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.

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.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation invites organizations to apply for the Vibrant Places: Community and Cultural Vibrancy grant, aimed at enhancing community well-being through equitable access to resources and cultural enrichment. With $500,000 available for the 2025 cycle, grants of up to $25,000 will support initiatives that strengthen community ties and promote safe public spaces. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal agents, focusing on measurable outcomes and collaboration.

The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) program aims to improve transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to access. It provides federal funds for necessary services, including vehicle purchases for paratransit. Eligible applicants include private nonprofits and local authorities approved to coordinate such services. This initiative enhances mobility for essential activities like employment, medical appointments, and grocery shopping, ultimately supporting community integration and independence.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

The Youth Organizing RFP aims to empower young leaders in Greater Cincinnati by funding nonprofits to develop sustainable, youth-led programs. With an investment of $250,000 in 2025, five organizations will receive $50,000 each for a 12-month capacity-building grant. This initiative focuses on enabling youth to advocate for community change on issues that are important to them, fostering leadership skills and community engagement among young people.

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.

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.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

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

Our Mission

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

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

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

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

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

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

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

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

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

Cincinnati-area 501(c)(3) and other child-focused organizations can seek funding for programs serving children and youth in arts, education, healthcare, social services, and community needs. Greater Cincinnati nonprofits, including those in Hamilton and Clermont counties, can access support via the Charles H. Dater Foundation, which typically makes one-year grants of approximately US $14,000.

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.

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.

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.

Cincinnati, Ohio nonprofits working on health, economic or community development, environment, or social services in NOPEC member communities can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $40,000. Funding from the Cleveland Foundation’s NOPEC Foundation Fund can support hospitals and clinics, chambers and CDCs, conservancies, shelters, food banks, and similar organizations.

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.

Cincinnati-area 501(c)(3) nonprofits enhancing musical or performing arts can apply for $25,000 - $75,000 in support from the L & L Nippert Charitable Foundation. Organizations must benefit residents of the Tri-State Area counties around Greater Cincinnati and align projects with musical arts, cultural arts, education, environment, or health priorities.

Cincinnati, Ohio 501(c)(3) public charities serving the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Area can access funding through L & L Nippert Charitable Foundation for projects in musical and cultural arts, education, environment, or health, with awards of US $25,000 - US $75,000. Eligible programs must benefit residents in specified Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky counties.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving residents in the Talawanda School District area, including parts of Hamilton and Clermont counties near Cincinnati, Ohio, can apply for Greater Oxford Community Foundation grants to support local programs. Funding may benefit education, environment, health, arts and culture, social services, and civic projects in the greater Oxford community.

Individual artists creating work that reflects Black and Brown experiences in the Greater Cincinnati region can receive up to US $10,000 for new artwork and career development. ArtsWave provides Cincinnati, Ohio artists with funding in two tiers for emerging and practicing artists, plus cohort activities and a 2026 showcase opportunity.