Best Akron Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Makulinski Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit and charity organizations, emphasizing sustainable community development. With a commitment to lasting change, MFF actively matches investments to amplify their impact, ranging from 10:1 to 1:2 based on beneficiary needs. The foundation welcomes proposals from various regions, including Ohio, Michigan, and South Carolina, and encourages applications that align with their mission. Interested parties can access the grant request form to submit their proposals.

The Synthomer Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations across the U.S. in education, health, civic initiatives, and the arts. With a legacy spanning over 60 years, the Foundation has awarded $1.3 million in 2024 alone to enhance community well-being. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to qualify, while those that discriminate or engage in political activities are ineligible. Through financial support and volunteerism, the Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities and fostering a culture of giving.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with capital projects benefiting Summit County residents can seek US $2,500 - US $25,000 to renovate or repair facilities or purchase essential equipment. Akron Community Foundation supports arts and culture, civic affairs, health and human services, education, and related priorities in Akron, Ohio, with preference for safe, sustainable, community-informed projects.

Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the Green community in Summit County can receive up to US $3,000 for civic, community, education, health, or nonprofit development initiatives. With a mission to strengthen community life, Akron Community Foundation provides Akron-area nonprofits with annual grants through the Green Community Fund endowment.

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 Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Susan B. Kosich Endowed Scholarship for Marketing Communications

Established in memory of longtime AAF-Akron member Susan Kosich to provide scholarships for students at an accredited Northeast Ohio college or university who are pursuing a bachelor's degree in a communications-related field.

Amount: Minimum

• $2,500 (contingent on available funds and number of applicants)

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Renewal may be considered for uninterrupted successive years through graduation. Must reapply annually by submission of a new application. Renewal is contingent on available funds and number of applicants.

The Akron Community Foundation's Community Fund for Education Grants focuses on investing in the future of Summit County students. By partnering with local schools and community members, the foundation aims to support programs aligned with the Cradle to Career continuum. Grants target key transition points in education, particularly for early learning initiatives, ensuring children from birth to age five are equipped for success. This holistic approach enhances educational outcomes in the community.

The Akron Community Foundation offers Community Fund Grants focused on Arts & Culture, aimed at enriching the community's quality of life. These grants support diverse artistic and cultural initiatives that foster inclusiveness and systemic change in Summit County. Eligible applicants include approved 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to addressing community needs through effective and sustainable programs. However, grants do not cover endowments, scholarships, or direct financial support to individuals.

The O'Neill Brothers Grants support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Northeast Ohio, providing approximately $300,000 in grants annually. With a focus on Catholic, educational, human service, cultural, and conservation initiatives, the foundation prioritizes requests for unrestricted operating support from financially stable entities. Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The review process can take up to six months, but emergency funding requests may be considered at the discretion of the Trustees.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

Witan Presidents' Scholarship Fund

Established by WITAN to provide scholarships for nontraditional female students at the University of Akron.

Amount:

• $2,500

Number of awards:

• 1

Renewal:

• No

The FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The Ridgecliff Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations focusing on mental health and chemical dependency in Northeast Ohio. This funding is aimed at education, prevention, and treatment initiatives. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and operate within specific counties. The foundation does not fund general operating support, construction projects, or research. Grants are limited to one per organization annually, and multi-year projects require yearly re-application.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

The Bicknell Fund Grant aims to enhance the well-being of mankind through charitable, educational, and scientific initiatives. Established in 1949 by Warren Bicknell and his family, the fund focuses primarily on Health and Human Services, aiding the homeless and disadvantaged in Cleveland, with additional support for education and the arts. Grants are available to local 501(c)(3) organizations, fostering a collaborative relationship with the community. The fund does not support individuals, multi-year pledges, or political advocacy.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Robert O. and AnnaMae Orr Family Foundation Grant offers funding throughout the year, focusing on education, human services, health, and cultural programs within Summit and Stark Counties, Ohio. It supports innovative initiatives that enhance community well-being while adhering to strict eligibility criteria for tax-exempt organizations. Applications submitted between November 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, will be reviewed in March 2026. The foundation emphasizes community impact and responsible philanthropy.

The Reinberger Foundation offers Human Service Grants to support organizations helping underserved individuals achieve self-sufficiency and community enrichment. Priority is given to those who have received funding in the past five years. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and serve within Ohio, particularly in Cuyahoga and Franklin counties. The foundation focuses on critical areas such as housing stability, food insecurity, and family violence.

The Reinberger Foundation, established in 1966, aims to empower individuals towards self-sufficiency while enriching communities in Ohio. The foundation focuses on supporting organizations in areas such as arts, culture, and humanities, including museums, visual and performing arts, and arts education. Priority is given to past grantees and organizations within the greater Cleveland and Columbus areas. For new applicants, discussions prior to application are encouraged to align missions effectively.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

Fred Frese Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established by NAMI Summit County to honor and memorialize Dr. Frederick J. Frese III by providing scholarships to graduate-level students seeking a degree in the area of mental health treatment. Dr. Frese was a renowned psychologist and fierce health advocate for the rights and dignity of people with a mental illness. His life experience as a person with schizophrenia, as well as living a life of tremendous accomplishment, gave Dr. Frese a unique perspective and a unique voice.

Amount:

• Varies (contingent on available funds)

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

The NOPEC Foundation Fund offers grants primarily to nonprofit organizations within NOPEC communities, focusing on health, economic development, community development, environment, and social services. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, aiming to address diverse community needs that are often overlooked by traditional funding sources. Eligible applicants are those operating significantly within NOPEC areas, ensuring support reaches those most in need.