Search Through Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio in the U.S.

As the philanthropic arm of Elevance Health, Inc., the Elevance Health Foundation promotes the organization’s commitment to improving lives and communities.

For 25 years, we’ve been committed to, connected with, and invested in communities across the country. It all started with our signature Healthy Generations program, through which the Foundation targeted specific preventable health concerns while addressing the disparities and social drivers that affect them. By using innovative social-mapping technology and by analyzing public-health data, we gained a snapshot of the major health issues affecting each state, which allowed us to drill down to the zip-code level and target initiatives positively affecting the conditions that matter most. We called this “putting science behind the art of grantmaking.”

In 2021, the effects of COVID-19, together with social unrest, began to call attention to racial inequities and health disparities that have plagued our communities for too long and resulted in poorer health outcomes. Recognizing that health is so much more than healthcare, and understanding the needs of our communities, the Elevance Health Foundation redefined its approach and tightened its focus.

Over a three-year period (July 2021–July 2024), the Foundation committed up to $90 million toward partnerships and programs that improved maternal health, encouraged food as medicine, reduced substance use disorders, and supported community resiliency and disaster relief. We are proud to report that the Foundation has exceeded its commitment and awarded $97.3 million in grants, providing funding to over 12,000 nonprofit partners across the country. The Foundation will continue to focus its efforts in four key areas: Maternal/Infant Health, Food as Medicine, Behavioral Health, and Community Resiliency & Disaster Relief.

 Behavioral Health Grant

As a catalyst for positive change, the Elevance Health Foundation drives innovative and scalable solutions to address physical, behavioral, and social needs through a multi-lever approach to community investment.

Over the next five years, we will continue our grantmaking focus on substance use disorder (SUD) and expand our support to include mental health (MH) initiatives. We invite qualified nonprofits with a history of successful community initiatives to join us in this mission.

The Foundation will prioritize funding for programs that increase the number of individuals receiving treatment for MH and/or SUD, support prevention and early-intervention strategies, and seek to reduce loneliness among individuals with these disorders.

Types of Programs / Locations

Elevance Health will consider proposals from qualified organizations across the U.S. with an emphasis on:

National programs. Promoting scalable and sustainable systemic change, or

Local programs. Implementing relevant interventions in California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.

Grant Program Goals

Elevance Health Foundation is requesting proposals for programs and initiatives that support one or more of the following goals:

• Achieve a percent increase in the number of individuals receiving treatment services for MH and/or SUD
• Support prevention and early intervention strategies to reduce risks and harms associated with MH and/or SUD
• Reduce social isolation and feelings of loneliness among individuals with MH and/or SUD

Capacity Building

Engaging Outside Expertise to Strengthen Internal Organizational Knowledge

The Capacity Building program supports organizations’ efforts to engage outside expertise to improve business practices or add new knowledge and skills that forward organizations’ missions. Awards may fund outside fees associated with technical assistance projects, planning or evaluation work, staff professional development opportunities, or other initiatives that upgrade an organization’s ability to do what they do. Registration costs for in-person professional development conferences or virtual learning opportunities may also qualify. These internally focused projects help Ohio arts providers address new challenges, modernize practices and procedures, and strengthen their ability to serve their constituents.

How the Program Works

Capacity Building grants are six-month or one-year awards for internal organizational development projects that engage the services of outside professional expertise to improve practices, build skills, or engage in planning or professional development. Outside expertise may include a consultant, conference, or content- expert training. All OAC funds must be directed to outside personnel fees; funds may also be used for the registration costs, travel, and lodging associated with sending staff to an professional development conference. Grantees must provide the administrative time and supplies needed to complete each project.

EQT Foundation

EQT is proud to be a part of the many communities where we operate, live and work. We believe strongly that giving back is a responsibility, and we’ve stayed true to that belief since the EQT Foundation was established in 2003 as a dedicated resource for financial, in-kind and volunteer support to communities touched by our business.

Since its inception, the EQT Foundation has awarded more than $74 million to nonprofits throughout the operational footprint of EQT Corporation. We are committed to supporting the education and training of children and adults; the development of diverse, livable communities; and preserving our natural environments.

The EQT Foundation believes in meaningful engagement with the communities it calls home and takes great pride in being a responsible and responsive corporate citizen. The EQT Foundation focuses its resources on areas that have a direct effect on the stability of communities and, in turn, contribute to the success of its business operations in those areas.

Funding Priorities

The EQT Foundation’s funding strategy endorses organizations and programs that directly impact the community and its residents. The Foundation supports nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts throughout their community with special attention given to proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues.

The EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of:

• Geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations;
• Ability to manage available resources effectively; and
• Outreach that gains solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs and sponsors.

The Foundation’s funding priorities are:

Community Enrichment

Encourage the development of diverse, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities, which can help to retain residential, commercial and economic growth.

Examples: Food banks, libraries, farmers markets, arts & music programs, community festivals & initiatives

Education & Workforce

Promote proficiency in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) topics for youth, as well as training programs to create a future skilled workforce.

Examples: In-school STEM-based curricula, computer and science camps, project-based learning, teacher professional development, career planning and preparation

Environment

Support the preservation of natural resources, and educate children, residents, and businesses to employ conservation techniques to minimize adverse impacts on the environment.

Examples: community gardens, watershed conservation, environmental education, preservation and restoration of green spaces

What We Fund

• Early Childhood through Higher Education
• Economic, Workforce, & Community Development
• Arts & Culture
• Basic Needs

Our Approach

GAR Foundation is committed to connections that allow people and organizations to work together across sectors and subject areas to leverage their strengths. We understand that the strategic areas where we work are all deeply connected. The best community solutions often arise from connected people and organizations working together across sectors and subject areas to leverage their strengths. We know that people are at their best when they are connected to others. We believe that we can foster and support connections that will make Akron smarter, stronger, and more vibrant.

We pledge to use all of the tools in our toolbox – grantmaking, convening, listening, research, advocacy, information-sharing, and communications – to connect Akron.

Overview

The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation (CCFFF) is dedicated to improving people’s lives through criminal justice, AYA cancer support, reproductive health, environmental action, and the arts, The foundation and its trustees have provided millions of dollars in funding for Northeast Ohio nonprofit organizations since 2001.

More Than $5,000 Grant

Requests of more than $5,000 are to apply to our larger grant process, which follows the typical LOI/Application grant process. There are two grant cycles for this larger grant process.

The Troy Foundation

To improve the quality of life for the community we serve by promoting philanthropy and stewardship for a better tomorrow.  

Created in 1924, The Troy Foundation, Troy Ohio, manages over 400 individual, family, corporate and nonprofit agency endowment funds. We are a public charity with over $100 million in assets serving thousands of people who share a common goal to make our community a better place to live, work and play.

Grants

Grant requests from charitable organizations are considered for projects and programs in the fields of:

• arts and culture,
• community and economic development,
• education,
• environment,
• health,
• human services, and
• recreation.

Building Thriving Communities

Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is to connect generous people with trusted nonprofits to create a vibrant tri-state region where every person has a fair opportunity to thrive.

As the region's leading community foundation, it’s our role to act as a partner, funder, and connector – creating trusted relationships with generous people, nonprofits and community stakeholders to improve quality of life across the region. Since 1963, we have been inspired by your passion and generosity – it fuels our work. Together, we’re making investments in arts and culture, education, housing affordability, health care, job creation, environmental sustainability, human services and more. Your unwavering commitment to our community is making a lasting difference.

Purpose of The Andrew Jergens Foundation

The Foundation’s prime interest is the health, education, cultural experiences and social welfare of children in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank

The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank is committed to creating a greater impact on programs and initiatives that create strong, vibrant communities and provide pathways to opportunity.  Grants for programming in education, the arts, community development, and health and human services in the Greater Cincinnati area are considered, in addition to the specific funding interests originally identified by each of the individual benefactors. 

Cincinnati, OH - (Cincinnati, Dayton and Northern Kentucky) Foundations 

• Charles Moerlein Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes.
• Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports initiatives that empower and assist women and girls in achieving self–sufficiency
• Eleanora C.U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports charitable and educational purposes for the City of Cincinnati, with a focus on the arts.
• H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports mainly environmental and historical preservation, and educational and arts organizations in the greater Cincinnati area, as well as named preferred organizations named in the trust document.
• Helen G., Henry F., & Louise Tuechter Dornette Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports nature and the conservation of nature’s beauty, as well as organizations that are beneficial to children, with a preference to organizations that Miss Dornette identified during her lifetime
• Louis & Melba Schott Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports assistance to youth, with emphasis on youth of primary school through junior high school age, who are disadvantaged because of medical conditions, economic status, family background or for other similar reasons. 
• Patricia Kisker Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports organizations that benefit or serve children and educational, musical or arts organizations, as well as organizations which Patricia Kisker supported during her lifetime.
• Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports charitable or educational purposes; for relief in sickness, suffering and distress; for the care of young children, the aged or the helpless or afflicted; for the promotion of education and to improve living conditions.
• Stillson Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Helps children and provides assistance to those charities the Stillsons supported during their lifetime.
• Ohio Valley Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Agent: Funds small equipment, technology and capital improvement projects in the Ohio Valley.
• Frank J. Kloenne & Jacqueline Dawson Kloenne Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Promote, encourage or aid religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational activities.
• Mary Martha McGee Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: To support community outreach activities of non–profit, religious organizations and churches that serve the low–income population in Greater Cincinnati
• Harold Schilling Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: To support organizations, preferably located in Hamilton County, that aid persons who are hearing or visually impaired or who are developmentally disabled. 
• Lawrence J. Mayer Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports Catholic or religious order of men or women, which serves or caters to the poor in Greater Cincinnati.

Our Commitment

​Connecting with our community is an integral part of our company's core values. It is something we act on every day. From volunteering with local organizations to our relationships with community partners, Cox employees are making our community a better place.

Charitable Giving Overview

Since 2001, Cox has invested nearly $8 million in Cox Charities grants and in-kind support to organizations providing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math programming to youth throughout Connecticut, Ohio, and Rhode Island.  

Cox Charities funds organizations that focus on youth education, health services, military and conservation.

Community Grants

Cox Charities Community Grants range between $5,000 and $12,000 and are given each year to deserving non-profit organizations dedicated to STEAM education.

Cox is seeking applications for the 2025 Cox Community Grant Program. This grant supports non-profit organizations focused on:

• Youth innovation programs centered on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.
• Conservation and sustainability initiatives.
• Inclusion.

Since 2001, Cox has invested nearly $7 million in grants and in-kind support to non-profit organizations providing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) enrichment programs to youth in our service areas of Connecticut, Ohio, and Rhode Island. Cox Charities is funded entirely, by Cox employees and business partners. 

Cox Charities Community Grants range between $5,000 and $12,000 and are given each year to deserving non-profit organizations dedicated to STEAM education.

Recipients will be selected by considering a number of factors, including the following criteria:

• How well the project aligns with the Cox Charities focus area: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
• The overall community impact of the program and a clear explanation of what makes this program unique.
• The ability to define clear metrics for success.

Funding

Cox plans to award nearly $140,000 in grants to nonprofits in our region. Proposals are reviewed by the Cox Charities Community Advisory Committee, comprised of area civic, business, community leaders and Cox employees.

About

The Banks-Baldwin Foundation was established in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1994. It was founded by Jeff Lucier and Craig Fraser and initially funded with part of the proceeds from the sale of The Banks-Baldwin Law Publishing Company to West Publishing Company. Along with Mr. Lucier and Mr. Fraser, the founding Trustees included Walter Harding Drane and Ronald C. Allan. Kathryn Lucier Green and Chad Green joined the Board in 2008. Susan Lucier joined the Board in 2017. Candace Hatton and Rob van Haaren joined the Board in 2020. Martha Fraser, Wilson Fraser, Amy Lucier, Madalyn Lucier and Caitlin Lucier van Haaren joined the Board in 2022. The Trustees meet annually in December to consider proposals and make grants.

Banks Baldwin Foundation Grant

Our Mission

The Banks-Baldwin Foundation primarily supports community based initiatives that advance education and the arts, develop self-sufficiency, promote active citizenship, and foster entrepreneurial leadership among children and young adults.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation

The Pfau Foundation was established in 1994 in Cincinnati by Daniel A. Pfau and Susan Laufer Pfau.

Mrs. Pfau, a community volunteer, and Mr. Pfau, a local businessman, have been actively involved in programs serving disabled and disadvantaged youth, and in organizations promoting the Greater Cincinnati area. The Foundation complements the Pfaus’ personal charitable efforts and will continue their support into the future.

Purpose of the Pfau Foundation

The Pfau Foundation’s primary focus is on the education, health, cultural experience and social welfare of children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30) with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities and their families. A secondary focus is on children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30) who face significant economic barriers to success and their families. There is a particular interest in programs that help clients realize their full potential. The Foundation also advocates and supports large regional arts and cultural organizations. Small and mid-size organizations that use the arts as a vehicle for achieving impact with successful shared outcomes will be considered. (These outcomes must be aligned with the first two priorities of the Foundation.) The fourth area of interest is recreation areas.

Community Builder Grants

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created by citizens of our community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our service area. The Foundation serves northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan with a particular emphasis on the greater Toledo area. Grants from the Community Builder grant program support a variety of services in the fields of education, social services, physical and mental health, neighborhood and urban affairs, natural resources, and the arts.

Emphasis is placed on programs that will: Create safe, positive living environments; Enable families to develop the skills/resources needed to support and nurture each member; and Foster the development of responsible young people who are capable of achieving their fullest potential.

The Community Builder grant program offers grants of up to $25,000 in the following three categories:

• to provide seed money for new, innovative programming that addresses unmet community needs,
• to expand successful programming in order to reach unique audiences, or
• to provide capacity building benefits to existing nonprofit organizations. 

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created by citizens of our community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our service area. The Foundation serves northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan with a particular emphasis on the greater Toledo area. Grants from the Community Impact grant program support a variety of services in the fields of education, social services, physical and mental health, neighborhood and urban affairs, natural resources, and the arts.

The Community Impact grant program provides seed money for new, innovative programming that addresses unmet community needs or expands successful programming to reach unique audiences.

Emphasis is placed on programs that will: Create safe, positive living environments; Enable families to develop the skills/resources needed to support and nurture each member; and Foster the development of responsible young people who are capable of achieving their fullest potential. 

Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Grant

General Information

The Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation is an independent private Foundation philanthropic organization originally established in 2004 by Elsa M. Heisel Sule, a native of Northern Kentucky and businesswoman in the television industry.

The Foundation’s governing body meets three times during the year to review applications for grants during April, July and October. The Foundation staff maintains offices in Greater Cincinnati, a central point in the tri-state area it serves, of Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. 

Operations and Purpose

Grant Applications must be filed for each calendar year in which an organization desires a Grant of funds. Grants are usually awarded for one year unless specifically noted in writing as a multiyear grant or renewable. 

Program Priorities and Objective

The Trustee of the Foundation was originally instructed by Elsa Sule to make grants in the Greater Cincinnati and tri-state area with a focus on Education, Community, and the Arts with the following areas of interests:

• Education Success and Scholarships
• Health, Wellness and Scientific Research
• Children’s Welfare and Competitive Sports
• Fine and Performing Arts and Cultural Vibrancy
• Civic Public Affairs
• Animal Welfare and Preservation
• Environmental and Community Stewardship

ArtsNEXT

Funding for Bold, Ground-Breaking Projects

The ArtsNEXT program provides competitive funding for innovative and experimental projects. Awards support big ideas that push boundaries, engage participants in unexpected ways, pilot new solutions to challenging problems, improve program design with calculated risk-taking, or result in the creation of new work. These forward-looking projects help define Ohio as an exciting, cutting-edge place to make, consume, and experience the arts.

Grant Awards: Applicants may generally request up to $25,000, though larger awards are possible in unique circumstances. All awards require a 1:1 cash match.

How the Program Works

ArtsNEXT grants are one-year awards for organizational project support. This program supports projects that allow an organization's programming to evolve creatively. Priority is given to projects designed to improve the accessibility, affordability, and/or diversity of arts experiences, as well as those demonstrating an appropriate amount of risk with a strong potential for success. Funds may be used for a wide variety of expenses, including artist fees, production expenses, marketing, planning, education, and program evaluation. The budget section of the ArtsNEXT application provides a full list of allowable expense areas.

ArtsNEXT applicants must identify which one of these three types of innovation best describes their proposed project. When possible, panels will review applications from each type of innovation together. Types include:

Incremental Innovation. Projects exhibiting incremental innovation make small changes or improvements over time that nonetheless go above and beyond the routine course corrections required of all successful programs, and can be thought of as "variations on a theme." Examples might include trying a new marketing strategy, hosting an event in a new type of venue, or building on existing programming in a sequential, logical way. Incremental innovations involve minimal risk.

Transferable Innovation. Projects that borrow, replicate, or adapt a proven practice from another industry, organization, or community are employing transferable innovation. Projects improve the design of an existing program or service by applying ideas that have been successful in another setting. Examples include producing a new activity that has been well-received elsewhere, modifying an idea from the private sector for use in a nonprofit setting, or experimenting with programming that has flourished in a different arts genre. Transferable innovation typically involves moderate risk.

Disruptive Innovation. These are the big ideas that often come to mind when the concept of innovation is discussed. Disruptive innovation interrupts current behavior rendering existing practices obsolete. These projects are rare, unproven, and revolutionary. Examples might include radically changing the delivery of an arts experience, upending expectations about participation in a particular genre or type of arts activity, or creating something entirely new in the arts and cultural field. Disruptive innovation is inherently an unusual and high-risk proposition.

Sample activities might include:

• exploring the intersection of the arts and healing with activities produced in partnership with a healthcare institution
• implementing a pilot program or activity based on a promising practice from another industry
• executing a partnership that brings local artistic assets together to activate a nontraditional space
• adapting an arts event successful in a suburban setting to a new urban or rural community or region
• developing and evaluating specialized programming to serve as a model for other organizations
• expanding a longtime activity to include an entirely new creative element
• revamping the way a successful arts activity is marketed to attract new and more diverse participants
• launching a locally-driven and authentic creative place-making initiative
• developing a technology to deliver arts experiences in new and more accessible ways
• using partnerships to change the delivery of an arts experience, making it more affordable

Thanks to the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses, our Foundation administers several opportunities for nonprofits in our region to apply for financial support. Each opportunity is unique. This is because the donors who established the funds have thoughtfully constructed areas of focus and parameters for support to fulfill their own visions for improving the quality of life in our community.

Community Action Grants

Twice a year the Foundation's competitive grant process matches community needs with grants available from the Foundation's Unrestricted and Field of Interest Funds.

Generally, the largest grant that will be considered is 20,000. Requests for more than $20,000 may be considered for projects that are highly collaborative or have regional broad-scale impact; you must contact the Foundation prior to submitting a request in excess of $20,000.

What are the PACF’s Funding Priorities?

Community Action Grants are made in the fields of:

• Arts and Culture,
• Education,
• Health and Human Services,
• Recreation,
• Youth and Family Services, and
• Community and Economic Development.

The Foundation focuses on:

• Capital and Equipment Projects,
• Program Development,
• Capacity Building, and
• Operating Support.

Eligibility criteria differ based on the type of support requested, so please review the following descriptions carefully.

Capital and Equipment

Support the renovation or construction of facilities, purchase of major equipment, major repairs to facilities.

Program Development

Support the development of new services or programs designed to respond to unmet community needs and the expansion of existing programs to serve new audiences.

Capacity Building

Support projects that provide an organization with technical assistance and/or training to be able to more effectively meet their mission and/or provide services.

Operating Support

Support projects designed to: Increase financial stability (Type 1); Help a strong organization increase its capacity (Type 2). The Foundation expects to award only a limited number of operating support grants each grant cycle.

Funding Priorities

Priority is given to projects that serve communities where the PACF and its affiliates are the only community foundation in operation. Priority counties for Foundation support are: Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt and Wood Counties in West Virginia.

Priority is given to projects that:

• have significant impact on the people and communities served by the applicant organization;
• reach new audiences, expand existing programs or services, or respond to emerging needs;
• strengthen the organization’s capacity to deliver its services and meet community needs;
• are well-planned and can reasonably be achieved;
• have a matching grant opportunity or seek a matching grant to leverage more funding;
• have limited access to other sources of support; 

Andersons Fund Supporting Organization

The Andersons Fund Supporting Organization (the Fund) has been created to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our region. The Fund serves northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan with a particular emphasis on the greater Toledo area. Grants support organizations with programs in the areas of education, social services, physical & mental health, neighborhood & urban affairs, natural resources and the arts.

Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program

This program commemorates folktales, legends and folklife as an important part of every community’s cultural heritage.

Does your community have a great piece of folklore that should be shared? Legends & Lore is designed to promote cultural tourism and commemorate legends and folklore as part of our heritage.

Generally speaking, folklore is the stories, customs, traditions, and expressive arts and crafts that are passed on from one person to another, often from generation to generation. Folklore is the knowledge that people share as members of a group or community. Our shared identities and sense of belonging are the result of shared traditions, stories, customs, and activities.

Legends & Folklore Guidelines

Successful Legends & Lore marker applications typically fall within three main categories:

Folktale- Fictional stories passed down about people or events not proven to have existed. (e.g. Thirteen Curves, Champy, Headless Horseman, Tramping Ground)

Legends- Stories passed down that are popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable. (e.g. John Henry, Grancer’s Ghost, Betsy’s Ride, Natty Bumppo, “Natty Bumppo”)

Folklife- Traditions such as music, skills, crafts, and events passed along within a community. Often involving real people that can be verified with primary sources. (e.g. “Goose Day,” The Arborglyphs, Dennis McGee, Herbs & Healing, Folk Singer)

Subjects which are not successful include:

• Historical events lacking a folkloric aspect
• Purely literary creations
• Personal/family folklore which does not extend to the greater community

About GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs.

The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists. GIG Fund grants help cover fees for touring or local artists. Funds may also be used for project costs such as accessibility accommodations and marketing. We work with a panel to help us review applications and distribute grants annually.

GIG Fund

Flexible support to help arts and culture organizations grow their capacity, fund artist engagements, and build community.

What is the GIG Fund?

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs. The GIG Fund is a grant that supports Midwestern organizations that want to contract with a professional artist to offer activities to their community. 

Matching requirement

Organizations will be required to demonstrate matching funds on a 1:1 basis for the grant amount.

To demonstrate the match, your expenses should each be at least double your GIG Fund grant. Potential sources for the match include salaries and wages, in-kind contributions, volunteer hours, earned and contributed revenue (donations, ticket sales, other non-Federal grants), or cash from the applicant or partner organizations.

Our Mission

Our mission is to strengthen our communities by connecting people through charitable Giving

The Delaware County Foundation is one of more than 700 community foundations across the United States. As both a 501(c)(3) organization and a convener, community foundations hold a unique position in the regions they serve.

Since 1995, the foundation has distributed more than $18 million in charitable dollars. As a community foundation, we make it possible for anyone to be a philanthropist. We are a collection of ordinary people with an extraordinary passion for giving whose funds are invested and distributed to charitable organizations serving Delaware County and beyond.

Community Grants

The Delaware County Foundation supports numerous non-profit organizations that work to improve our community. Grant funds are made available across a variety of categories based on donor intent and the guidance of our committee.

Focus Areas

Consideration will be given to nonprofit organizations that are specifically addressing these areas:

Animal Welfare: Promoting the proper care of animals and the many ways they bring quality to our lives.

Arts & Culture: Support for arts and cultural activities that enrich the lives of individuals, promote interactions among residents, and build community.

Basic Needs: Investment in approaches that combat food insecurity, provide affordable housing, and remove barriers to transportation, childcare, and education for low-income residents.

Education: Support for innovative programs for all students, preschool through adult.

Economic Opportunity: Investment in the workforce of tomorrow by funding programs that build prosperity, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life in our communities.

Environment: Funding solutions that contribute to healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable Ohio.

Funding Initiatives

Through our competitive grants program, we invest in nonprofits that are working to meet current community needs in the fields of:

Arts & Culture

Having opportunities available for individuals to experience art and culture on a personal basis are critical to having a community with strong cultural vitality.

• Increase the Diversity, and Attendance Levels of Audiences Attending Arts And Culture Events.
  • Programs are available that allow a diverse audience opportunities for interaction with arts & culture.
  • Programs are available that increase audience attendance at arts and culture events.
• Community Residents of All Ages Acquire Knowledge or Skills in Arts and Culture.
  • Programs are available that allow children and adults opportunities to create art.
  • Individuals will have opportunities to engage with artists.
• Increase the Number of Opportunities For Artists.
  • Increase the number of opportunities available for artists to increase their talents.

Civic Affairs

Civic engagement is an essential element in democracy and key to making smart and creative decisions that allow communities to flourish today and meet the challenges of tomorrow.

• Educate and Engage Active Citizens of All Ages.
  • Improve the civic knowledge and participation of Clark County citizens

Environment, Conservation & Animals

By bringing conservation and environmental issues into focus and motivating the community to join in making improvements we affect positive change.

• Increase The Number of Citizens Participating In Activities That Foster An Appreciation of Our Environment
  • Increase community awareness of conservation and environmental issues in Clark County to educate our citizens and businesses and encourage their participation and appreciation of our natural environment.
• Decrease The Number Of Homeless And Unwanted Pets In Clark County
  • Provide free or discounted spay/neuter vouchers to pet owners in under served areas of Clark County.
  • Shelter cats and dogs will be spayed/neutered before released for adoption

Education

To increase the number of people receiving a quality education that will set the basis for a successful life.

• Increase The Number of Students Who Are Ready To Begin Kindergarten.
  • Increase the number of children enrolling in early childhood quality educational programs such as pre-school.
  • Increase parental involvement with children’s education.
• Increase The College And Career Readiness For Clark County Residents.
  • Increase the number of students participating in post-secondary preparation programs.
  • Increase the number of Clark County residents who participate in job training programs.

Health

The economic impact of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, poor mental health and chronic diseases is an important consideration for our community, as is the long-term impact on individuals’ health and wellness. Healthy individuals have a prevention-oriented mindset toward their health. 

• Impact The Health of The Community By Decreasing The Incidence of Unintended Pregnancies And Infection With Sexually Transmitted Infections (Stis).
  • Increase outreach and information, taking into consideration Clark County populations who may be at higher risk or more vulnerable to disparate health outcomes.
  • Increase access to and awareness of Reproductive Health Services, including use of a Reproductive Life Plan.
  • Decrease the state reported rate of Clark County individuals testing positive for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
• Improve The Mental Health of The Community By Providing Individuals With The Skills and Services Necessary To Successfully Handle Challenging Situations and To Understand and Manage Their Conditions and Behaviors.
  • Increase outreach and information, taking into consideration Clark County populations who may be at higher risk or more vulnerable to disparate health outcomes.
  • Improve the understanding and application of trauma informed practices throughout various disciplines/initiatives in Clark County.
  • Equip Clark County youths with self-management skills to cope with or avoid depression, suicide and drug abuse.
• Improve Management of Chronic Diseases In Clark County.
  • Increase outreach and information, taking into consideration Clark County populations who may be at higher risk or more vulnerable to disparate health outcomes.
  • Individuals with congestive heart failure will manage their disease and will decrease hospital re-admissions for congestive heart failure.
  • Patients with diabetes will manage their disease outside of taking medication alone.
    • Decrease the number of asthma attacks that require emergency services/treatment by implementing home-based environmental assessments and interventions.

Human Services-

Meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life is the focus of our human services program

• To Help Families and Individuals Become Stable and Financially Independent
  • To assist families and individuals in meeting emergency needs to stabilize a crisis, and for which no other or inadequate funding sources are available.
    • Examples: emergency assistance with food, clothing, shelter, crisis intervention or refuge in abuse cases.
  • To provide services that prevent or intervene in cases of family breakdown, violence or poverty.
    • • To assist families and individuals in removing barriers to obtaining and maintaining economic self-sufficiency. Examples: child care, transportation, transitional housing, and rehabilitation programs.
  • To assist individuals with physical or developmental disabilities in maintaining an independent or semi-independent lifestyle.
• To Promote Positive Outcomes For All People
  • To foster good relationships between youth, especially minority youth, and law enforcement.
  • To provide youth, especially those most at risk, with the skills, knowledge and a variety of other personal and social assets to function well during adolescence and adulthood.
  • To provide senior citizens, especially those most at risk, with the opportunity to continue contributing to society while having the best quality of life.

We also provide field of interest funding from endowments created by donors directed to a broad area reflecting their personal interests. There is no separate application for this funding. All applications are evaluated for their relevance to these areas which include:

• Animal Causes ( Spay/Neuter)
•  Arts (preforming arts in the schools and arts for individuals with a diagnosed mental illness)
• Children and Youth
• Conservation and Preservation
• Construction Trades (Training and Education)
• Environmental Activities
• Education
• Health (Cardiac & Respiratory Ailments, Cancer Care, Prenatal and Postpartum programs, Dental)
• Homeless Shelters
• People with Disabilities (Blind & Vision Impaired, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Physical, Developmental)

Barnitz Fund

For the support of religious and charitable purposes in Middletown, Ohio and surrounding area.

Program Areas

• Animal Welfare,
• Arts and Culture,
• Civic Activities,
• Community Development,
• Education,
• Scientific,
• Human and Social Services,
• Religious,
• Health and Medical Research

Weber W. Sebald Foundation

For the support of charitable purposes, primarily in Middletown, Ohio and the surrounding area.

Program Areas

• Animal Welfare,
• Arts and Culture,
• Civic Activities,
• Community Development,
• Education,
• Environment,
• Scientific,
• Human and Social Services,
• Religious,
• Health and Medical Research

African American Community Fund

Father and son, Ernest E. and Ernest A. Bynum, have long been passionate about supporting African Americans and other minority communities in Appalachian Ohio. The pair co-founded the Minority Business Resource Network of Southeast Ohio to increase the diversity of the region’s business community. Now, they are continuing their advocacy with a new effort to grow resources dedicated to serving Appalachian Ohio’s African American communities, founding the African American Community Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.As of 2017, over 86,000 African American individuals were living in communities throughout Appalachian Ohio. Appalachian Ohio’s history has been shaped in significant ways by its African American population. Among countless examples, African Americans played a critical role in making Appalachian Ohio a major hub of the Underground Railroad, and also shaped the region’s musical and cultural history, including through the development of bluegrass music.Now, the African American Community Fund has been established at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) to serve African American communities throughout Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties.The Fund will serve as a vehicle to address disparities in the African American community and help to improve the physical, economic, and structural conditions that affect quality of life. By supporting and enhancing initiatives in Appalachian Ohio’s African American communities we will strengthen not only African American populations in the region, but entire communities.

Grant Opportunities

Grants will be awarded for projects and programs advancing opportunities across five areas of need, known as our Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading efforts that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Appalachian Ohio’s African American community.Funding requests should be between $500 and $5,000, but larger requests may be considered based on potential impact.

About Arts Midwest

We amplify Midwestern creativity, building community and opportunity across our region and beyond.

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness, and GIG Fund.

GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for organizations of any budget size whose projects have an arts and wellness focus.  Funds may be used for performances, workshops, programs in clinical settings, creative aging programs, efforts that engage veterans in the arts, etc.  Applicants may only apply for one GIG Fund grant per year.

Arts Midwest recognizes the field of arts and wellness to be far-reaching and applicants should identify how their arts project addresses some element of health and wellness.

This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements.

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Professional Development: With support from The Hearst Foundations, Arts Midwest will offer professional development opportunities to grantees to strengthen arts and wellness initiatives across the Midwest.

SUSTAINABILITY

General Operating Support for Large and Mid-Sized Organizations

The Sustainability program supports ongoing arts and cultural activities in all genres. Awards support the largest and most administratively sophisticated organizations in the state's arts and cultural ecosystem. This flexible and reliable funding supports a wide range of the state's arts providers as they make high-quality artistic experiences available to residents and visitors, positioning Ohio as a national leader in creativity, artistry, and cultural wealth.

Grant Awards: Grants vary in size and are determined by a formula that takes into account panel evaluation of each application and the applying organization’s operating income. All awards require a 1:1 cash match.

How the Program Works

Sustainability grants are four-year awards for organizational operating support. Funds may be used for a wide variety of expenses in the general operation of an organization. Many grantees use Sustainability funds to support general artistic or administrative expenses, and other allowable expenses include marketing, program planning, education, and evaluation.