Search Through Air Quality Grants in Ohio in the U.S.

Making community possible

At U.S. Bank, we are dedicated to supporting our communities through responsive and humbled actions focused on addressing racial and economic inequities and creating lasting change in our communities. Through our Community Possible Grant Program, we are partnering with organizations that focus on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing and communities connected through arts and culture.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is committed to making Community Possible through Work, Home and Play. We advance this work through collaborative grant making to bring equitable and lasting change through our focus on sustainable, high-impact funding with 501c3 nonprofit partners.

How we partner with nonprofits

We focus on collaborative grantmaking and sustainable, high-impact funding with 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners. We partner with organizations that support:

• Economic and workforce advancement
• Safe and affordable housing
• Community arts and culture

Our strategy

Our community affairs and foundation team work closely with U.S. Bank regional leadership, business resource groups and our National Community Advisory Committee to ensure that prevailing needs are addressed in all the communities we serve.

To make the most meaningful impact, we prioritize organizations that:

• Focus on economic development issues related to work, home and play
• Address more than one of the grant pillars (work, home and play)
• Are based in and serve designated U.S. Bank communities
• Advance diversity, equity and inclusion

Who We Are

The Creag Foundation is a private grant making foundation established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington.

The founders of the Creag Foundation believe that meaningful change can only be achieved through hard work, creativity and passion. They also understand the practical mechanisms that allow charitable organizations to succeed and grow. As a group, Creag Foundation principals are dedicated to helping today’s most innovative programs improve the human condition in a wide variety of ways.

Our Focus

The broad purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations who are innovators in the field of human services. Our particular focus is on smaller organizations that are starting out or established organizations that are looking for funding to take their organization in a new direction.

What We Fund

/ What We Fund

The Creag Foundation is focused on innovation in the industry. We will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are finding new ways to address societal issues facing the nonprofit community. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for one year before submitting. If your organization has held 501(c)(3) status for over a year, and your believe that your organization has a new approach to an existing social problem or is addressing a previously unaddressed social issue, you are welcome to contact us and request that we consider your organization for a funding opportunity.

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute $40 million to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement

Tier 1 awards are one-year grants of up to $150,000 for assessment and engagement efforts that increase understanding of the breadth, depth, or impact of local environmental or public health issues. These grants are limited to capacity-constrained and entry-level applicants, as determined by the information you submit in the intake form. These grants will be paid on a milestone basis: 50% up front and 50% at the midway point, upon completion of agreed-upon milestones.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• GIS mapping
• Air quality sensor purchasing and siting
• Air, water, or soil sampling, testing, and monitoring
• Research, surveys, and studies
• Power mapping, public engagement, and public education to improve collective understanding of community challenges, needs, and opportunities.

Through a noncompetitive process, we will also award grants of up to $75,000 to capacity constrained communities and community-based organizations under Tier One.

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 2: Community Education and Planning

Tier 2 awards are one- to two-year grants of up to $250,000 for community-focused efforts that design, inform, and highlight solutions to local environmental or public health priorities. Up to 50% of the grant can be used for relevant property acquisition. Grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis, with a small number of grantees eligible for one advance payment of up to 10% of the total grant.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing project plans
• Developing communications and outreach plans
• Conducting workshops and trainings
• Developing curricula, toolkits, or guidelines; developing social media content
• Producing videos or printed materials
• Hosting events and gatherings
• Building or strengthening partnerships and collaboration
• Creating local advisory committees
• Engaging in public review or comment periods
• Developing or updating disaster resilience plans, emergency preparedness plans, or other community planning and visioning efforts

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

Tier 3 awards are one- to two-year grants of up to $350,000 to pilot or implement project plans. Projects may have educational and outreach components, but must focus on developing tangible community assets or providing environmental or public health benefits to one or more disadvantaged communities. Up to 50% of the grant can be used for relevant property acquisition or purchase. Grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis, with a small number of grantees eligible for one advance payment of up to 10% of the total grant.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Strengthening cumulative impact, public health, or environmental protections
• Increasing access to healthy food
• Reducing the use of pesticides or toxic substances
• Cleaning up contaminated sites
• Conducting healthy home assessments
• Increasing energy or water efficiency in homes or buildings
• Launching community energy or water efficiency programs
• Installing water filters; developing community gardens
• Creating community resilience hubs
• Installing green infrastructure projects
• Creating internships or implementing workforce development programs

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

Global Impact Cash Grants

Identifying and incubating innovative early-stage solutions. We identify, incubate, and develop innovative early-stage solutions with the highest potential for impact. Global Impact Cash Grants go to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that address a significant social problem. We're looking for programs that fit within our investment sectors, focus on the underserved, and use technology to improve the reach and efficiency of services.

We accept applications year-round from eligible organizations. A brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is used to determine whether your organization will be invited to complete a full application. Please expand and carefully review each of the three sections below to learn more

Our priority social impact sectors

We focus on investing in innovative, tech-enabled solutions to the challenges and opportunities that matter most to communities in need, prioritizing four social impact sectors:

Cisco Crisis Response

Mobilizing to provide essentials to communities in need and those in crisis, including food, housing, secure connectivity, and disaster relief

By leveraging Cisco’s people, technology, financial resources, and strategic partnerships, we help strengthen community resilience and drive long-term recovery from crises.

Education

Supporting students, teachers, and schools by increasing engagement, building skills, promoting subject mastery, and expanding their capacity to thrive

Cisco is committed to inclusive access to digital skills training and supporting those who use technology to educate. Through programs like Cisco Networking Academy and social investments in education, we create new opportunities for individuals to thrive.

Economic Empowerment

Transforming communities through skill development, long-term career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and access to financial products and services

Strategic grants that unlock economic prosperity and growth for individuals and communities.

Climate Regeneration

Building an inclusive, regenerative, and resilient climate future through education, regenerative agriculture, conservation, protection, and clean energy solutions

Our efforts began in 2021, when the Cisco Foundation committed US$100 million over 10 years to fund nonprofit grants and impact investing in climate solutions. 

Community Grants

State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger and better-educated communities.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are committed to auto and home safety programs and activities that help people manage the risks of everyday life.
• We invest in education, economic empowerment and community development projects, programs and services that help people realize their dreams.
• We help maintain the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization.

Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants focus on safety, community development and education.

Focus Areas

Safety Grants

We strive to keep our customers and communities safe. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Auto safety — improving driver, passenger, vehicle or roadway safety
• Home safety — shielding homes from fires, crime or natural disasters
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Disaster recovery

Community Development

We support nonprofits that invest and develop stronger neighborhoods. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Affordable housing — home construction and repair
• Commercial/small business development
• Job training
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Financial literacy
• Sustainable housing and transportation
• Food insecurity

Education

Our education funding is directed toward initiatives that support the following programs:

• Higher education
• K-12 academic performance
• K-12 STEM
• Pathways for college and career success

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

Philanthropy is our commitment to communities in which we operate and broader society. We focus our resources on a limited number of key projects that can deliver valuable benefits from our contributions and those of our partners. We give priority to innovative, high-quality projects that meet the following criteria:

• promote sustainable development
• offer an opportunity for Roche to use its expertise and logistics capabilities
• involve Roche actively at an early stage with local authorities and established partners
• engage Roche employees in cultural (focus on contemporary arts), educational and social activities
• managed by an accredited charity

Our four focus areas

Humanitarian and Social

We direct the majority of our philanthropic donations to humanitarian and social development projects.

Science and education

We are dedicated to programmes that promote scientific interest and provide educational opportunities for young people around the world.

Community and Environment

We are committed to building stronger communities and responding to natural disasters sustainably.

Arts and Culture

We support groundbreaking contemporary art, cultural projects and activities that explore the parallels between innovation in art and in science. 

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust is devoted solely to the funding of charitable, scientific, medical and educational organizations.

The Board endeavors to support soundly-managed charitable organizations that give service with a broad scope, have a substantial effect on their target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Ohio Environmental Education Fund

The OEEF was created by the General Assembly in 1990 to enhance Ohio citizens' awareness and understanding of environmental issues. It is administered by the Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and provides approximately $700,000 annually in grants to support environmental education efforts within the state of Ohio.

The OEEF derives its monies from one-half of the civil penalties collected from violations of Ohio's air and water pollution control regulations. The OEEF funds education projects that target three audiences: (1) the general public; (2) the regulated community; and (3) pre-school through university students and teachers. Grants are available at two funding levels, $500-$5,000 or $5,000-$50,000.

Application guidelines spell out application requirements, current funding priorities, the application review process, and preferred characteristics for projects targeting the respective audiences. OEEF grant coordinators are also available to assist in preparing grant proposals prior to the deadline dates, and to advise applicants on the eligibility of possible projects. OEEF grant-writing workshops are also offered around the state several times yearly.

OEEF supports innovative projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and provide the skills to make informed decisions and take responsible actions. Environmental education is based on objective and scientifically sound information and does not advocate a particular viewpoint or course of action. It teaches individuals how to weigh various sides of an issue through critical thinking, and it enhances their problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Ohio Environmental Education Fund General Grant

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is accepting grant proposals to receive funding from the Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF). Mini grants from $500 to $5,000 and general grants up to $50,000 each will be awarded to statewide and local organizations to implement projects that raise awarenessand educate the public about important environmental issues that impact the state. General grants will be awarded for up to a two-year term, but we encourage projects to be completed within 12 months of the start date. The OEEF is administered by the Ohio EPA and derives its funding from one-half of the civil penalties collected from violations of Ohio’s air and water pollution control regulations. It is anticipated that the OEEF will make available approximately $500,000 annually.

Priority Funding

Funding priorities for the 2026 state fiscal year include:

• Encouraging Ohio students to explore environmental-related careers;
• Encouraging habitat and ecological restoration efforts;
• Reducing emissions to improve air quality, including through energy conservation and alternative energy sources;
• Encourage planning and emergency preparedness for extreme environmental events (environmental releases, extreme weather, etc.);
• Using innovative practices to improve water quality, reduce nutrient loading, and prevent harmful algal blooms;
• Reducing lead exposure in drinking water;
• Reducing exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals”; and
• Connections between the environment and human health, including but not limited to, air quality and respiratory conditions, tick prevalence and Lyme disease, scrap tires, and mosquitoes.

Ohio Environmental Education Fund

The OEEF was created by the General Assembly in 1990 to enhance Ohio citizens' awareness and understanding of environmental issues. It is administered by the Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and provides approximately $700,000 annually in grants to support environmental education efforts within the state of Ohio.

Ohio Environmental Education Fund Mini Grant

Ohio EPA invites grant applications to the Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) for projects educating pre-school through university students and teachers, the general public, and the regulated community.

OEEF funding priorities for 2025 include education projects about:

• Reducing emissions to improve air quality, including through energy conservation and alternative fuels
• Reducing nutrient loadings to streams and lakes to improve water quality and prevent harmful algal blooms
• Using innovative practices to manage stormwater runoff
• Encouraging habitat restoration efforts
• Encouraging Ohio students to explore careers in environmental science and environmental engineering fields

Funding

Mini grants from $500 to $5,000.

Conservation Stewardship Program

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.

Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. We can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

How It Works

If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations.

For example, if you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for a multi species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction and further improve the health of your soil.

CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. Want to take it a step further? CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.

Benefits

CSP is for working lands and is the largest conservation program in the United States. Thousands of people voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation.

CSP participants are seeing real results.  Some of these benefits include:

• Enhanced resiliency to weather and market volatility
• Decreased need for agricultural inputs
• Improved wildlife habitat conditions

CSP Contracts

The program represents a genuine commitment to conservation – CSP contracts are for five years, with the opportunity to compete for a contract renewal if you successfully fulfill the initial contract and agree to achieve additional conservation objectives. An NRCS conservation planner will work closely with you, throughout the entire contract process.

Contract payments are based on two components:

• Payments to maintain the existing level of conservation, based on the land uses included in the contract and an NRCS assessment of existing stewardship at the time of enrollment, and
• Payments to implement additional conservation activities.

NRCS may provide a minimum annual payment of $1,500 in any year the Chief determines the total contract payment amount is below a base level.

Ohio Priority Resource Concern Categories

• Ag land ranking pools
  • Wind and Water Erosion
  • Soil Quality Limitations
  • Degraded Plant Condition
  • Terrestrial Habitat
  • Concentrated Erosion
  • Field Pesticide Loss
  • Livestock Production Limitation
  • Field Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loss
• NIPF ranking pools
  • Wind and Water Erosion
  • Soil Quality Limitations
  • Degraded Plant Condition
  • Terrestrial Habitat
  • Concentrated Erosion
  • Aquatic Habitat
  • Fire Management
  • Pest Pressure

EQIP

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.

EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as:

• Improved water and air quality;
• Conserved ground and surface water;
• Increased soil health;
• Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation;
• Improved or created wildlife habitat; and
• Mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.

How It Works

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP.  Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.

Benefits

Some of these benefits include:

• Reduced contamination from agricultural sources, such as animal feeding operations.
• Efficient use of nutrients, reducing input costs and reduction in nonpoint source pollution.
• Improved soil health, which mitigates against increasing weather volatility, improves drought resiliency and can positively affect climate change.
• Implementation of climate-smart practices that improve carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building resilient landscapes.

Ohio Funding Opportunities

Cropland: This category addresses soil erosion and water quality resource concerns on cropland and adjacent incidental areas and managed on a regional basis.

Forestry: This category assists producers with non-industrial private forest land address resource concerns on land used for producing forest-related products.

Grazing: This category assists producers that have a pasture operation to address natural resource concerns related to the growing, raising, or reproducing of livestock.

Animal Feeding Operation: This category assists producers with confined livestock to address resource concerns related to the storage, treatment, and management of animal waste.

Wildlife Habitat Conservation: This category promotes habitat conservation for at-risk wildlife species, including restoring, developing, or enhancing wildlife habitat.

High Tunnels: This category assists producers to extend the growing season, improve plant and soil quality, reduce nutrient and pesticide transportation, improve air quality through reduced transportation inputs, and reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce.

Historically Underserved: This fund category is for applicants meeting the definition of Beginning Farmer/Rancher or Veteran Farmer/Ranchers who also meet the Beginning Farmer/Rancher definition. This category also assists limited resource producers and socially disadvantaged producers address resource concerns.

Conservation Practice (CPA): A Conservation Practice Activity (CPA) developed by a non-NRCS individual or entity identifies conservation practices needed to address a specific natural resource need, typically for land transitioning to organic production, grazing land, or forest land, or for specific resource needs such as nutrient management.

On-Farm Energy: This category assists producers identify ways to reduce energy use on their farms and to implement various recommended measures using conservation practices that address inefficient use of on-farm energy. A screening tool is required to be ranked in this category. This initiative only offers assistance for 128 Conservation Activity Plans-Ag Energy Management Plans (AgEMPs) and certain energy conservation practices.

Organic Initiative: This category assists organic producers implement a broad set of conservation practices to address resource concerns. A screening tool is required to be ranked in this category. This initiative is further divided to rank certified organic operations and transitioning to organic operations separately. Producers exempt from certification are considered under the transitioning category.

Working Lands for Wildlife: This category targets conservation efforts to improve agricultural and forest productivity which enhance wildlife habitat on working landscapes. Target species are used as barometers for success because their habitat needs are representative of healthy, functioning ecosystems where conservation efforts benefit a much broader suite of species.

Statewide Urban Agriculture Initiative: This category assists people in urban areas across Ohio establish urban agriculture practices to give people an opportunity to grow fresh vegetables longer while managing water and pests effectively.

Cleveland/Akron Urban Agriculture Initiative: This category assists people in the Greater Cleveland area establish urban agriculture practices to give people an opportunity to grow fresh vegetables longer while managing water and pests effectively.

Cincinnati Urban Agriculture Initiative: This category assists people in the Greater Cincinnati area establish urban agriculture practices to give people an opportunity to grow fresh vegetables longer while managing water and pests effectively.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI): GLRI protects and restores watersheds to combat invasive species, protect watersheds and shorelines, reduce non-point source pollution, and restore wetlands and other habitat areas. This GLRI project is for producers in Ohio’s Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) in the following sub watershed: Blanchard, Lower Maumee, Upper Auglaize, Cedar-Portage, Sandusky, St. Marys, Ottawa, St. Joseph, Tiffin, and Upper Maumee.

Northern Bobwhite In Grasslands: This category assists eligible producers implement conservation practices to address habitat loss without taking land out of production. 

WLEB Tri-State Initiative Special Project: This category assists WLEB producers implement a broad set of conservation practices to address water quality concerns. A screening worksheet is required in this category. To be eligible for this initiative, you must be located in Ohio WLEB counties identified on the project map.

Oak Management Special Project: The project will assist woodland owners implement conservation measures recommended by foresters. The project area includes the Wayne National Forest and Ohio State Forests, as well as privately held forest land in Adams, Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Scioto, Vinton, Morgan, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross and Washington Counties.

Conservation Enhancement and Outreach Special Project: The project is designed to assist landowners implement conservation practices to protect natural resources while enhancing pasture, crop, and forestland through targeted funding in Morgan and Guernsey Counties.

Pasture Improvement Special Project: The project is designed to assist landowners implement conservation practices through progressive planning on pasture land in Adams, Athens, Fayette, Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Scioto, and Vinton Counties.

Southern Ohio Appalachian Outreach Special Project: The project will promote best management practices in Adams, Athens, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington Counties.  Special emphasis will be placed on grassland management, planned grazing systems, nutrient management and winter-feeding management to address water quality and soil erosion concerns. 

Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI): This project will assist agricultural producers to protect and improve water quality in the Headwaters of Loramie Creek Watershed(s).

National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI): This project will assist agricultural producers to protect and improve water quality in the Gladys, Solomon, and Five Mile Watersheds.

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

Mission

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is an independent family foundation dedicated to creating opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for children and families in need.

Vision

Through this foundation, the Frankino family desires to share God’s blessing by a commitment to philanthropic excellence.

The Foundation awards monetary grants to qualifying institutions and agencies for initiatives designed to improve the quality of life along with the advancement of medical research. We are a family foundation guided by the enduring business philosophy and personal values of Mr. Sam Frankino. His approach to business and community participation were the groundwork for the foundation’s philanthropic direction overall. As Executive Director of the foundation, Lorraine Frankino-Dodero guides the foundation by seeking out and researching charitable organizations that are best able to make a meaningful impact. Building on the legacy of our founder, we believe that the leadership of our grantees will make a profound impact and create lasting change within our community.

About the Foundation

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation (SJFF) supports excellence in education as well as other avenues for child development and personal growth. We seek to partner with organizations or groups to satisfy basic human needs — whether that takes the form of economic assistance for the homeless, local food banks, safe shelters for children and families that fall victim to domestic violence, etc.

SJFF supports community and culture, particularly the Italian-American community. We desire to facilitate pioneering discoveries in medical and surgical research; construction of health care facilities that support the complex healing process; creation and support of the arts; initiatives that strive to protect our environment; and other special projects that affect the lives of children and families in need, primarily within Northeast Ohio

Programs

Child & Family

Education is the cornerstone within the life and development of a child. The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is committed to supporting schools and other academic institutions. Future generations of Newtons, Monets, Einsteins, Hemingways, Goodalls, and Jobses will certainly bring amazing discoveries and creations in science, the arts, literature, technology, and more to our world. It begins by providing them with the tools necessary to see beyond their walls.

The Foundation welcomes opportunities to partner with nonprofit organizations that reach out to youth — particularly children who are homeless or within foster care — and that offer physical education programs, thereby encouraging physical as well as mental health.

SJFF also supports programs that seek to help victims of child abuse and domestic violence, whether through women’s shelters, law enforcement programs or judicial avenues. We offer grants for programs and services that empower children and families to overcome poverty or other adversities, thereby fostering hope and inspiring change.

Community

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation welcomes opportunities to support our community and culture, particularly the Italian-American community. We contribute to social, educational, recreational and other creative initiatives for all ages that strengthen community and are dedicated to preserving and enriching our heritage and traditions.

Health & Human Services

It is a mission of the Sam J. Frankino Foundation to help those in need to get the proper care and support to lead productive, rewarding lives.

The SJFF gives high priority to support health care initiatives and organizations that deliver care to the poor, sick and disabled in our community as well as institutions that advance the knowledge of medicine and surgery in maintaining one’s overall health.

SJFF seeks to help the poor, homeless, and broken, primarily within our community, through grants that support programs and services that reach these fragile groups. We also want to help when tragedy strikes – whether a home fire, tornado, or other natural disaster.

Our Foundation continues to support organizations that care for children and adults challenged with physical and developmental disabilities as well as mental health issues. We also honor our valiant, courageous veterans. Sam J. Frankino served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, and like all veterans, fought to protect the freedoms we hold so dear. We are proud to be able to give back to those who served.

Arts & Culture

The creative spirit and imagination are central to healthy communities. Artistic expression nourishes the soul and breaks down boundaries among races, classes, religions, and cultures. The arts also bring attention to inequalities and celebrate individuality.

Our region is rich with ambitious artists who should be nurtured through support of their creative endeavors. Our Foundation supports professional organizations that create excellent, innovative art and protect art treasures throughout the world.

Beyond the paint, canvas or stage, SJFF supports such worthwhile organizations and programs as zoos, botanical gardens, theaters, museums, symposiums and cultural exhibitions.

Science & Medical

Supporting pioneering discoveries in science, medical research and bioengineering is achieved not only through The Sam J. Frankino Foundation’s generous undergraduate and graduate scholarships but through our financial support of regional health care institutions.

SJFF supports scholastic endeavors and organizations that strive to enrich the lives of those residing primarily in northeast Ohio. We applaud state-of-the art breakthroughs in medical research as well as the delivery of innovative health care solutions.

SJFF demonstrates a history of supporting research and improvements in the areas of:

• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Parkinson’s
• Leukemia
• Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Lupus
• Arthritis

Our Foundation will provide grants to further the understanding of diseases and advance the capabilities of medicine and surgery that may one day bring cures.

Environment

Clean air, clean water, land conservation, a sustainable environment–The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is committed to supporting such “green” initiatives. A clean, healthy environment is vital for future generations. All must step up and invest to make this goal achievable.

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation supports partnerships that bring together people who value, nurture and protect the natural environment. The SJF Foundation is specifically interested in increasing the understanding of the environment and our relationship to it and its activities.

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.

About NOACA

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is the transportation and environmental planning agency that represents state, county, city, village, and township officials in Greater Cleveland. NOACA addresses the transportation, air quality, and water quality needs of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. The agency and its partners cooperatively develop and implement plans to ensure that travel throughout the region is safe, cost-effective and environmentally sound. 

Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI)

This program provides transportation infrastructure funding for projects which have been recommended through a TLCI planning study (or a locally supported TLCI-like planning study).

The TLCI program consists of two components: planning and implementation.

• Planning awards help fund planning studies that can lead to improvements to transportation systems and the neighborhoods they support.
• Implementation awards help communities move forward with the development and installation of infrastructure from past completed livability studies. Project sponsors are encouraged to submit minimum implementation requests of $100,000. However, projects requiring less than $100,000 will be considered if they exemplify the goals of the TLCI program.

Implementation Awards

Implementation awards will be administered by NOACA staff in partnership with participating communities. Implementation awards will fund projects recommended in completed TLCI plans, or in plans that:

• Included a public involvement/engagement process (must include public meetings with neighborhood or community feedback specific to the transportation component)
• Have a multimodal transportation focus (i.e., pedestrian, bicycle, roadway, safety, and/or transit analysis and recommendations)
• Recommend specific countermeasures at specific locations

Implementation awards will result in the programming, procurement, and installation of infrastructure that achieves the goals of the TLCI program. Projects will be balanced across transportation modes, with the goal of comprehensively improving accessibility and safety at specific locations.

Funding

The total budget available for TLCI planning and implementation is $2,000,000. To effectively manage the program, the NOACA Board may limit the funds available within a specific application cycle. TLCI awards are at the discretion of the Board. The Board may also limit the number of awards and funding to applicants within an application cycle. Planning will comprise up to $500,000 of the total TLCI budget, with the remainder dedicated to implementation. In-kind services in lieu of financial participation cannot count as local match.

About NOACA

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is the transportation and environmental planning agency that represents state, county, city, village, and township officials in Greater Cleveland. NOACA addresses the transportation, air quality, and water quality needs of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. The agency and its partners cooperatively develop and implement plans to ensure that travel throughout the region is safe, cost-effective and environmentally sound. 

Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI)

This program provides transportation infrastructure funding for projects which have been recommended through a TLCI planning study (or a locally supported TLCI-like planning study).

The TLCI program consists of two components: planning and implementation.

• Planning awards help fund planning studies that can lead to improvements to transportation systems and the neighborhoods they support.
• Implementation awards help communities move forward with the development and installation of infrastructure from past completed livability studies. Project sponsors are encouraged to submit minimum implementation requests of $100,000. However, projects requiring less than $100,000 will be considered if they exemplify the goals of the TLCI program.

Planning Awards

Only planning activities are eligible for TLCI planning awards. Planning activities must coordinate partners and stakeholders and result in deliverables that recommend transportation infrastructure improvements.

TLCI plans should reflect national best practices in transportation planning and engineering practice.

Examples of eligible planning activities include (but are not limited to):

• Transportation plans supporting redevelopment
• Bicycle and pedestrian network/complete streets implementation plans
• Transit-oriented development plans
• Neighborhood traffic calming plans, including improvements for bicycle and pedestrian safety and accessibility
• Transportation Demand Management studies

Funding

The total budget available for TLCI planning and implementation is $2,000,000. To effectively manage the program, the NOACA Board may limit the funds available within a specific application cycle. TLCI awards are at the discretion of the Board. The Board may also limit the number of awards and funding to applicants within an application cycle. Planning will comprise up to $500,000 of the total TLCI budget, with the remainder dedicated to implementation. In-kind services in lieu of financial participation cannot count as local match.

Ohio’s Forest Legacy Program is a partnership between the State and the USDA Forest Service to identify and protect environmentally important forests from conversion to non-forest uses, primarily through the purchase of conservation easements. Projects are funded using federal funds and local costsharing.

The overall mission of Ohio’s Forest Legacy Program is to protect working forests. The program was established with the guiding principle that working forests would be professionally managed under a forest management plan that incorporates timber harvesting as a management tool. Working forests provide other environmental benefits, including rare wildlife and plant habitat, and improve air and water quality. The program goals are to:

• Protect working forests threatened by conversion to non-forest uses
• Protect and enhance social/cultural values associated with forest uses
• Improve/enhance biodiversity
• Improve water quality and protect water quantity
• Enhance economic productivity through traditional forest uses 

ASHRAE's Mission and Vision

Mission: To serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields. Vision: A healthy and sustainable built environment for all.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is a global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. The Society and its members focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality and sustainability within the industry. Through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education, ASHRAE shapes tomorrow’s global built environment today. ASHRAE is an international society of more than 50,000 heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning professionals from over 132 nations dedicated to serving humanity and promoting a sustainable world.

Ronald P. Vallort Engineering Scholarship

One-year scholarship established and named for a former ASHRAE President (2004-2005). Presidential Theme: Refrigeration: Technology for Survival. Special consideration is given to engineering students studying refrigeration and/or the cold chain and enrolled at one of the following universities:

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
• Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois
• Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
• Colorado State University at Fort Collins, CO

Scholarships are available to full-time undergraduate engineering or pre-engineering students enrolled in a specific post-secondary educational institution and pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree in a course of study that has traditionally been a preparatory curriculum for the HVAC&R profession.