Best Grants for Religious Nonprofits 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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, health, welfare, or basic needs programs in Ohio can seek support for projects like early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, and refugee enrichment. The Dan Paul Foundation offers up to US $15,000 for programs that directly benefit children and youth worldwide, including Ohio-based initiatives.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Religious and other 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits in Ohio offering arts, science, or STEAM programs for U.S. audiences can seek program, capital, or limited general/endowment support. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes large, well-established institutions such as museums, performing arts organizations, and arts schools with audited expenses over $2 million and demonstrable, lasting impact.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Ohio, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support health and welfare, education, or community initiatives. Funding may benefit religious nonprofits that run food pantries, healthcare or patient services for underserved people, STEM education, or healthy lifestyle and screening programs.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations serving Licking County residents in Ohio can apply for the Cecil L. Mauger Charitable Trust Grant to support small-scale capital needs, programmatic needs, and people-focused projects. Faith-based nonprofits may be eligible if programs are non-proselytizing, and schools or large institutions must apply through central administration offices.

Ohio religious and faith-based organizations working in education, children’s health, or family economic stability can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts. Eligible entities include nonprofits, schools, social enterprises, and other public or charitable organizations serving urban low-income children and youth, with requests of more than US $50,000.

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.

Nonprofit, philanthropic, and charitable organizations serving children and families in and around Stark County, Ohio can seek funding for education, health, and religious programs. The Paul and Carol David Foundation provides Ohio religion and spirituality nonprofits with support to reduce financial burdens and strengthen community-focused services rooted in faith and family well-being.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering year-round, direct-service programs can seek one-time project funding that demonstrates measurable impact and community need in Jefferson County and Steubenville. Focused on community services, the Mary Jane Ritson Charitable Trust favors established organizations with at least three years of operations and programs with at least one year of documented results.

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.

Community Grant Fund

The Community Grant Fund is an internal fund of the Clinton County Foundation, designed to fund new ideas, projects, and collaborations. Funds may support projects, programs, and supplies, but are not designed for salaries or capital projects. Targeted requests will fall in the $500 to $5000 range and specifically benefit citizens of Clinton County, Ohio, by nonprofit organizations located within Clinton County, Ohio.

Community grants may fall into three categories - arts and beautification, youth programming, and underserved projects.

The fund is not designed to be a primary funding source, but rather a way to leverage resources; to expand services,; and to assist, encourage, and promote the well-being of inhabitants of Clinton County.

Grants for Ohio nonprofits providing educational programs for seniors in Mahoning County help religious and other 501(c)(3) organizations offer lifelong learning opportunities. The Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley’s Ohio Living Lifelong Learning Fund awards US $500 - US $1,500 to not-for-profits, including religious organizations, schools, government entities, or groups applying through a fiscal sponsor.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits running family, safety, or community enhancement programs can seek up to US $500 for specific projects. Focused on community well-being, Baltimore Life Foundation invites organizations, including churches and synagogues with tax-exempt umbrella bodies, to apply for support for non-religious, volunteer-driven initiatives such as child safety education or neighborhood improvement.

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.

Ohio 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek unrestricted program or operating support for environmental, human services, disaster relief, and related work. Focused on broad community and environmental causes, the Lawrence Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants that may benefit religious nonprofits whose activities fit these priorities.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charities, government entities, religious institutions, and private schools serving Carroll County, Ohio can seek project support through the Carroll Community Fund, administered by Stark Community Foundation. With a mission to strengthen local impact, Stark Community Foundation provides Ohio religious and community nonprofits with challenge and partial funding for arts, education, and recreational initiatives.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for religious activities or other community programs can apply for grants from the Alfred & Lillie Dunlavey Charitable Trust. Focused on education and civic and charitable organizations in Jefferson County, this trust also considers projects in areas like religion, community development, and human and social services.

Religious and faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky region of Ohio can seek funding for education, arts, community development, and human services programming that strengthens local communities. Fifth Third Foundation administers multiple charitable trusts that may support outreach ministries, poverty relief, and other Religion & Spirituality initiatives in the Greater Cincinnati area.

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 Wayne and Holmes counties can seek project funding for scientific, educational, religious, charitable, and human services programs that benefit communities in need. Focused on sustained, measurable impact, the Laura B. Frick Charitable Trust invites Ohio religion and spirituality nonprofits with at least three years of operations and proven programs to apply.

Religious or faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Ohio working in preservation, education, or wellness may be eligible for the Storytelling Grant, which supports sharing the impact of their work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers more than US $50,000 to help organizations create compelling stories about their community change efforts.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, government entities, colleges, universities, and religious organizations with charitable programs can seek funding for work benefiting Marion County residents. Marion Community Foundation provides support for basic needs, health, education, arts, environment, and community development, including new ideas, multi-year initiatives, and collaborative solutions to local challenges.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Religious and other 501(c)(3) charitable organizations serving Middletown, Ohio and the surrounding area can seek support for a wide range of community needs. With a mission to support religious and charitable purposes, Barnitz Fund provides Ohio faith-based and charitable nonprofits with funding for religion, human and social services, education, health, arts, animal welfare, and community development projects.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable programs, including religious and spiritual activities, can apply for the Weber W. Sebald Foundation’s grants, with a focus on Middletown and nearby areas. Eligible organizations may receive funding for religion and spirituality, human and social services, community development, education, health, environment, arts, and more.