Best Cleveland Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The Saint Luke's Foundation Community Grant aims to enhance local health by providing financial support to residents in Buckeye – Shaker, Mt. Pleasant, and Woodland Hills. Grants of up to $6,000 are available for health-improving projects led by community members, such as community gardens and mentoring programs. The Resident Advancement Committee awards these grants from March to September annually, empowering local leaders to address health equity and foster positive change within their neighborhoods.

The Millennium Fund for Children, a collaboration between the Akron Community Foundation and the Akron Beacon Journal, aims to enhance the quality of life for children across Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties. This fund supports various programs in arts, education, and health services, making impactful grants that address community needs. By connecting passionate philanthropists with local organizations, the fund fosters enduring philanthropic relationships and inspires new donors to contribute to meaningful causes.

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. 

The Cleveland Foundation offers grants to support community needs in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties, focusing on reversing historic inequities affecting Black and Brown residents. Applications are accepted year-round, with no predetermined funding levels. Organizations can request funding that aligns with their capacity, and grants are typically made for one year. Note that the foundation does not fund individuals, for-profit entities, or certain community services.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

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 Legacy Village Lyndhurst Community Fund aims to support charitable initiatives within Lyndhurst and surrounding areas, primarily benefiting the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Public Schools. This fund is dedicated to enhancing community welfare by providing grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to various programs and nonprofit organizations, fostering a positive impact on local residents and educational institutions.

The Frank Hadley Ginn & Cornelia Root Ginn Foundation Grants aim to enhance education and community-based healthcare for low-income individuals in Greater Cleveland. The foundation supports programs that foster academic success and social emotional growth for children, as well as healthcare services for families. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $15,000, and both current and former grantee organizations are encouraged to apply for funding.

The Thomas C. and Sandra S. Sullivan Foundation Grant focuses on providing educational opportunities and aid to disadvantaged individuals in greater Cleveland. The foundation supports Catholic and nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving the poor and needy. Grants are awarded to programs with proven success in improving lives, such as tuition assistance for students, operational support for social service agencies, and resources for youth transitioning out of foster care.

The Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) Planning Awards in Ohio, managed by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), aim to enhance transportation systems through funding planning studies. Eligible projects include transportation plans, complete streets implementation, and traffic calming efforts, with a total budget of $2 million. Communities with legal authority can apply, focusing on sustainable development and multimodal transportation, while projects promoting single occupancy vehicle travel are ineligible.

The Frances Alford Brokaw Grant, established by the American Bach Society, offers $1,500 annually to undergraduate students for research at the Riemenschneider Bach Institute. This grant supports projects related to Bach and his contemporaries, providing access to a rich collection of over 30,000 items. Eligible applicants are undergraduates studying in the U.S. and Canada, while students at Baldwin Wallace University are not eligible. Winners also receive a one-year membership in the American Bach Society.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The GM on Main Street Grant Program, led by Main Street America, focuses on enhancing the safety and vibrancy of downtowns through innovative road safety and traffic calming projects. Funded by General Motors, this program seeks transformative ideas that promote pedestrian safety and accessibility, making downtown areas more inviting for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants include non-profits and local governments in designated counties, with a strong emphasis on projects that are inclusive, feasible, and easily replicable.

The Synthomer Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations across the U.S. in education, health, civic initiatives, and the arts. With a legacy spanning over 60 years, the Foundation has awarded $1.3 million in 2024 alone to enhance community well-being. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to qualify, while those that discriminate or engage in political activities are ineligible. Through financial support and volunteerism, the Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities and fostering a culture of giving.

The Woodruff Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, focusing on behavioral health through treatment, education, resource coordination, research, and advocacy. Grants are typically awarded annually, encouraging collaboration among organizations. Key eligibility requirements include being a tax-exempt entity under IRS 501(c)(3) and having a relevant focus area. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance access to mental health care and strengthen the local behavioral health workforce.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Neighbor Up Action Grants aim to empower grassroots residents in Cleveland and East Cleveland by providing funding for community-driven projects. Applicants must attend a workshop to receive a code necessary for application submission. The grants focus on initiatives that foster arts, culture, and community engagement, particularly those that promote connections across diverse groups. Importantly, the program encourages collaboration, requiring groups of at least three individuals to apply, thereby enhancing community bonds.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

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.

The Reinberger Foundation offers education grants to support underserved individuals in Northeast and Central Ohio. Priority is given to organizations with recent funding history. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits serving low-income populations, including schools, adult education, and workforce development programs. The foundation focuses on Cuyahoga and Franklin Counties, with specific considerations for grant requests. Organizations should discuss their proposals with the foundation before submitting applications.

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust offers grants for ecological and biological research aimed at enhancing ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations. These grants support competitive fisheries research, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder value. The next funding cycle will open with a request for proposals in late 2026 for the 2027 program year, promoting innovative research and capacity-building efforts within the fisheries sector.

The Charles Hamm Fellowship, awarded by the Society for American Music, supports a one-week research residency at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Library and Archives in Cleveland, Ohio. This fellowship honors Charles Hamm's contributions to American and popular music scholarship. It is open to scholars at all career stages and provides up to $2,000 to cover residency-related expenses. The fellowship is awarded annually, fostering deeper engagement with American music history.

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

Viasat Corporate Giving focuses on enhancing community strength through various initiatives. Their commitment includes support for military and veteran outreach, skills-based volunteering, and promoting STEAM education, particularly for underserved communities. By engaging employees in these programs, Viasat aims to create meaningful connections and empower individuals, ensuring that families and service members thrive. This holistic approach not only fosters community growth but also inspires the next generation of STEM leaders.