Best Grants for Minorities in Ohio

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges and serving underserved communities in Ohio and beyond can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support, with awards up to US $300,000. With a mission to back scalable, systems-focused solutions, the foundation provides capital, intensive capacity-building, and community over three years.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, government entities, and volunteer fire companies in Ohio can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives from State Farm Companies Foundation. Programs serving minority communities may be eligible for support in areas like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, food insecurity, job training, and K–12 or higher education.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering early childhood education or community economic development programs in Ohio communities where PNC operates can seek funding for projects serving low- and moderate-income residents. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for education, affordable housing, small business support, arts, and essential human services that may benefit minority populations.

Ohio charities managing humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts projects can access funding through Roche for innovative, sustainable community initiatives. Accredited nonprofits serving minority communities may be eligible if projects promote sustainable development, actively involve Roche affiliates and employees, and can benefit from Roche’s expertise, logistics, and early collaboration with local authorities and partners.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities, including minorities in Ohio and worldwide. Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as healthcare access, women and children’s health, food security, literacy, and social services in the U.S. and numerous countries.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, as long as funds are used in the U.S. Organizations serving minority communities in Ohio may be eligible if they meet IRS and applicable California tax-exempt requirements.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Organizations in Ohio serving people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can receive one-time support for initiatives that advance inclusion, leadership, access to services, or evidence-based supports. Focused on developmental disability priorities, Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council offers up to US $5,000, with priority for traditionally unserved or underserved groups, including racial and ethnic minorities.

Ohio community organizations providing minority health education and disease prevention activities can receive up to US $4,000 to support April Minority Health Month events. Ohio Commission on Minority Health funds programs that improve health knowledge, attitudes, or practices among economically disadvantaged African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Native/Indigenous communities in Ohio.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern U.S. can seek support for programs addressing hardship, including poverty relief, children and families, education, medical assistance, disaster relief, and veterans’ issues. Grants from Robinson Foundation help groups with at least three years of activity that provide tangible, meaningful impact, which may benefit minority-serving organizations in Ohio’s southern region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Ohio and beyond can seek project support through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. With a mission to respect all life and the environment, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit programs serving minority communities.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio and across the U.S. seeking support for community-based programs can apply for funding to benefit minority and underserved populations. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help museums, schools, hospitals, arts, environmental, youth, disability, and senior services with US $1,000 - US $20,000 for projects where modest awards make a big impact.

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 project support in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural programs, or environmental initiatives can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. Minority-serving organizations may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $25,000 in one-year grants, with applications accepted annually between October 1 and March 1.

With a mission to support innovative arts projects, Ohio Arts Council provides Ohio arts and cultural nonprofits and other organizations with competitive project funding up to US $25,000. Eligible groups can propose bold, experimental work that expands accessibility, affordability, or diversity in arts experiences, which may benefit organizations serving minority communities across the state.

Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit and public organizations in Ohio’s Appalachian counties can receive US $500 - US $5,000 for projects in arts and culture, education, health, human services, community development, and environmental stewardship. With a mission to strengthen African American communities, Foundation for Appalachian Ohio supports efforts that address disparities and expand opportunities across 32 Appalachian Ohio counties.

Ohio organizations working to expand health information access for minority and other underrepresented communities can apply for the Health Information Outreach Award, which offers US $25,000 for outreach and education projects. Focused on health information and literacy, National Library of Medicine funding supports training, technology access, and programs using NLM and NNLM resources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life for underserved and underrepresented people in Ohio can seek project, operating, or capital support for community programs. With a mission to strengthen economic stability, workforce development, health, and disaster relief, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to local, non-discriminatory charities in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving underserved youth and families in Ohio can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community, education, hunger, and environmental programs. Minority-serving organizations working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship may be especially competitive.

With a mission to support criminal justice services, Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services provides Ohio law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, crime labs, and allied professionals with reimbursement for sexual assault kit testing and related investigative expenses. Agencies serving minority survivors of sexual assault may benefit through coverage of lab costs, expert testimony, transportation, and training to build investigative capacity.

Nonprofit organizations, churches, and public entities serving Clark County, Ohio can seek funding for arts and culture, education, health, human services, environment, and civic affairs programs from Springfield Foundation. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, it supports projects that improve quality of life, which may include initiatives benefiting minority residents in Ohio.

Economic mission-based organizations in Butler and Warren Counties in Ohio can apply for Alloy Development Co’s Pat Landi Access Fund, with awards up to US $10,000 for small business and local economic development initiatives. Programs serving minority entrepreneurs through incubators, loan funds, workforce training, or entrepreneurial education may be especially well-positioned.