Best Cincinnati Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation Grant supports innovative public policy projects in Cincinnati, focusing on political discourse and informed policy. Established in the 1940s, the foundation allocates funding primarily for studies affecting civic issues in the region. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, aimed at fostering initiatives that engage the community in meaningful discussions on civic matters.

Established in 2007 in honor of naturalist Ora “Andy” Anderson, the Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund for Appalachian Ohio carries forward his commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the region. Emphasis is on conservation activities and programs in the areas of watershed restoration, sustainable forest practices, and promotion of the region’s cultural and environmental history.The Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund for Appalachian Ohio awards grants to support conservation across Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

The Talent Attraction Program (TAP) Scholarship, provided by the Hamilton Community Foundation, offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to alleviate student loan debt. This reverse scholarship aims to attract and retain talented individuals in Butler County by supporting those who have completed STEAM programs. It aligns with the Foundation's commitment to enhancing local workforce development and fostering community engagement, ultimately contributing to the area's economic vitality and long-term prosperity.

Valorie Wolcott Mendelson Ohio School Psychologists Association Scholarship Fund

The Ohio School Psychologists Association established the scholarship to benefit graduates students who are in the second term of their first year at one of the eight Ohio Graduate Training Programs in School Psychology.

Award Amount:

• Two $4,000 Scholarships

The AIA Fellowship for Study in the U.S. supports archaeologists employed by the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (DAI) and project collaborators. This post-doctoral research fellowship encourages high-quality scholarship and fosters connections between North American and DAI scholars. It covers travel expenses, housing, library access, and living stipends for a minimum two-month residency at UCLA, Brown University, or the University of Cincinnati, with opportunities for lectures and engagement in academic life.

Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, N.A

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact.

The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, N.A. is committed to supporting programs and initiatives that create strong, vibrant communities and provide pathways to opportunity. The Foundation Office administers Private Family Foundations that leave a lasting legacy. We review grant requests for private family foundations for which Fifth Third Bank serves as trustee or agent. Grants for programming in education, the arts, community development, and health and human services are considered, in addition to the specific funding interests originally identified by each of the individual donors. Our goal is to make the grant-making process as smooth and easy as possible.

Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund

Jacob Schmidlapp founded one of Fifth Third’s most important origin banks, the Union Savings Bank and Trust Co., in 1890 and served as its president until 1907. Regarded by many as one of the greatest philanthropists in Cincinnati’s history, he committed himself to improving the lives of others.

In the last 40 years alone, the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts and the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund have benefited our region through more than $120 million dollars in giving. The Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts have funded countless programs and organizations aligned with improving and promoting education, caring for children and those in need, and improving health and living conditions. Among those organizations is Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

The Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund supports charitable or educational purposes; for relief in sickness, suffering and distress; for the care of young children, the aged or the helpless or afflicted; for the promotion of education and to improve living conditions. 

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The Fifth Third Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on education, arts, community development, and health services. It aims to enhance community vibrancy and provide opportunities, supporting various funding interests from several benefactors. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Cincinnati, Dayton, or Northern Kentucky. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower women, support children, and promote environmental conservation, among other charitable purposes.

The Northern Cincinnati Foundation Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Butler, Warren, or Hamilton Counties who demonstrate financial need and intend to pursue a 2 or 4-year degree. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden of higher education, empowering students to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Louise Taft Semple Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Cincinnati, Ohio, by providing financial support for artistic, cultural, educational, civic, and social service projects. The foundation prioritizes funding for the local arts community, education institutions promoting arts, and civic initiatives. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations and wait two years between proposals. Notably, the foundation does not support general operating expenses, individual scholarships, or projects already completed.

Murray & Agnes Seasongood Good Government Foundation

Agnes and Murray Seasongood were philanthropists who promoted good government and civic reform. The Seasongood Foundation honors their legacy by fostering accountability, transparency, equity, and efficiency in local government through grants for 501(c)(3) community organizations and professional associations serving the Greater Cincinnati Region. The Foundation reviews proposals three times each year. Visit the grant applications page for deadlines and access to the online application form.

As champions of good government, the Trustees identified key investment areas to live out their mission with the community.

• Engagement in Democracy – projects and programs that actively and directly champion voter education, voting access, and equitable voting; projects and programs that address issues of redistricting, gerrymandering, and the rising threat of authoritarianism in America
• Public Service Professionalism – public service internships (especially for college students with local government offices), public/private collaborations, anti-corruption efforts, the protection of poll workers and election officials
• Combating Political Polarization – projects and programs that advance fair, balanced media and fact-based reporting; community efforts to cultivate civil discourse; projects and programs that advocate for transparency in government actions and policies

Seasongood Good Government Foundation Internship Program

Since 1975, The Seasongood Good Government Foundation Internship Program, offers a select group of college juniors, seniors, and graduate students insights into the realities of the day-to-day operation of the government of the City of Cincinnati. Interns, working under the supervision of local government professionals, have a chance to contribute to the local government while they are learning about government. In 2020, the trustees updated the Seasongood Good Government Internship Program to include all government organizations in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky region. A revised application and reporting process was been implemented for 2022.

The goal of the Seasongood Foundation internship program is to support the development of emerging professionals who want to work in the public realm, and who understand and practice good government principles.

The African American Community Fund Grant, established by Ernest E. and Ernest A. Bynum, aims to support African American communities in Appalachian Ohio. This fund addresses disparities and enhances the quality of life through initiatives in arts, education, economic development, and health services. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, focusing on projects led by Black organizations across 32 counties. This initiative strengthens both the African American population and the broader community.

The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

The Rural Changemaker RFP by Interact for Health aims to enhance health and well-being in rural areas across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With funding ranging from $10,000 to $70,000, the initiative targets grassroots projects that address vital health conditions. This year, a total of $600,000 is available for organizations that serve at least one of Interact for Health’s rural counties. The grant duration is between 12 to 18 months, fostering community-driven solutions.

The CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program, funded by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, supports early-career Appalachian traditional artists with $5,000 grants and personalized professional development. Artists engage in learning opportunities, including workshops and mentorship, to enhance their skills. Eligible applicants must be traditional artists from designated Appalachian counties in Ohio, Virginia, or West Virginia, at least 18 years old, and in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts. This initiative fosters cultural preservation and artistic growth in the region.

The Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund Grant, administered by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, provides essential funding for nonprofit and public organizations in Appalachian Ohio. With a focus on enhancing quality of life through education, community leadership, and basic needs fulfillment, this fund supports collaborative projects across 32 counties. Thanks to contributions like the $10,000 from Columbia Gas of Ohio, the fund aims to make a lasting impact in the region, fostering growth and development.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

John D. O’Shea & Kathleen E. O’Shea Scholarship

The John D. O’Shea and Kathleen E. O’Shea Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 through a gift from the couple’s estate.

Devout Catholics, the O’Sheas wish this scholarship to support Catholic education, specifically for students attending Xavier University or Ohio Dominican University, John and Kathy’s alma maters, respectively. The O’Shea’s other funds support St. Mary’s Elementary School in Marion and St. Francis in Toledo, as well as other causes important to the O’Shea family.

BASF Corporation, a leading chemical company based in Florham Park, New Jersey, is committed to charitable giving that aligns with its corporate social responsibility goals. The focus areas include science education, environmental sustainability, and health and safety. Donations are only made to eligible non-profit organizations under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that contributions support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in BASF communities and promote a sustainable future.

Cincinnati Bar Foundation

At the Cincinnati Bar Foundation, we believe that our community works better when people understand the law and have equal access to justice. Every day, we empower non-profits to help our legally vulnerable citizens because our community is stronger when we have confidence in our legal system.

Established in 1961 to fund educational and charitable programs to serve the legal profession, the justice system, and the community, grants are made twice a year.

Led by a volunteer board, we also oversee specific funds, scholarships, events and name a recipient of the John L. Muething Lifetime Achievement in Law award each fall.

Mission: Promoting Justice & Changing Lives Through the Law

Grants

We are a grant making organization that has been in existence for over 50 years. We support programs in the community that reflect our mission in promoting justice and education of the law. Justice and the legal system reach far beyond the courtroom, and touch each of our lives.

Purpose

With the desire to serve the legal profession, the justice system and the Greater Cincinnati community, the Cincinnati Bar Foundation concentrates grant-making efforts in the following four areas:

• Encouraging knowledge and understanding of, and respect for, the law in the community, particularly with young people
• Improving the quality and administration of justice in all its facets
• Supporting the delivery of legal services at an affordable cost for the poor, elderly and otherwise disadvantaged
• Fostering professionalism and civility in the practice of law

Cincinnati Bar Foundation

At the Cincinnati Bar Foundation, we believe that our community works better when people understand the law and have equal access to justice. Every day, we empower non-profits to help our legally vulnerable citizens because our community is stronger when we have confidence in our legal system.

Established in 1961 to fund educational and charitable programs to serve the legal profession, the justice system, and the community, grants are made twice a year.

Led by a volunteer board, we also oversee specific funds, scholarships, events and name a recipient of the John L. Muething Lifetime Achievement in Law award each fall.

Mission: Promoting Justice & Changing Lives Through the Law

John L. Muething Lifetime Achievement in Law Award

The Cincinnati Bar Foundation is currently accepting nominations for the John L. Muething Lifetime Achievement in Law Award. This award will be presented at the Senior Counselors' Luncheon in the fall. The Lifetime Achievement in Law Award is presented for 50 years of exemplary service as a lawyer. Members 75 and older are also eligible. Through his or her distinguished career, the honoree reflects the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession. We encourage you to nominate a colleague who is deserving of this prestigious award.

Who We Are

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati is an apostolic Catholic community of women religious that exists to carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service and prayer in the world.

Sister Elise Fund Grant

These small grants are requested by a Sister of Charity. Eligible organizations include:

• those where a Sister is currently involved in the nonprofit organization as a board or committee member, paid staff member or regular volunteer, or
• those either founded by a Sister of Charity, or at one time had Sisters involved.

The grant was named in honor of Sister Elise Halloran, SC, who served as treasurer for the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati from 1944 to 1965. Sister Elise was widely known for her financial acumen and stewardship of investments, as well as her strong faith, kindness, perseverance, care for those in poverty, and her support of Catholic education.

You Need to Know:

• Grant funds must be used for the specific purpose identified in the Sister Elise Grant Fund application. Once granted, any change in purpose must be approved in advance by the endorsing Sister(s) and SC Ministry Foundation before funds are spent.
• The authority and accountability for all requests to the Sister Elise Grant Fund rests with the nonprofit’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• Supplies or minor equipment funded through the request become the property of the nonprofit organization.
• The Sister Elise Grant may not be used to fund a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati’s salary or benefits.
• Due to our fiduciary and stewardship responsibility, SC Ministry Foundation reserves the right to approve or decline all requests.
• Upon conclusion of the grant, the organization is required to contact the Sister of Charity who supported the grant to describe the results of the project and usage of the funds.

The Edelweiss Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting transformative initiatives in Greater Cincinnati. Their mission focuses on enriching the community by funding projects led by visionary leaders. The foundation primarily supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and community development, aiming to enhance the physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being of Cincinnatians. With a commitment to fostering growth and potential, the foundation seeks proposals that align with its mission.

Environmental Stewardship: Fellowships

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

Fellowships provide two years of support for individuals who pioneer positive change through projects that address environmental challenges and promote biodiversity conservation. Fellows are supported as they engage communities in educational initiatives related to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We seek to invest in fellows who will pilot new methodologies, develop scalable solutions and ultimately shift existing patterns in environmental stewardship. Up to $20,000 is available to support environmental stewardship fellowships over a two-year period. 

Environmental Stewardship: Research Grants

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

FAO welcomes proposals for projects that result in scalable change, with a priority for projects that will impact multiple counties. FAO will consider funding requests between $5,000 and $50,000 per project, and at least $150,000 is available to award. We encourage applicants to propose research with the potential to significantly impact the understanding of aquatic biodiversity, water quality and threats to healthy habitats. The following examples illustrate eligible projects, but proposals are not limited to the listed areas.

• Flood resilience
• Watershed monitoring, analysis and management applications
• Application of innovative technologies and methodologies
• Collaborative research partnerships across disciplines and sectors
• Ecosystem services

Environmental Stewardship: Innovation Grants

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

Innovation grants invest in new and creative solutions that result in environmental good while encouraging environmental stewardship. Possibilities include areas such as upcycling materials or developing approaches to harmonize energy, economics, environment and health. FAO will also consider strategic initiatives and planning for communities leveraging larger funds. Innovation grants can support pilot projects that increase the region’s capacity to improve air quality; water quality; green energy generation, storage and adoption; and diesel emission reduction. At least $20,000 is available to support innovation grants.

Funding Areas

Foster greater community involvement (schools, nonprofits, businesses, etc.) in sustainable initiatives and projects with high impact across multiple sectors, including energy, economics, environment and health.

Support innovative projects that focus on developing new or improving upon existing methods for reducing and redesigning materials, driving forward-thinking solutions that benefit communities and the environment.

Strengthen the ability of local organizations to secure substantial funding from state, federal and national programs. Increasing access to these resources will amplify the impact of projects focused on large-scale and innovative approaches to cleaner air, cleaner water, green energy adoption and diesel emission reduction.