Best Adams County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Interact For Health

Our organization started in 1997, when ChoiceCare sold its health maintenance organization to Humana for $221 million. The proceeds were invested and The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati was created, serving a 20-county region in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. The foundation was charged with changing the way health care was delivered—especially for under-resourced communities.

Our mission is to ensure people in our region have a just opportunity to live their healthiest lives. Our Vision is focused on people in our region being healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live.

Interact For Health: Event Sponsorship

Interact for Health provides sponsorships as a way to support organizations within Greater Cincinnati with funding beyond our grantmaking work. Sponsorships are a competitive process, and funding is limited. We prioritize sponsoring events that serve our priority populations, align with our strategic plan, and benefit (and are located in) our 20-county service area.

In general, sponsorship opportunities are meant to benefit organizations that are not current grantees of Interact for Health. 

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

Nonprofit and charity organizations in Adams County, Ohio seeking support for education, community services, or environmental work can apply for funding that matches volunteer time or financial gifts. Grants from Makulinski Family Foundation help local and international charities by leveraging match ratios based on beneficiary affluence, and proposals connected with Rotary may also be considered.

The CALT Experiences Grants, provided by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, support public projects in Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia that celebrate traditional arts and cultural knowledge. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and individual artists from Appalachian Regional Commission-designated areas. Funded activities may encompass workshops, public art, performances, and exhibitions. This initiative fosters community engagement and enhances appreciation of living traditions while promoting artistic skills and cultural heritage.

Investing in Libraries as Community Builders grants

A total of $250,000 will be invested to support Appalachian Ohio’s libraries in work that advances civic health by bringing residents together in meaningful ways, including through projects that forge deeper connections among community members and provide opportunities for residents to collaborate in solving challenges and creating new opportunities. In partnership with the Trust for Civic Life, FAO invites libraries in the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio to apply for up to $20,000 to support “civic experiments,” activities that:

• Introduce entrepreneurial approaches to removing barriers that keep people from participating in their community;
• Repeatedly bring together a group of community members who have not been engaged with one another, the library or the community around a shared interest, goal or unmet need; or
• Integrate volunteer or community members as program leaders to expand capacity beyond staff.

Private landowners in Adams County, Ohio can apply for the Ohio Forest Legacy Program to protect working forests through conservation easements and long-term forest management. Administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, it supports projects that maintain timber production, biodiversity, habitat, and water quality.

Nonprofit and public transportation providers offering open-door shared-ride services for seniors and people with disabilities in Adams County, Ohio can seek operating support through this program. With a mission to provide a safe, accessible transportation system, Ohio Department of Transportation reimburses 50% of eligible day-to-day operating costs under the Specialized Transportation Program (5310).

Adams County, Ohio transportation providers serving seniors and people with disabilities can access funding for contracted transit services through the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Section 5310 program. Eligible subrecipients receive reimbursement for 80% of capital costs when contracting with local transportation providers and must offer open-door, shared-ride services with a 20% non-U.S. DOT local match.

Nonprofit organizations and folk or traditional artists in Adams County, Ohio can receive US $1,000 - US $7,000 to create public-facing folk and traditional arts projects and events. Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation supports new or expanded workshops, performances, exhibitions, media projects, and other activities that share cultural knowledge and engage community members in living traditions.

The CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship, supported by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of Black Appalachian storytelling. This fellowship honors those who embody the history and culture of African Americans in the region. Each year, fellows are recognized at the National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, receiving awards crafted by Dr. Dena Jennings. The program fosters a deeper understanding of these traditions and invites fellows to share their stories at future events.

Improving Maternal and Infant Health by Addressing Community Barriers to Healthcare Access 

The Public Health Fund of Ohio (PHFO), in partnership with the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio (HealthPath), seeks to improve maternal and infant health by investing in sustainable approaches that strengthen access to prenatal, postpartum, and infant healthcare.

A total of up to $300,000 is available through this funding opportunity. PHFO and HealthPath anticipate awarding up to six grants of up to $50,000 each over the two-year grant period. 

Volunteer and combination fire departments serving small communities in Adams County, Ohio can access funding through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program; awards up to US $10,000 on a 50/50 reimbursement basis for wildland fire equipment, PPE, MARCS-compatible communications, vehicles, tools, and other rural firefighting needs.

The African American Community Fund Grant, established by Ernest E. and Ernest A. Bynum, aims to support African American communities in Appalachian Ohio. This fund addresses disparities and enhances the quality of life through initiatives in arts, education, economic development, and health services. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, focusing on projects led by Black organizations across 32 counties. This initiative strengthens both the African American population and the broader community.

With a mission to support K-12 civics education, this program provides Adams County, Ohio public schools, educators, students, and public or nonprofit organizations serving K-12 students with US $500 - US $10,000 for civics learning projects. Grants from the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio back programming that helps students become informed, engaged community members.

The COAD Appalachian Development Fund Grants, offered by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, aim to enhance the quality of life in Appalachian Ohio through innovative programs. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to nonprofit and public organizations serving the region. Priority is given to projects led by local organizations, promoting community development and addressing specific needs. Past awards include housing coordinators and infrastructure improvements, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth and support for COAD member agencies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Adams County, Ohio can seek funding for workforce development, climate resiliency, and opportunity and inclusion programs; awards up to US $20,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, Duke Energy Foundation provides rolling, year-round support for projects serving areas where Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas operate.

Environmental Stewardship: Innovation Grants

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

Innovation grants invest in new and creative solutions that result in environmental good while encouraging environmental stewardship. Possibilities include areas such as upcycling materials or developing approaches to harmonize energy, economics, environment and health. FAO will also consider strategic initiatives and planning for communities leveraging larger funds. Innovation grants can support pilot projects that increase the region’s capacity to improve air quality; water quality; green energy generation, storage and adoption; and diesel emission reduction. At least $20,000 is available to support innovation grants.

Funding Areas

Foster greater community involvement (schools, nonprofits, businesses, etc.) in sustainable initiatives and projects with high impact across multiple sectors, including energy, economics, environment and health.

Support innovative projects that focus on developing new or improving upon existing methods for reducing and redesigning materials, driving forward-thinking solutions that benefit communities and the environment.

Strengthen the ability of local organizations to secure substantial funding from state, federal and national programs. Increasing access to these resources will amplify the impact of projects focused on large-scale and innovative approaches to cleaner air, cleaner water, green energy adoption and diesel emission reduction.

Environmental Stewardship: Research Grants

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

FAO welcomes proposals for projects that result in scalable change, with a priority for projects that will impact multiple counties. FAO will consider funding requests between $5,000 and $50,000 per project, and at least $150,000 is available to award. We encourage applicants to propose research with the potential to significantly impact the understanding of aquatic biodiversity, water quality and threats to healthy habitats. The following examples illustrate eligible projects, but proposals are not limited to the listed areas.

• Flood resilience
• Watershed monitoring, analysis and management applications
• Application of innovative technologies and methodologies
• Collaborative research partnerships across disciplines and sectors
• Ecosystem services

The Lightfoot Foundation offers educational grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Idaho. These funds are allocated at the discretion of the Foundation’s Board and are intended for environmental and classroom education, as well as necessary repairs and supplies for school buildings. This initiative aims to enhance the learning environment, ensuring safety and accessibility for students in the state.

With a mission to strengthen Appalachian communities, Appalachian Regional Commission provides Adams County, Ohio public agencies, local governments, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions with funding for critical infrastructure and business and workforce development projects. Eligible applicants can support water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, worker training, and related economic development initiatives in ARC-designated Appalachian counties.

Nonprofits, local governments, and other organizations planning multi-state economic and community development projects that include Adams County, Ohio can seek funding for planning or implementation efforts. Appalachian Regional Commission supports regional initiatives across eligible Appalachian counties with grants up to US $10,000,000 to strengthen businesses, workforce, tourism, and community revitalization.

Adams County, Ohio public and nonprofit organizations, plus fiscally sponsored groups, can seek up to US $25,000 for projects in environmental protection, renewable energy, education, and reducing disparities. Adams County groups and those serving its residents can access funding via Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s Edge of Appalachia – Adams County Fund.

Adams County, Ohio students pursuing ecology, forestry, wildlife, natural resources, energy efficiency, agriculture, land stewardship, or DEI-related programs can receive scholarship support up to US $25,000. With a mission to strengthen Appalachian communities, Foundation for Appalachian Ohio helps local residents access undergraduate, trade, vocational, or technical education that benefits the region’s environment and equity.

Environmental Stewardship: Fellowships

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

Fellowships provide two years of support for individuals who pioneer positive change through projects that address environmental challenges and promote biodiversity conservation. Fellows are supported as they engage communities in educational initiatives related to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We seek to invest in fellows who will pilot new methodologies, develop scalable solutions and ultimately shift existing patterns in environmental stewardship. Up to $20,000 is available to support environmental stewardship fellowships over a two-year period. 

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) charities in Adams County, Ohio can seek US $100,000 for capital, start-up, technology, or program expansion projects that address defined community needs in culture, education, environment, family, or health and wellness. Impact 100 provides multi-year funding for measurable projects serving at least one county in the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State area.

Environmental Stewardship: Community Grants

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

To support locally driven projects that preserve and enhance our natural environment.

Community grants empower local communities to preserve and enhance our natural environment.

We know relatively modest projects can make an outsized difference when they promote environmental stewardship and engage whole communities in conservation. More details about these grants and how to apply can be found on page 5. At least $50,000 is available to support community grants.