Best Ashland County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Captain Fred Schwan Firefighter/Paramedic Memorial Scholarship, established by the family and friends of Fred Schwan, aims to support the training of aspiring firefighters and paramedics in Ashland County. Fred Schwan dedicated over 30 years to public service as a firefighter and paramedic in Ashland, embodying a commitment to community and service. This scholarship continues his legacy by providing financial assistance to those pursuing certifications in firefighting and paramedicine, fostering a new generation of dedicated professionals.

The Bud and Bert Holdren and Sam Jackson Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and non-traditional students with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Eligible candidates must have received their high school diploma or GED and be accepted to an accredited college, university, or vocational program. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing further education and training, particularly in fields like welding, where additional points are awarded.

The Brad and Maryanne Brehm Wise Nursing Scholarship, established by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports non-traditional students from Ashland County pursuing nursing degrees at accredited institutions. This renewable scholarship aims to encourage local residents to advance their education in healthcare, providing financial assistance for up to three years for those maintaining good academic standing. The foundation, since its inception in 1995, has been dedicated to fostering community growth through various philanthropic efforts.

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 Ashland County Community Foundation offers Teacher Mini-Grants to K-12 educators in accredited public and private schools within Ashland County. These grants empower teachers to implement innovative projects that are typically outside the constraints of school budgets, fostering creativity and enhancing educational experiences. Established in 1995, the foundation has successfully supported numerous initiatives, contributing over $35 million back to the local community through various funding efforts.

Environmental Stewardship: Innovation Grants

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

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

Funding Areas

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

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

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

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding.

Mobility Management Funding

Mobility Management projects are considered capital projects meant to increase access to mobility for Ohioans by increasing understanding and awareness of transportation needs, promoting coordination of transportation options to meet those needs, and building sustainable and healthy communities by integrating transportation into planning programs. The OMM Program is an annual competitive grant program that can be utilized to fund OMM Projects.

Program Goals

The overall statewide goals of the OMM Program are as follows:

• To increase understanding and awareness of community transportation needs.
• To increase awareness of current community transportation options and programs.
• To ensure that transportation considerations are included in local and regional planning activities.
• To increase local capacity for transportation services.
• To assist individuals with accessing all community transportation options.

The Small City Program in Ohio allocates federal funds to small cities with populations between 5,000 and 24,999, not included in Metropolitan Planning Organizations. With an annual budget of $10.5 million, this program supports road, safety, and signal projects. The funding covers up to 80% of eligible construction costs, and a scoring system prioritizes projects based on various factors, ensuring effective use of resources and improved transportation infrastructure for eligible communities.

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding

Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding

What’s Eligible

Computer Hardware and/or software and equipment that supports facilities and equipment for Section 5310-funded vehicles. For example: computers and dispatch software to more effectively and provide transportation to the community.

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, provides a 50/50 cost-share opportunity aimed at enhancing rural fire departments. Eligible departments can secure funding for essential wildland fire equipment, personal protective gear, and communication devices. Grants are capped at $10,000, promoting community collaboration while ensuring departments meet specific eligibility requirements. This initiative supports the vital role of fire services in protecting Ohio's communities and natural resources.

About Ashland Community Foundation

The community foundation is like the community’s charitable savings account. We pool resources from community members, invest them and then use them to make grants for the betterment of the entire community. We exist to serve donors, nonprofit organizations and the community as a whole. 

We fund programs and projects that improve the quality of life in Ashland County by educating and developing youth and talent; promoting arts, culture and recreational opportunities; meeting needs of Ashland County residents; and positioning our county as a desirable place to live and conduct business.Quarterly Community Grants

Quarterly Community Grants are competitive grants awarded to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying charitable organizations. These grants support programs and projects that benefit any population in Ashland County.

What it's for:

Larger initiatives, new programs, capital needs, or collaborative projects requiring more than $10,000.Timeline: Applications are accepted four times per year on quarterly deadlines. Limits: Up to two Quarterly Community Grant applications per fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.

The Friesen Family Christian College Scholarship, provided by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who plan to attend Grace College, Cedarville University, or Liberty University. This renewable scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and prioritizes Ashland High School students. The foundation empowers local nonprofits and invests in the community's future, ensuring charitable gifts effectively address present needs and foster a brighter tomorrow.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust offers grants for ecological and biological research aimed at enhancing ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations. These grants support competitive fisheries research, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder value. The next funding cycle will open with a request for proposals in late 2026 for the 2027 program year, promoting innovative research and capacity-building efforts within the fisheries sector.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

DOH 59808- Rural Health Transformation Program- Healthier Ohio Initiatives - Preventing and Addressing Chronic Disease- Track One

Project Background:

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71403 of Public Law 119-21) and empowers state to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality and outcomes by transforming the current system. Five key strategic goals of the program, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) are:

• Make Rural America Healthy Again
• Sustainable access
• Workforce development
• Innovative Care
• Technology Innovation

Ohio’s plan aligns with federal priorities to improve the health of rural residents by building an innovative movement to bridge medicine and preventive behaviors into a holistic and collective impact approach to improve chronic disease outcomes. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is designed to strengthen preventive and clinical care for improved blood glucose and hypertension indicators across Ohio’s 73 non-urban counties (See Appendix B. Applicants could be but not limited to the following:

• State-level associations that support implementation in multiple clinics, health centers, and/or hospitals.
• Regional collaboratives or health system with multiple locations.
• Individual hospitals, health centers and clinics

Project Objective:

Based upon data analysis from Ohio’s State Health Assessment, including a supplemental deep dive into Appalachian health, 2025 Summary Assessment of Older Ohioans, the Ohio Chronic Disease Atlas 2025, and other publicly available data, Ohio seeks to reduce the prevalence and mortality rates associated with chronic disease. The collective aim of the strategies is:

to reduce hemoglobin A1C for patients diagnosed with prediabetes and diabetes by 10% and

to manage blood pressure at clinically appropriate levels for patients diagnosed with hypertension.

The Andrews Foundation, a private family foundation based in Northeast Ohio since 1951, focuses on enriching the quality of life in the region. It offers multi-year grants ranging from 2 to 5 years to non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. In 2024, the foundation emphasizes sectors such as Education, Eldercare, Community Services, Healthcare, Social Services, and Sustainability, showcasing its commitment to community investment and adaptability in grant-making.

The Frank Goschinski Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who participate in athletics. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and plan to pursue further education at an accredited college or university. This scholarship aims to encourage academic and athletic excellence, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future educational endeavors.

The Frances Freer Scholarship, established by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports Ashland County high school graduates pursuing a degree in education. Eligible applicants must be juniors or seniors in college with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship honors Frances Freer, a dedicated educator with over 35 years of experience, who aimed to empower future teachers through financial assistance, ensuring a strong educational foundation for the community.

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 Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and families in need through monetary grants for education, health care, and community support. With a focus on initiatives that empower disadvantaged youth and support the Italian-American community, the Foundation aims to foster growth and development in Northeast Ohio. Guided by philanthropic excellence, it seeks to create lasting change through strategic partnerships and innovative programs for social betterment.

The Ethan Stadler Memorial Firefighter/EMT Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from Ashland County accepted into accredited programs for Firefighter or EMT certification. This scholarship aims to recognize and assist aspiring firefighters and emergency medical technicians, promoting community safety and service. With a focus on local talent, it ensures that dedicated individuals receive the necessary training to contribute effectively to their communities.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

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.

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 Cyrus Eaton Foundation Grant focuses on advancing sustainable environments, social justice, cultural enrichment, and peaceful coexistence. It funds innovative and small nonprofit organizations, primarily in Northeast Ohio and Pugwash, Nova Scotia. The foundation typically distributes $160,000 annually across two funding cycles, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and occasionally offers high-impact grants of up to $15,000 for significant projects.