Best Cleveland Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

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.

**THIS GRANT IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED APPLICATIONS FOR THE MARCH 2024 DEADLINE**

Our Mission

To fund crucial efforts today that help every child in Cuyahoga County grow into adulthood with health, wellness and dignity.

Our Focus

Because every child is a partner in the future of our city.

The Bruening Foundation aims to improve quality of life in Cuyahoga County by investing proactively in early childhood development.

We know that economic adversity experienced early in life compromises brain development, health and earnings over a lifetime. The ages between 0-3 are the critical years. This short window of time is our opportunity to disrupt the consequences of poverty, both for the potential of the child and the continued success of our city. We support efforts targeted to young children with the understanding that the benefits of social and educational interventions are strongest in the earliest years.

Inspired by a compassionate civic vision. Informed by our legacy.

Our focus is a modern interpretation of our founding couple’s vision and voice.

With no children of their own, Eva and Joseph Bruening viewed the children of Cleveland as their legacy and felt they had a responsibility to care for those in need. They strongly believed in the importance of building hope in their community by alleviating the roots of poverty.

That mission continues to influence the Bruening Foundation’s focus today. We invest in efforts to improve overall quality of life by empowering economically disadvantaged individuals to navigate through life with dignity and to gain greater personal and economic security and self sufficiency. Our grantmaking priorities reflect an interest in helping families out of poverty through improved education, access to long-term benefits and connections to employment

Thinking. Learning. Changing. Doing. Bruening.

At the Bruening Foundation, we are thinking about how to address poverty in our community. We are part of the community conversation and learning about best practices to lift families out of poverty. We support grantees that are doing important programming and changing the course for families living in poverty. That is the Bruening way.

The PLTW Gateway grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support schools in implementing PLTW Gateway programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Schools must offer two different PLTW units over two years and complete grant reporting. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions in cities like Huntsville, AL, and Detroit, MI. The total grant amount is $10,000, distributed equally over two years, enabling schools to enhance their STEM education offerings.

The PLTW Engineering grant, funded by PPG Industries, supports schools in enhancing their existing PLTW Engineering programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible institutions, including public and charter schools in specified cities, can use funds for course expansions, teacher training, and necessary equipment. The initiative aims to maintain high-quality engineering education while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements. Unallowable expenses include salaries and infrastructure costs.

The PLTW Engineering grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support schools in implementing PLTW Engineering programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible schools in Huntsville, AL, Greensboro, NC, and Cleveland, OH can apply for a total award of $20,000, distributed over two years. Schools must offer one PLTW course in the first year and another in the following year, ensuring a commitment to enhancing STEM education in their communities.

The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund Fellowships provide financial support for U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies in various fields at accredited institutions. The fellowships cover tuition and offer an annual stipend of $18,000 for living expenses. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have an outstanding undergraduate record. Applications are submitted through the dean of the university, with deadlines in January and notifications by mid-June. This program honors Dolores Zohrab Liebmann's legacy of supporting education.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The Kaulig Foundation grants aim to enhance the well-being of children and families in Northeast Ohio by supporting 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation focuses on healthcare solutions for children, providing comfort and safety to families, and nurturing children's potential through education and the arts. By funding exemplary programs, it seeks to make a meaningful impact in the community, ensuring that children thrive physically, emotionally, and educationally.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

The Latino Impact Fund Grant, launched in September 2025 with a $3 million endowment at the Cleveland Foundation, aims to empower the Latino community in Greater Cleveland. It provides funding to 501(C)(3) organizations that uplift Latinos through initiatives focused on business advancement and economic stability. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 support projects that foster entrepreneurship, workforce training, and access to housing, ensuring a brighter future for local residents.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

The Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation Grant supports education, health and human services, civic organizations, and arts and culture within Northeast Ohio. Grants are awarded to organizations with a current 501(C)(3) status, and funding requests should not exceed $10,000. However, applications for program or operating support, endowment funds, or requests from religious organizations are not accepted. This grant aims to encourage impactful projects that align with its mission.

The O'Neill Brothers Grants support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Northeast Ohio, providing approximately $300,000 in grants annually. With a focus on Catholic, educational, human service, cultural, and conservation initiatives, the foundation prioritizes requests for unrestricted operating support from financially stable entities. Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The review process can take up to six months, but emergency funding requests may be considered at the discretion of the Trustees.

The Andrews Foundation, a private family foundation based in Northeast Ohio since 1951, focuses on enriching the quality of life in the region. It offers multi-year grants ranging from 2 to 5 years to non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. In 2024, the foundation emphasizes sectors such as Education, Eldercare, Community Services, Healthcare, Social Services, and Sustainability, showcasing its commitment to community investment and adaptability in grant-making.

The NCAC: LEAD Scholarship Grant supports arts administrators new to accessibility, enabling them to develop inclusive programs for artists and audiences with disabilities. Recipients receive funding to attend the Performing Arts’ Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability Conference, fostering collaboration and learning best practices. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations in North Carolina with a history of quality arts programming. Priority is given to organizations in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties and those without previous LEAD grants.

The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Cleveland, focusing on creativity, fiscal responsibility, and dynamic leadership. With priorities in arts, education, environment, health, and economic development, the Foundation offers various types of funding, including operating costs and specific projects. Organizations in the Cleveland area are encouraged to apply, although the Foundation does not fund endowments or political subdivisions.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

Cox Charities Northeast offers community grants ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 annually to support nonprofit organizations focused on STEAM education. Since 2001, Cox has invested nearly $8 million in youth programming across Connecticut, Ohio, and Rhode Island. The grants prioritize innovative projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and sustainability initiatives, encouraging applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the Cox East serviceable footprint.

The Thomas H. White Foundation offers grants to tax-exempt, non-profit organizations in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, focusing on programs that enhance early childhood education, promote educational success for K-12 students, and support workforce readiness. Eligible organizations must primarily serve residents of Cleveland and comply with specific requirements. Notably, capital campaign requests are ineligible. For more details, applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation directly.

The Callahan Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Northeast Ohio that demonstrate exceptional leadership and create valuable community contributions. Established in 1968, the foundation prioritizes funding for arts, education, and social services, focusing on projects that enhance access to higher education and healthcare for disadvantaged populations. Organizations can apply for capital projects, operational support, and leadership development funding, fostering sustainable growth and innovation within the region.

The George Gund Foundation provides grants to support various program areas including climate and environmental justice, creative culture and arts, public education, thriving families and social justice, and vibrant neighborhoods and inclusive economy in Cleveland. The foundation prioritizes projects that advocate for underrepresented communities and work towards sustainability and equity. By fostering collaboration and policy change, it aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents while addressing systemic barriers to opportunity.

The Cleveland Foundation

The Cleveland Foundation is the community's trust—a collective savings account dedicated to making the lives of Greater Clevelanders better.

The Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today. The foundation was established in 1914 by Frederick Harris Goff, a well-known lawyer and banker at the Cleveland Trust Company. Goff sought a solution for people who wanted to give back to their community in a lasting and impactful way. Unlike a one-time donation to a specific cause or organization, a gift to the Cleveland Foundation is invested to grow over time and meet the changing needs in the community across generations.  

Black Philanthropy Fund

The Cleveland Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Fund is an endowed affinity fund dedicated to advancing healthy communities and long‑term prosperity for Greater Cleveland’s Black community.

Harnessing the strength of collective giving, the fund convenes bold voices and sparks joyful collaboration to drive systemic change. Through strategic grantmaking and community partnerships, the fund invests in organizations creating pathways to opportunity, building wealth and advancing holistic well‑being.

Impact Areas

• Opportunity Access: Grants support organizations leading initiatives that open doors to meaningful careers, entrepreneurial ventures and civic leadership, creating inclusive pathways for Black communities to thrive and lead boldly. 

• Economic Investment & Wealth Building: Grants support organizations equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge and resources to build financial security and generational wealth through education, collaborative investment opportunities and innovative strategies for personal growth.

• Physical & Mental Health: Grants support organizations advancing holistic well‑being by strengthening mental resilience, promoting physical health and creating joyful spaces for connection and community care. 

Saint Luke's Foundation offers grants over $25,000 to organizations promoting health equity in Cuyahoga County. Through a rigorous review process, funded projects must align with the foundation's mission to address social determinants of health, particularly in targeted neighborhoods. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental agencies. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster long-term collaborations and innovative solutions aimed at reducing health disparities, ensuring community engagement and strategic alignment in its funding decisions.