Best Cincinnati Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

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.

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 Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

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.

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.

The altafiber Sponsorships and Donations Program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being by investing in initiatives that promote economic and social mobility. With a commitment to volunteerism and local partnerships, altafiber aims to give back to the communities where their employees and customers reside. This program exemplifies altafiber's mission to provide exceptional services while fostering positive change in the areas they serve, ensuring a lasting impact through strategic investments.

The Piedmont Natural Gas Company Grant Program, part of the Duke Energy Foundation, supports community vitality through grants of $20,000 or less. Focus areas include vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and promoting opportunity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and serve communities without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes measurable community impact and does not fund certain entities, including for-profits and religious organizations. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis.

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.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

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.

Responsible Fatherhood Initiative: Strong Fathers, Strong Families

The purpose of this RFGA is to solicit Applications for DCY, through the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, to implement the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative to strengthen father engagement across Ohio. The initiative will provide fathers with resources, support, and encouragement to enhance their parenting role, including a statewide media campaign and locally delivered services.

This RFGA is being issued pursuant to Ohio House Bill 96 and Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) 5180.706. DCY will award a total of $1.8 million annually to support services across 12 counties. Funding is set at $150,000 per county, per state fiscal year. Each Application must clearly identify the specific county to be served. Future phases will expand the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative to include all counties across Ohio.

Applicants may submit up to four applications in a single submission through the GMS system. When applying for multiple counties, each county must be submitted as a separate, clearly labeled document, and all selected counties must fall within the same designated region as defined in Exhibit 1. Each application will be reviewed and scored independently.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have, or will secure, an appropriate service location within the proposed county—whether an existing site it operates or a partner facility—to ensure equal access for fathers. Applications must demonstrate capacity to deliver county-based programming that (1) engages fathers, parents, and mentors, (2) reaches high-need populations, and (3) builds partnerships that strengthen local support systems.

The overarching objective of this Grant is to improve outcomes for children and families by equipping fathers with the tools, resources, and support needed to build stable, positive relationships with their children.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Public and charter schools in Hamilton or Clermont counties can use this grant to launch or expand PLTW computer science programs, including fees, equipment, and teacher training, with awards up to US $20,000. Cincinnati-area schools serving diverse or economically challenged students may be especially competitive for this Project Lead The Way opportunity.

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.

ArtsWave’s Circle Grants aim to promote and celebrate Black and African American arts experiences in the Cincinnati region. Established in 1927, ArtsWave raises funds to support diverse artistic expressions and drive social impact in the community. Eligible organizations must be non-profits with a majority of their expenditures dedicated to arts activities and be based in the Cincinnati-Middletown area. This initiative seeks to foster inclusivity and cultural heritage through innovative projects.

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 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.

L3Harris Technologies has partnered with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM fields. This initiative supports grants for schools starting or expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible public and charter schools in specified counties can apply for a total of $30,000, distributed over two years. The grant aims to enhance engineering education and promote innovative learning experiences for students.

L3Harris Technologies is partnering with PLTW to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM fields by funding grants for schools to start or expand PLTW Engineering programs. With a total award of $15,000 available for the 2025-2026 academic year, this initiative focuses on public and charter schools in specific counties, especially those with high-need student populations. The program also includes requirements for grant reporting and allowable expenses to ensure effective use of funds.

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. 

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations supporting early childhood education or economic development in Cincinnati, Ohio can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to expand programs and services. Eligible projects must occur in communities where PNC has a significant presence and may include early learning, affordable housing, small business support, community services, arts, or neighborhood revitalization.