Mayor’s Office of African Affairs (MOAA) is offering its FY2025 African Community Grant to qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the African community in the District of Columbia. This grant aims to support initiatives that contribute to the District's strategic priorities, fostering a vibrant, safe, and educated community. The program's mission is directly aligned with strengthening the African community by supporting organizations that provide direct services and address key areas of need within the District. The grant targets the African community of all ages residing in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are broadly focused on improving the quality of life for this community. This includes contributing to a "Downtown Comeback" by reimagining vibrant centers of activity, enhancing "Public Safety" by reducing all forms of violence and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development, and improving "Education" by ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential through academic and recreational activities. The grant prioritizes services in three key funding areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. For the Downtown Comeback, the focus is on creating spaces where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play, positioning DC as a global and forward-thinking leader. For Public Safety, the emphasis is on creating lasting change, reducing violence, and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development. In Education, the priorities are fundamental skills like reading and math, as well as recreational activities such as sports, arts, civic engagement, and youth engagement. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, are implied through the funding areas. For example, in Public Safety, the expected outcome is a reduction in violence and improved quality of life through various investments. In Education, the goal is for children to reach their full potential, suggesting improved academic outcomes and increased participation in enriching activities. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by investing in CBOs providing direct services in these critical areas, the overall well-being and strength of the African community in the District of Columbia will be enhanced, contributing to a more equitable and thriving city for all.

Ohio: Call for Applications for Facade Improvement Grant. The Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) program aims to enhance the appeal of commercial areas in Knox County, Ohio, by supporting building improvements. The program prioritizes projects that align with historic preservation standards, design guides, and municipal plans. By investing in fixed assets, the initiative seeks to stimulate business development and downtown growth while creating a more inviting environment for residents and visitors.

The EQT Foundation Grant program is designed to support nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts within their communities. The foundation is deeply committed to fostering education and training for both children and adults, developing diverse and livable communities, and preserving natural environments. This mission aligns with their belief in meaningful community engagement and responsible corporate citizenship, emphasizing trust-based philanthropy to ensure resources directly contribute to community stability and, in turn, support successful business operations in their operational footprint. The foundation's funding strategy prioritizes organizations and programs that directly impact community residents. They seek proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. The target beneficiaries include children and adults receiving education and training, residents of diverse and livable communities, and those benefiting from natural environment preservation efforts. The impact goals revolve around creating positive and needed change, fostering community stability, and contributing to the overall well-being of the areas where EQT Corporation operates. The EQT Foundation focuses on three core areas: Community Enrichment, Education & Workforce, and Environment. Community Enrichment encourages the development of diverse, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities, with examples ranging from food banks and libraries to arts programs and community festivals. Education & Workforce aims to promote STEM proficiency for youth and create a skilled future workforce through initiatives like in-school STEM curricula, computer camps, and career planning. The Environment focus supports natural resource preservation and educates communities on conservation techniques, including community gardens, watershed conservation, and green space restoration. Beyond these thematic priorities, the EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of a geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations, effective management of available resources, and outreach that garners solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs, and sponsors. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the emphasis on "positive, needed, and trusted impacts" and "creative approaches to addressing critical issues" suggests a commitment to tangible community benefits. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in education, community development, and environmental preservation in their operational areas, they contribute to the long-term stability and success of these communities, which in turn supports their business operations.