Best Cincinnati Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Cincinnati public and charter schools expanding PLTW Launch STEM programs can apply for up to US $5,000 to add modules, reach more students, or train additional teachers. Schools in eligible nearby counties served by Project Lead The Way can use funds for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities in Cincinnati, Ohio can seek International Paper Company Foundation grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 for education, hunger relief, health and wellness, disaster relief, and environmental programs. Organizations in Hamilton or Clermont County with active International Paper employee engagement may be especially competitive.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's Building Bright Futures: Education initiative aims to empower children and young adults by funding innovative programs that foster academic success. This inaugural grant cycle focuses on evidence-based solutions that enhance mentoring, tutoring, and socio-emotional development. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to high-quality education in the Greater Cincinnati region. Funding can support new initiatives, program expansions, or operational support, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing education, health, cultural experiences, and social welfare for youth with disabilities and economic challenges in the Greater Cincinnati area. It supports arts organizations and recreation initiatives, prioritizing programs that help young individuals realize their potential. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate benefits to specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The Foundation encourages collaboration with other donors for project funding.

The Andrew Jergens Foundation Grant, administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, focuses on enhancing the health, education, cultural experiences, and social welfare of children in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a commitment to supporting programs for children through high school, the foundation seeks to foster vibrant communities by connecting with nonprofits dedicated to improving quality of life. The foundation emphasizes the importance of generous contributions to create lasting change in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Greater Cincinnati residents in health, education, or arts can seek US $10,000 - US $50,000 for capacity building, capital, general operating, programs, or innovation seed projects. With a mission to build a more equitable, vibrant community, Millstone Fund provides Cincinnati, Ohio nonprofits with strategic, data-informed support prioritizing equity and impact.

Who We AreFor nearly a century, ArtsWave has been the primary way the Cincinnati region’s arts are funded.Each year, tens of thousands of individuals and companies give to ArtsWave. These gifts support more than 150 organizations, artists, and projects through funding, services, and advocacy.The arts attract national recognition and boost tourism. They help make our region a better place to live and work. They bring energy and pride to our neighborhoods. They inspire creativity in future leaders. Most importantly, they bring people together across cultural divides.Young Professionals Grant Program ArtsWave YP grants provide both seed funding to support the development of new programming, as well as existing programming with demonstrated impact in engaging young professionals. Grants are made possible by the donations of young professionals to the 2025 ArtsWave Community Campaign.This affinity group project grant is designed to provide seed funding to support the development of new programming or to enhance existing programs to engage this ever-expanding community in our region through connective and innovation engagement. 

The Catalyzing Impact Grant Program by ArtsWave aims to enhance community connections and economic vitality in Greater Cincinnati through arts and cultural heritage projects. This program encourages diverse programming aligned with the goals outlined in the Blueprint for Collective Action. Eligible projects can be new or existing, focusing on expanding impact by reaching new audiences or deepening existing initiatives, ultimately fostering a more vibrant arts landscape in the region.

The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation, established in 2006, aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a focus on innovative programs and scholarships, the foundation supports initiatives in primary, secondary, and adult education. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, promoting sustainability and collaboration with other donors. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, prioritizing local community impact.

The Thomas J. Emery Memorial Grant, established by prominent Cincinnati philanthropists, aims to enhance the lives of individuals in the Greater Cincinnati area through grants that support social, cultural, educational, civic, and physical betterment. Founded in 1925, the grant prioritizes nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, focusing on collaborative projects and impactful initiatives, while not providing ongoing operational support. This initiative honors the legacy of Thomas and Mary Emery in fostering community development.

The Erma A. Bantz Foundation, established to honor Erma Bantz's legacy, focuses on enhancing the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Located in Cincinnati, the Foundation supports local nonprofit organizations that assist the visually impaired, having allocated 60% of its resources to this cause. While it previously funded hearing impairment initiatives, it no longer accepts grant requests for such purposes. The Foundation encourages collaborative funding for specific projects, reinforcing community support.

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.

Cincinnati-area 501(c)(3) and 509(a) public charities seeking $100,000 for capital, start-up, technology, or program expansion projects can apply for Impact 100’s transformational grants. Cincinnati nonprofits in culture, education, environment, family, or health and wellness serving Hamilton or Clermont County residents may be eligible if projects address defined community needs with measurable goals over 1–3 years.

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 Spaulding Foundation

The Spaulding Foundation was established in 1998 by Ruth E. Spaulding, who was born in Northside and remained a lifelong resident of Greater Cincinnati. During her life, many people were touched by her benevolent and charitable giving. This private foundation is funded by her estate.

The Spaulding Foundation focuses its grant-making in the areas of mental health, physical and mental disabilities, substance abuse/chemical addiction, and domestic violence, rape and abuse. In addition, The Foundation has continued Mrs. Spaulding’s close relationship with The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

The Foundation welcomes opportunities to partner with organizations sharing our common goals. 

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

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Cincinnati, Ohio can receive up to US $20,000 for projects in vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and justice, equity and inclusion. The Duke Energy Foundation supports efforts like workforce development, environmental resiliency, and opportunity-building programs in eligible Ohio counties including Hamilton and Clermont.

Interact For Health

Our organization started in 1997, when ChoiceCare sold its health maintenance organization to Humana for $221 million. The proceeds were invested and The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati was created, serving a 20-county region in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. The foundation was charged with changing the way health care was delivered—especially for under-resourced communities.

Our mission is to ensure people in our region have a just opportunity to live their healthiest lives. Our Vision is focused on people in our region being healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live.

Interact For Health: Event Sponsorship

Interact for Health provides sponsorships as a way to support organizations within Greater Cincinnati with funding beyond our grantmaking work. Sponsorships are a competitive process, and funding is limited. We prioritize sponsoring events that serve our priority populations, align with our strategic plan, and benefit (and are located in) our 20-county service area.

In general, sponsorship opportunities are meant to benefit organizations that are not current grantees of Interact for Health. 

Cincinnati-area 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing food access, homelessness, or military and veterans services can access funding through SpartanNash Foundation if they are within 30 miles of a SpartanNash store, office, or distribution center. Grants support local “Hunger, Heroes and Hope” initiatives in communities across Hamilton and Clermont counties.

Public and charter schools starting or expanding PLTW Launch STEM programs in Cincinnati, Ohio can access funding through Project Lead The Way, supported by L3Harris Technologies. Eligible schools in Hamilton or Clermont County may receive up to US $20,000 over two years for PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs.

With a mission to expand STEM education, Project Lead The Way provides Cincinnati, Ohio public and charter schools with up to US $10,000 to grow existing PLTW Gateway programs. Funding can cover participation fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Nonprofit and community groups creating LGBTQIA+-focused arts or cultural heritage projects in the Cincinnati, Ohio region can seek up to US $25,000 to launch new programming or support short-term operations. ArtsWave’s Pride Grant Program funds inclusive projects that strengthen Cincinnati’s reputation as a welcoming community, including work in nearby Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana counties.

Performing arts and arts education 501(c)(3) organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area can seek support for performances, new works, and youth performing arts education. Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s David C. Herriman Fund offers US $15,000 - US $350,000 to arts nonprofits in eligible Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana counties, including Cincinnati-area communities.

Public and charter schools starting or expanding PLTW Gateway STEM programs in select areas, including Cincinnati-area counties, can receive up to US $20,000 for fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Project Lead The Way and L3Harris Technologies support PreK–12 STEM education, with awards distributed over the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 school years.

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.

Public and charter schools with existing PLTW Computer Science programs, including those in the Cincinnati, Ohio area (Clermont and Hamilton counties), can apply for Project Lead The Way grants up to US $10,000 to expand those programs. Funding may cover PLTW fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

Our Club

Club 17 Description

The Rotary Club of Cincinnati is the preeminent professional service organization for men and women. Club 17’s service to others focuses on children with disabilities in the Tri-state area through its partnerships with Stepping Stones/Camp Allyn, the Roselawn Condon School and other outreach efforts. The Rotary Club of Cincinnati also supports the global effort to eradicate polio worldwide through Rotary International’s End Polio Now program. We are the 17th oldest Rotary Club worldwide (formed in 1910) and have over 300 members.

A second century of engaged leaders making an impact on our club, community, and the world.

Providing selfless service in the community and the world through involved and engaged members.

Grants

The Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati provides the funding and resources necessary to support the diverse humanitarian efforts of The Rotary Club of Cincinnati. Its primary goal is to support children, particularly those whose future development is impaired by physical, cultural, emotional, financial and social obstacles. To accomplish this goal, The Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati actively solicits and awards grants to non-profit organizations.