Best Cleveland Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

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 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 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 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 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 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 IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

The Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) in Ohio offers funding for projects enhancing transportation infrastructure, focusing on safety and environmental sustainability. Administered by NOACA, the program supports community-led improvements based on planning studies. Implementation awards start at $100,000, with flexibility for smaller projects that align with TLCI goals. The total funding available is $2 million, aiming to enhance multimodal transportation and community engagement across Northeast Ohio.

The Rooted in Faith Grant, offered by the Catholic Community Foundation, aims to enhance educational opportunities in Northeast Ohio through innovative programs. These grants support initiatives related to curriculum development, school safety, and advancements in STREAM education, promoting 21st-century learning. While funding is not available for individual grants or multi-year commitments, organizations within the Diocese of Cleveland are encouraged to apply for these valuable resources to further their missions aligned with Catholic values.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

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 Sears-Swetland Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit programming in Greater Cleveland, focusing on environmental health, education, and sustainability. The foundation prioritizes 501(c)(3) organizations and accepts proposals with deadlines in March and September. Grants include operating support and community research, reflecting the foundation's commitment to urban revitalization and livable communities. Interested applicants should initiate contact via a letter of intent, leading to possible site visits and grant proposals.

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.

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.

Saint Luke's Foundation offers Staff Discretionary Grants to organizations addressing health disparities in Cuyahoga County. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $25,000, ensuring rapid approval to meet urgent community health needs. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental agencies. The Foundation prioritizes innovative approaches to health equity, with a commitment to responsive grantmaking that addresses the social determinants of health. This proactive funding strategy aims to support organizations striving to improve community health outcomes.

The JAH Foundation, established in 2012 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is dedicated to supporting community organizations aligned with Christian principles. It provides financial assistance primarily to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that serve the poor, disabled individuals, and promote Catholic education and disaster relief, focusing on Summit County and surrounding areas. The foundation's commitment to community service reflects the founders' belief in giving back through various charitable initiatives.

The Reinberger Foundation offers Human Service Grants to support organizations helping underserved individuals achieve self-sufficiency and community enrichment. Priority is given to those who have received funding in the past five years. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and serve within Ohio, particularly in Cuyahoga and Franklin counties. The foundation focuses on critical areas such as housing stability, food insecurity, and family violence.

Valorie Wolcott Mendelson Ohio School Psychologists Association Scholarship Fund

The Ohio School Psychologists Association established the scholarship to benefit graduates students who are in the second term of their first year at one of the eight Ohio Graduate Training Programs in School Psychology.

Award Amount:

• Two $4,000 Scholarships

The Reinberger Foundation, established in 1966, aims to empower individuals towards self-sufficiency while enriching communities in Ohio. The foundation focuses on supporting organizations in areas such as arts, culture, and humanities, including museums, visual and performing arts, and arts education. Priority is given to past grantees and organizations within the greater Cleveland and Columbus areas. For new applicants, discussions prior to application are encouraged to align missions effectively.

The Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation aims to enhance the health and well-being of both the Jewish and general communities in Greater Cleveland. The foundation funds initiatives focused on improving mental and physical health, promoting health education, and supporting vulnerable populations. By collaborating with local organizations and prioritizing projects that demonstrate sustainability and measurable outcomes, it seeks to create lasting impacts in health promotion and disease prevention. Grants are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations within the region.

The Treu-Mart Fund, a partnership between the Cleveland Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, aims to empower children and youth in Greater Cleveland. By focusing on support and resiliency, the fund seeks to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty in historically disadvantaged communities, ensuring that every young person can reach their full potential.

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 Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

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 F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

The Satellite Fund Grants, managed by SPACES and supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation, offer Cuyahoga County residents, including emerging artists and curators, the chance to create public visual art projects. This initiative emphasizes accessibility and broad participation, ensuring diverse representation. In addition to funding, grantees gain access to workshops and professional development opportunities, enhancing their artistic capabilities and community engagement.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.