Best Grants for Immigration Nonprofits in Ohio

Nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community organizations in Ohio can receive AmeriCorps support to run intensive community service programs addressing education, economic opportunity, health, and environmental needs. ServeOhio administers these AmeriCorps grants, which may benefit immigrant service organizations seeking members to expand direct services, outreach, and community-building efforts.

State agencies, local governments, and tribal governments in Ohio can seek funding to support immigration-related law enforcement, prosecution, detention, and transportation activities. Grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance help entities nationwide address criminal activity involving noncitizens, support court operations, and enhance participation in Homeland Security Task Force efforts and other initiatives targeting gangs, cartels, and violent crime.

Researchers with doctorates conducting social science studies on immigration and immigrant integration in the U.S. can apply for grants up to US $200,000. Grants from Russell Sage Foundation help Ohio immigration-focused scholars examine how race, citizenship, legal status, politics, and public policy shape outcomes for immigrants and native-born racial and ethnic groups.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio serving immigrants, refugees, trafficking survivors, or advancing social and environmental justice can apply for Toledo Community Foundation’s Sylvania Franciscan Foundation Fund, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000 for program support. Projects may include legal aid, economic opportunity, health, education, civic engagement, or Laudato Si’–aligned environmental initiatives in eligible northwest Ohio and nearby Michigan counties.

Doctoral-level researchers conducting social science studies on race, ethnicity, and immigration in the U.S. can receive up to US $200,000 for data collection, analysis, and investigator time. Russell Sage Foundation provides Ohio immigration and immigrant-rights scholars with funding for rigorous, theory-driven projects on policy, legal status, integration, and related outcomes.

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working on social justice and immigration or refugee rights can seek funding for general operations, specific projects, advocacy, and capacity building. B.W. Bastian Foundation provides US $100 - US $15,000 and prioritizes groups that explicitly affirm equality for all Americans, including the gay and lesbian community.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, inequality, or related social conditions can seek US $35,000 - US $50,000 project support from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on topics like immigration, labor markets, and access to opportunity, this one-year funding may benefit Ohio-based scholars studying immigrant communities and immigration policy impacts.

Ohio immigration-focused doctoral students conducting U.S.-based social science dissertation research on inequality, work, race, or immigration can access funding through the Russell Sage Foundation’s Dissertation Research Grants, awarding up to US $15,000. Grants support data collection, preparation, analysis, and writing, with priority for underrepresented scholars and projects on social, political, and economic inequality affecting immigrant communities.

With a mission to recognize immigrant contributions, Vilcek Foundation provides Ohio immigrant services and arts and culture nonprofits with US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support innovative projects and operations. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S. and territories that highlight immigrant impact in arts, sciences, culture, or society may apply year-round.

Researchers with doctorates studying race, ethnicity, and immigration in the U.S. can apply for Russell Sage Foundation core research grants, with awards up to US $200,000. Ohio-based scholars or those examining immigration and immigrant rights issues relevant to Ohio communities may be eligible for this competitive social science funding opportunity.

Researchers with doctorates conducting social science studies on behavioral science and decision making, including immigration and immigrant integration, can apply for up to US $200,000 in the U.S., including Ohio. With a mission to advance rigorous social science, Russell Sage Foundation provides support for projects examining decisions in contexts like housing, employment, policing, and racial/ethnic relations.

Individuals born in North Korea, their immediate family members, and certain North Korean-born refugees pursuing education in the U.S., including Ohio, can receive scholarship support for accredited college or university programs. With a mission to support immigrant and refugee communities, Communities Foundation of Texas offers the Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship, providing up to US $10,000 and potential annual renewal.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools that distribute food to people in need can receive donated bread and baked goods through the Day-End Dough-Nation program. Panera Bread Foundation partners with charities nationwide, including immigrant and refugee service organizations, shelters, and community meal programs that can commit to weekly, ongoing pickups.

New immigrants pursuing higher education at Berkshire Community College can receive tuition support through the New World Fund Scholarship in the U.S. With a mission to strengthen communities, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation provides scholarships for BCC students who have been in the country five years or less, demonstrate leadership, and have financial need; Ohio immigration nonprofits may share this opportunity with eligible clients.

Current or former USCRI Albany clients pursuing higher education or technical/trade credentials in the Greater Capital Region may be eligible for this scholarship. With a mission to empower generous people, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region provides support through its universal application, which may benefit Ohio immigration-focused nonprofits’ clients who meet these criteria.

Ohio immigrant and refugee high school seniors seeking higher education support can access funding through the Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region; awards US $1,000 for college scholarships. Applicants must be foreign-born, demonstrate financial need, and be graduating seniors, with the possibility of yearly renewal through reapplication.

Cultural festivals in Ohio that present arts and cultural heritage for immigrant, refugee, and New American communities can receive US $3,500 to support pre-existing events. Greater Columbus Arts Council funds Franklin County festivals led by and serving these communities, emphasizing traditional music, dance, food, crafts, and other authentic cultural expressions and ceremonies.

BIPOC-led and BIPOC-allied community-based organizations and Tribal nations working on food security, immigrant services, and Indigenous services in Ohio can seek support for equitable good food procurement projects. Grants from Growing Justice Fund help fund planning or implementation efforts that build infrastructure, advance policy and organizing, or strengthen traditional food pathways; awards US $10,000 - US $25,000.

Immigrant and first-generation college students in Torrington pursuing higher education can receive scholarship support for accredited universities or colleges. Focused on immigrant services and higher education, Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation offers the Patrick Dillon Scholarship, awarding US $750 to eligible students; Ohio immigration nonprofits may share this opportunity with qualifying community members.

Nonprofit and public agencies providing child welfare, foster care, or immigration and refugee support services in Ohio can seek funding to deliver home studies and post-release services for unaccompanied children. Grants from HHS’s Administration for Children and Families range from US $1,000,000 - US $50,000,000 to ensure safe placements and ongoing support while immigration cases proceed.

Proteus Fund

Proteus Fund partners with foundations, individual donors, activists, and other allies to work strategically towards racial, gender, queer, and disability justice and an inclusive, fully-representative democracy. We curate an ecosystem of mutually reinforcing, aligned donor collaboratives and fiscally sponsored projects that deploy a creative array of strategies and tactics to further this vision.

RISE Together Fund: Small Grants

Call For Application

RISE Together Fund (RTF), an initiative of Proteus Fund, is announcing an open call for inquiries for our 2026 Small Grants Fund for U.S. public charity organizations or fiscally sponsored projects of such organizations, that support Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian (BAMEMSA) communities.

As part of RTF’s commitment to prioritizing the needs and sustainability of the fields we collectively support, RTF will provide organizations with general operating grants to allow for organizational flexibility when possible. 

About RTF's Small Grants Fund

BAMEMSA movements have a strong history of organizing and collaboration, and are well poised with the knowledge, learning and experience to build an inclusive, multiracial democratic future and respond to the current unconstitutional threats facing the country. Through this fund, RTF aims to resource community power building organizations that use a multiplicity of approaches to create change rooted in the strength and leadership of BAMEMSA movements.

RTF supports groups that build community power, strengthen movement bases, defend civil and human rights including freedom of protest, speech, religion, and association, end the criminalization and surveillance of our communities, and respond to the rise in xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hate. RTF values groups that are intersectional in their approach and have or are developing sustainable long-term strategies to support BAMEMSA communities and movements.

Priority Issue Areas

• Protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant and refugee BAMEMSA communities by responding to harmful policies and practices, and strengthening community-led advocacy at the local, state, or federal level.

• Mobilizing BAMEMSA communities for nonpartisan civic engagement and election protection by increasing nonpartisan voter participation, combating voter suppression, and building sustained civic infrastructure ahead of, during, and between elections.

• Advocating for U.S. policy changes that end violence in Gaza and the West Bank by elevating Palestinian voices, influencing public discourse, and engaging in advocacy that shifts U.S. political, diplomatic, or funding decisions.

• Challenging harmful national security frameworks and their impacts on BAMEMSA communities by documenting, exposing, and organizing against surveillance, Islamophobia, and policies rooted in the War on Terror, particularly in the context of 9/11’s 25-year legacy.

• Responding to emerging opportunities and threats affecting BAMESMA communities such as influencing policy developments, addressing civic issues in the U.S., or developing narratives to change public discourse. This includes work addressing weaponizing issues around bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ identity to fracture movements and communities.

Priority Strategies

RTF values organizations that take an intersectional approach and are intentionally building long-term community power. We prioritize support for groups that strengthen movement ecosystems, deepen their base, and defend the rights of BAMEMSA communities through the following strategies:

• Convening, Collaboration, and Movement Coordination: Bringing together organizations, leaders, and coalitions to align shared goals, coordinate strategies to advance shared visions, and reduce fragmentation across the field. This includes facilitating strategic convenings, developing platforms for collaboration, building cross-issue or cross-regional partnerships, developing shared agendas or issue campaigns, and strengthening trust and alignment among movement actors.
• Community Power-Building, Base Building, Civic Engagement, and Organizing: Expanding and activating a grassroots base within BAMEMSA communities to drive collective action and policy change. This includes community leadership development, public education campaigns, community organizing, nonpartisan voter engagement and election protection, and ongoing nonpartisan civic participation efforts that build sustained community power.
• Legal and Policy Advocacy Infrastructure: Advancing legal strategies and policy advocacy that expand and protect the rights of BAMEMSA communities. This includes impact litigation, legal advocacy, know-your-rights efforts, policy development, and advocacy at a local, state, or federal level.
• Communications and Narrative Strategy: Shaping public discourse and advancing narratives that reflect the experiences, dignity, and demands of BAMEMSA communities. This includes developing messaging strategies, producing and amplifying media, countering harmful or divisive narratives (including those targeting immigrants, religious minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and reproductive rights), and increasing the voice share of BAMEMSA community members.
• Bolstering Movement Infrastructure: Strengthening the internal capacity and long-term sustainability of organizations and the broader movement ecosystem. This includes organizations supporting leadership development and pipelines, data and technology infrastructure, security and safety, and other core functions that enable groups to operate effectively and respond to evolving challenges.

Limited funding may be available for requests above $25,000.

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.

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.

2) In-Kind Support for Sustainability Consultations and Capacity Building

Participants in this program will receive 1:1 consulting services tailored to an organization’s identified needs. Interact for Health will work with local consultants and community partners based on needs shared by grantee organizations.

Examples of needs include the following:

• Scenario planning  
• Legal support 
• Sustainability and development planning and implementation
• Diversified funding strategies and implementation
• Exploring collaboration, partnerships/alliances, shared services, and/or mergers
• Strategic planning and revisions 

Sustainability Consultations will include up to 30 hours of 1:1 support and will begin in late 2026. 

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Sidney and Carol Aroesty Family Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to East High School graduating seniors planning to pursue a degree in any science discipline at a two- or four-year college, university, or technical school.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $12,000; divided into equal annual installments paid over four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award is paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Patrick Caroselli Scholarship

To provide financial assistance for college to high school seniors in Monroe County whose parents immigrated to the United States and attained citizenship.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; award amount may be split between two or more recipients. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Average award $5,000; not to exceed the cost of tuition.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards must be used for costs related to enrollment in a higher education program, prioritizing tuition fees.