Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working on economic advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek support for programs and operations. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites groups that address work, home, and play, advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and serve designated U.S. Bank communities to apply.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support for community programs. Focused on child and family well-being, Costco Foundation invites organizations to apply for charitable contributions that demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support in areas where Costco does business.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs may be eligible for this funding, including those based in Ohio. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving organizations test new approaches to societal issues. Funding is by invitation only, but potential applicants can submit a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare in Ohio can seek seed funding for new or expanding programs. The Dan Paul Foundation supports projects in areas like early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, clean air and water, refugee enrichment, and related youth-focused services with grants up to US $15,000.

With a mission to support early-stage social impact organizations, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides Ohio nonprofits and impact-driven startups with up to US $300,000 over three years in unrestricted funding or investment capital. Eligible entities are 2–10 years old, post-pilot, serving underserved communities, and operating scalable, systems-focused models across sectors like education, health, environment, and economic mobility.

Nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Ohio can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focused on these areas, State Farm invites eligible organizations to propose projects such as disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, job training, or K–12 and STEM education that build stronger local communities.

Ohio nonprofits and social enterprises serving urban low-income children through education, health, or family economic stability projects can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are typically more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants must request at least $50,000 and operate in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for early childhood education and community economic development. Eligible organizations must operate in Ohio communities where PNC has a significant presence and may use grants for education, affordable housing, workforce development, arts, and revitalization benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.

Ohio nonprofits and accredited charities working on humanitarian, social development, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects may be eligible for Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy support. Organizations can seek seed funding for innovative, high-quality local programs that promote sustainable development and actively involve Roche affiliates, local partners, and employees.

Semnani Family Foundation provides Ohio nonprofits and other organizations worldwide with funding for health, education, and humanitarian programs serving marginalized communities. U.S.-based groups working on healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women and girls’ services, homelessness, food insecurity, or related human and social services may be eligible to partner on impactful projects.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Grants support tax-exempt organizations whose U.S.-based projects have broad impact and materially advance general welfare, which may include early-stage or expanding initiatives that need seed or growth funding.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for sponsorship funding to advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with support for basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environment, and diversity and inclusion, which may help launch or grow new initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, operating anywhere in the U.S. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help museums, cultural and performing arts programs, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, and other community initiatives where modest funding has strong impact.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in Henry County, Ohio can seek seed funding for new or expanding programs in education, arts, parks and recreation, community services, and community betterment. Henry County Ohio Community Foundation awards quarterly grants from unrestricted funds, with preference for projects that demonstrate existing matching funds and address emerging community needs.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking seed funding for education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental projects can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded annually, primarily to U.S. applicants, for one year of project-focused support rather than general operating expenses.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in fields like wildlife conservation, education, wellness, and preservation can seek the Storytelling Grant to share their community impact through compelling narratives. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers more than US $50,000, and Ohio organizations doing meaningful, seed-stage work may be strong candidates.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio focused on community quality of life can seek project, operating, or capital support that advances economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Ohio 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek unrestricted program or operating support for environmental, human services, disaster relief, and related work. Focused on broad community and environmental needs, the Lawrence Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants with no geographic restrictions, which may help organizations launching or expanding new initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working on youth education, housing, hunger, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Funding can help seed or grow programs serving underserved young people and their families, including food access, housing support, leadership development, and community beautification.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio’s Greater Cincinnati region can seek seed funding for educational scholarships, programs, and research benefiting underprivileged students, children, youth, adults, and families. The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, via the Harrison Family Foundation, offers US $5,000 - US $15,000 for innovative primary, secondary, and adult education initiatives, including capital items and operating expenses.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, government entities, colleges, universities, and religious organizations with charitable programs in Marion County, Ohio can seek community grants supporting local change. Marion Community Foundation funds seed ideas and larger initiatives in basic needs, community development, health, arts, environment, animal welfare, family, seniors, and education-focused projects.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused intervention and humanitarian relief. U.S. 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities, including those in Ohio, may be eligible if they are smaller, non-sectarian organizations meeting the foundation’s revenue and impact criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking seed funding for community services, environmental work, or peacebuilding in Ohio may be eligible for this opportunity. With a mission to support positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides charitable organizations with grants that can help launch or grow impactful programs in these areas.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in Ohio that support basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s seed funding. Eligible groups must be within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office and meet mission and nondiscrimination requirements.