Best Brown County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Jack J. Smith Jr. Trust Grant supports impactful projects in the Greater Cincinnati Area, prioritizing year-round programming and direct services that address community needs. The grant favors initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes, sustainability, and collaboration with other organizations. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of operation and show documented results from previous projects. However, the Trust does not support general operating costs or new pilot programs.

Environmental Stewardship: Community Grants

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

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

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

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

English Language Learning Foundation Incorporated

The English Learning Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 2006 to assist English language learners. The mission of the ELL Foundation is to help English learners to become successful in their academic lives while honoring their cultural identities.

Our vision is to assist English learners in the Greater Cincinnati area so that students:

• Appreciate and are proud of their cultural identities;
• Receive the needed support service for their education;
• Graduate from high school and succeed in college;
• And serve their communities as role models.

ELL Foundation’s Educational Event Grant Program

The ELL Foundation’s Educational Event Grant Program is intended to financially support co-curricular and curricular educational events for K-12 English learners in Greater Cincinnati. Community partners can request up to $2000 for an educational event. Due to funding availability, grantees can only receive one Educational Event Grant per calendar year. The ELL Foundation will accept Educational Event Grant applications at any time, but they will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

If you are interested in requesting funds for an educational event, please apply online. If you have any questions about the Educational Event Grant Program, please email the foundation.

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

Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding

The objective of the Section 5310 Capitalized Maintenance project is to provide financial support to subrecipients in the continued maintenance and functionality of their agency’s vehicle fleet. ODOT will reimburse 80% of the vehicle maintenance costs and the subrecipient is required to provide 20% local match Applicants eligible for 5310 capitalized maintenance funding are those agencies that have a vehicle fleet that is utilized to meet the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. Additionally, agencies may charge their 5310-vehicle fleet that has been approved through the disposition process, so long as those vehicles remain in service and the agency utilizes the vehicle(s) for 5310-related transportation.

Eligible costs include activities that preserve vehicle functionality—such as labor, parts, and supplies— and must not add to the permanent value or appreciably prolong the life of the vehicle.

HealthPath Foundation of Ohio

HealthPath Foundation of Ohio is a regional health foundation advancing health equity through strategic grantmaking and intermediary services that support improved health outcomes across Ohio’s communities.

Our Purpose

HealthPath believes health is a human right. Our purpose is to eliminate barriers that drive health inequities and prevent Ohioans from achieving their best health.

Advancing Oral Health Equity

Building on the strengths of communities and organizations serving older adults (60 and older) and individuals with disabilities, HealthPath will award two-year grants of up to $50,000 to nonprofit and safety-net health organizations in fourteen counties to expand and enhance oral health equity. A total of up to $250,000 in funding will be awarded through this RFP.

Funding Priorities

HealthPath seeks to support organizations addressing oral health inequities for older adults (60 and older) and individuals with disabilities through community-based programs, education, outreach, advocacy, and service delivery. Funded initiatives may include, but are not limited to:

• Oral Health Integration
• Cross-Sector Collaboration
• Data-Driven Approaches
• Expanding Access to Care
• Provider Training and Support
• Safety Net Infrastructure
• Dual-Eligible Supports

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 SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

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 Specialized Transportation Program (5310) aims to enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities through federally funded projects. This program supports various initiatives, including vehicle funding, preventive maintenance, and contracted transportation services. With an 80% federal cost coverage, local funding must cover the remaining 20%. The Ohio Department of Transportation oversees this program, ensuring accessible transportation options in urban and rural areas, thereby addressing the unique needs of transit-dependent populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, environment, or community enrichment in Brown County, Ohio can seek funding to benefit communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports programs that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in its manufacturing communities, which may include eligible initiatives in Brown County.

Ignite Philanthropy

Through intentional listening and co-creation, Ignite Philanthropy supports the philanthropic and non-profit sectors. Our mission is simple: Maximize the power of giving. Ignite Philanthropy connects people, ideas, and capital to fuel community solutions. 

Our four core values have been developed by our team with intentionality around equity and community and how these connect to each value and the work we do each day. We believe in the merit of diverse teams and perspectives, striving to empower every voice in the creation of solutions.

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Grant

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation was created in 1997 by Cincinnati native and Boston resident, Nellie Leaman Taft, who died on December 17, 2012. Ms. Taft was an accomplished artist and committed patron of fine arts who is remembered as an independent, progressive-minded woman of great spirit and mirth, an avid gardener, and a worldwide traveler. She also was the descendant of two United States presidents, a loving friend and family member.

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation supports Arts Education and Environmental Education programs serving geographic areas important to Ms. Taft and to her family:

• Greater Cincinnati, OH
• Los Angeles County, CA
• Boston, MA (inside the Route 495 beltway)
• Mid-Coast Maine (defined as the towns of Bath, Belfast, Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick, Camden, Cushing, Damariscotta, Lincolnville, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, Searsport, Thomaston, Topsham, and Union)

The Carol Ann and Ralph V Haile Jr Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Established by Carol and Ralph Haile, the foundation focuses on funding initiatives in arts and culture, civic engagement, education, and human services. It supports organizations that are tax-exempt and aligns with their mission across ten counties. By fostering collaboration, the foundation seeks to create a vibrant community and drive meaningful change.

The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund Grant, established by the L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation, aims to support organizations enhancing musical and cultural arts, education, environment, and health in the Tri-State Area. Eligible organizations must be verified 501(c)(3) charities and demonstrate their impact on local residents. The foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of Louis and Louise Nippert, focusing on community enrichment through the arts and education.

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 Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, in collaboration with the Longaberger Family Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing K-12 civics education across Appalachian Ohio. Since 2019, over $95,000 has been granted to empower students through engaging civics programs. The funding is available to K-12 public schools, educators, and nonprofit organizations, focusing on projects that foster civic engagement and community involvement among students in the region's 32 counties.

About Us

Interact for Health works so that people in our region are healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live. We advance health justice by tackling the root causes of unfair systems, amplifying community power and partnering with trust.

Responsive Fund

The goal of the Responsive Fund RFP is to address immediate, emerging, or unanticipated needs within the community, recognizing that opportunities to build resilience require dedicated funding.

Grant Funding for Critical Services – Sustaining Civic Infrastructure: Total investment up to $1.5 million  

This funding supports the continuity of critical community infrastructure and services by addressing the time-sensitive operational and programmatic needs. Proposals for funding should focus on critical gaps or unmet needs with deep ties to community relationships. Organizations should demonstrate readiness to deploy resources quickly if funding is provided. This RFP will prioritize funding organizations essential to advancing health justice and youth well-being among our priority populations. Grants are available at three levels: $50,000, $75,000, or $100,000 for general operating or programmatic support.

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

The Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund Grant, administered by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, provides essential funding for nonprofit and public organizations in Appalachian Ohio. With a focus on enhancing quality of life through education, community leadership, and basic needs fulfillment, this fund supports collaborative projects across 32 counties. Thanks to contributions like the $10,000 from Columbia Gas of Ohio, the fund aims to make a lasting impact in the region, fostering growth and development.

The Rural Changemaker RFP by Interact for Health aims to enhance health and well-being in rural areas across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With funding ranging from $10,000 to $70,000, the initiative targets grassroots projects that address vital health conditions. This year, a total of $600,000 is available for organizations that serve at least one of Interact for Health’s rural counties. The grant duration is between 12 to 18 months, fostering community-driven solutions.

The L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance the lives of residents in the Tri-State Area through cultural arts, education, environment, or health initiatives. Established in 1981, the foundation is committed to continuing the philanthropic legacy of Louis and Louise Nippert. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities and demonstrate a clear benefit to the community. This grant aims to foster opportunities that align with the foundation's mission.

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

FC Cincinnati Foundation

FC Cincinnati is committed to leaving a legacy, creating something bigger than ourselves, and being the embodiment of a rising Cincinnati. Through our own programs and initiatives, and the support of key partners, we aim to improve the lives of children through the game of soccer and will continue to do our part to create an inclusive community.

FC Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is accomplished primarily through five key programs: Club Ambassadorship through In-School and Out-of-School Programming, Mini Pitch Soccer Builds, West End Pride and Learning Is Cool. These programs help promote and encourage strong academic performance, and serve as catalysts to reinforce character values and improved health for children in the Greater Cincinnati region. The Foundation also serves as FC Cincinnati’s philanthropic arm, making donations and investments to Cincinnati-area organizations that have similar goals and ambitions for the area’s youth.

Donation Request

Donations are a way for FC Cincinnati to give back to local non-profit's as they are hosting fundraisers and events. These donations include, but are not limited to FCC signed merchandise items, FCC apparel items, and on special occasion, tickets to matches. Donations allow FC Cincinnati to show up across the city and support causes that are important to our fans, allowing us to connect with fans in a way that is meaningful to them. These items allow non-profits to use the donation for fundraising efforts and supporting their organization to raise money for a specific cause.

The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.

Robert And Adele Schiff Family Foundation Inc

The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation was started by Robert (Bob) and Adele Schiff in 2003, though earlier iterations of a family foundation, with a very slight variation in name, stretch back to 1983. Bob, who grew up in Price Hill, and Adele, raised in Fairview Heights, came from modest backgrounds and felt immensely fortunate about their success over the years. As a result, they established a foundation that could support organizations vital to their community. Their hope was mostly to give back, largely in thanks for all that the community had done for them during their lives. Since 2006, the Schiff Foundation has donated approximately $200 million to organizations, at a current rate of at least $15 million annually.

The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation is dedicated to assisting organizations, primarily in the fields of education and children's health, that seek to improve, transform, and enhance lives and communities.

Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation Grants

Our primary focus is on education and children's health, particularly in the Greater Cincinnati community, but we are also invested in supporting the arts and culture as well as human services. While our giving history reveals several focal points – the humanities, cancer survivorship, college scholarships, Cincinnati public education – other gifts speak to our objective of giving back to those organizations that have sustained and enhanced our lives.

The CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program, funded by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, supports early-career Appalachian traditional artists with $5,000 grants and personalized professional development. Artists engage in learning opportunities, including workshops and mentorship, to enhance their skills. Eligible applicants must be traditional artists from designated Appalachian counties in Ohio, Virginia, or West Virginia, at least 18 years old, and in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts. This initiative fosters cultural preservation and artistic growth in the region.

English Language Learning Foundation Incorporated

The English Learning Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 2006 to assist English language learners. The mission of the ELL Foundation is to help English learners to become successful in their academic lives while honoring their cultural identities.

Our vision is to assist English learners in the Greater Cincinnati area so that students:

• Appreciate and are proud of their cultural identities;
• Receive the needed support service for their education;
• Graduate from high school and succeed in college;
• And serve their communities as role models.

ELL Foundation’s College Emergency Grant

The College Emergency Grant Program provides emergency assistance of up to $500 for Greater Cincinnati college/ university EL students who are experiencing temporary financial emergencies. The focus areas for the grants include: 

• Student food insecurity (meal plans are eligible)
• Student housing insecurity (student housing is eligible)
• Student transportation barriers (bus passes are eligible)
  • Note that all assistance will be disbursed to the University, and not the student.

Due to funding availability, grantees can only receive one emergency grant per academic year. The ELL Foundation will accept emergency grant applications at any time, but applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

ArtsWave's Young Professionals Grant Program supports innovative arts initiatives in the Cincinnati region. Since 1927, ArtsWave has empowered local organizations through funding, fostering creativity and cultural engagement. The grants, fueled by contributions from young professionals, aim to enhance community connections and stimulate the economy by backing projects that resonate with young audiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 designated and focus on arts and cultural activities within the Cincinnati-Middletown area.