Best Grants for Churches in Ohio

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Churches and faith-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs may be eligible for support from the Creag Foundation. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving ministries test new approaches to social issues; interested organizations must submit a letter of inquiry and have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

Churches and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Ohio serving children’s health, education, and welfare can seek grants from the Dan Paul Foundation. Funding up to US $15,000 supports youth development, early childhood programs, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, and refugee enrichment; faith-based organizations with qualifying youth programs may be eligible.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Ohio can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Faith-based organizations offering direct community services, including church-affiliated programs, may be eligible if they primarily serve economically underserved populations and meet Cisco’s public charity and policy requirements.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that fit State Farm Companies Foundation priorities. Focused on long-term impact, the foundation supports projects like disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, STEM education, and food insecurity efforts, which may benefit faith-based organizations’ community programs.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in charitable, educational, scientific, or medical fields can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, making this a potential fit for church-affiliated nonprofits with qualifying activities.

Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches and other charitable, educational, scientific, literary, religious, and civic groups, can apply for the Mylander Foundation’s grants, with awards of more than US $1,000 for one-year projects serving Ohio residents. Faith-based organizations in Erie County and the surrounding region may be especially competitive.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing year-round, direct-service community programs can seek one-time project funding through the Mary Jane Ritson Charitable Trust, designated for Jefferson County and Steubenville. Established churches and other Christian organizations that meet these IRS classifications and impact local community needs may be eligible if they demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainability.

Clinton County Foundation

The Clinton County Foundation is a community foundation providing charitable investing and local grants that enable people and nonprofits to make a lasting and positive impact in our community.

As local citizens committed to stewarding and investing charitable gifts, we thrive on supporting the people, projects, and places that make our piece of Ohio unique and attractive to families and businesses.

Our Areas of Focus

We provide support where it’s needed most. The Clinton County Foundation encourages a focus on three areas that deliver the greatest impact for charitable giving.

• Education: We support educational needs throughout the learning journey, from pre-school to high school to trade school to college for our entire community.
• Health & Wellness: Supporting the health and wellness of our neighbors is important because good health is a significant component of any community’s effectiveness and ability to serve its citizens.
• Economic Development: The Clinton County Foundation believes that economic development is a key factor in building a financially strong and overall healthy community and therefore supports funds in this area.

Lees Creek UCC Arts Fund Grants

In 2025, the Lees Creek United Church of Christ closed its doors, sold its assets, and established funds at the Clinton County Foundation to support scholarships, libraries, arts, and guidance departments. This grant cycle targets projects that will benefit students of East Clinton (Ohio) Local Schools through arts, field trips, music, and related programs and activities. Funding requests of $500 to $1000 will be considered for one time events that support learning objectives for any grade level.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits and church-based groups with tax-exempt umbrella organizations can seek up to US $500 for specific family, safety, or community enhancement projects. Focused on grassroots initiatives, Baltimore Life Foundation invites programs like child safety education, community clean-ups, and neighborhood watch activities that already have strong volunteer support.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Ohio churches and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky region can seek funding for education, arts, community development, and human services programs. Fifth Third Foundation, through multiple trustee funds, also supports religious outreach, poverty relief, youth and women’s services, disability support, and other charitable initiatives in Greater Cincinnati and surrounding counties.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven programs may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial’s national community grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, economic and small business development, and cultural enrichment, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee and advisor volunteers.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions can seek funding for projects advancing healthy eating, active living, thriving neighborhoods, or mental health and addiction in eligible Mid-Ohio Valley counties. Grants from Sisters Health Foundation help churches and faith-based organizations in these areas with program, capacity building, equipment, small capital, or general operating support, with awards more than US $5,000.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including churches, schools, and government entities serving Erie County residents, can apply for Erie County Community Foundation’s Access to Recreation Fund; awards support projects expanding recreational access and facilities for people of all abilities. Operational costs such as salaries may be included when aligned with community grant priorities.

Ohio 501(c)(3) health care providers seeking funding to purchase health care equipment for Erie County residents may be eligible for this program. Erie County Community Foundation’s Buckeye Broadband Fund supports qualifying nonprofits, including churches and other entities with group exemptions, that provide health services and aim to strengthen community health care access and delivery.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including churches, schools, and governmental entities, can seek grants to provide medical services, educational rehabilitation, and emotional support for children in Erie County. Erie County Community Foundation funding can cover program costs and some operational expenses for organizations serving local children’s health and developmental needs.

Ohio churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations offering performing arts or theater programs for Erie County residents can apply for the Huron Playhouse Fund for the Arts. Focused on creative performing arts, Erie County Community Foundation invites proposals that build capacity, encourage collaboration, and sustain theatrical projects that benefit the local community.

Ohio churches, schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and public entities serving Erie County can seek funding for environmental education projects, including workshops, field trips, and programs on local issues. Focused on environmental education, Erie County Community Foundation invites eligible organizations to propose collaborative, sustainable initiatives that benefit Erie County residents and may include certain operational costs.

Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries in Ohio can seek support for staff or volunteer spiritual renewal, education, sabbaticals, and retreats. Focused on ministry development and Catholic identity, the Catholic Community Foundation’s Tabor Fund offers up to US $1,500 per grant for conferences, respite periods, and organized retreats that strengthen Christian service and leadership.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental conservation, mental health, youth leadership, or services for seniors, people with developmental disabilities, or hospice care can seek project support through these Focused Funds Grants. With a mission to strengthen the community, The Columbus Foundation provides competitive awards up to US $25,000, which may benefit church-affiliated nonprofits meeting these priorities.

Churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and government units in Ohio serving Clark County can seek Springfield Foundation’s competitive grants to support community programs in arts and culture, civic affairs, education, environment, health, and human services. With a mission to strengthen local quality of life, Springfield Foundation provides funding for projects that address current community needs.