Best Cleveland Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Susan B. Kosich Endowed Scholarship for Marketing Communications

Established in memory of longtime AAF-Akron member Susan Kosich to provide scholarships for students at an accredited Northeast Ohio college or university who are pursuing a bachelor's degree in a communications-related field.

Amount: Minimum

• $2,500 (contingent on available funds and number of applicants)

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Renewal may be considered for uninterrupted successive years through graduation. Must reapply annually by submission of a new application. Renewal is contingent on available funds and number of applicants.

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.

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 PLTW Engineering grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support schools in implementing PLTW Engineering programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible schools in Huntsville, AL, Greensboro, NC, and Cleveland, OH can apply for a total award of $20,000, distributed over two years. Schools must offer one PLTW course in the first year and another in the following year, ensuring a commitment to enhancing STEM education in their communities.

The Latino Impact Fund Grant, launched in September 2025 with a $3 million endowment at the Cleveland Foundation, aims to empower the Latino community in Greater Cleveland. It provides funding to 501(C)(3) organizations that uplift Latinos through initiatives focused on business advancement and economic stability. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 support projects that foster entrepreneurship, workforce training, and access to housing, ensuring a brighter future for local residents.

The PLTW Engineering grant, funded by PPG Industries, supports schools in enhancing their existing PLTW Engineering programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible institutions, including public and charter schools in specified cities, can use funds for course expansions, teacher training, and necessary equipment. The initiative aims to maintain high-quality engineering education while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements. Unallowable expenses include salaries and infrastructure costs.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support public and charter schools in enhancing their existing PLTW Gateway programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible schools must be located within 25 miles of specified cities and demonstrate a commitment to program growth through activities such as adding new units or training additional teachers. This opportunity fosters STEM education by enabling schools to improve their resources and instructional capabilities.

The PLTW Gateway grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support schools in implementing PLTW Gateway programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Schools must offer two different PLTW units over two years and complete grant reporting. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions in cities like Huntsville, AL, and Detroit, MI. The total grant amount is $10,000, distributed equally over two years, enabling schools to enhance their STEM education offerings.

The Roger and Debra Lyons Scholarship is designed to assist graduating seniors from any Ashland County high school who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have been accepted to either Ashland University or Baldwin-Wallace University. Funded by Roger and Debra Lyons, who wish to give back to their community and alma maters, this scholarship reflects their commitment to education and local youth.

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 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.

The YMCA of Greater Cleveland Scholarship Program offers financial assistance through a sliding fee scale, ensuring access to YMCA services for families, adults, and seniors regardless of their financial situation. Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated need and available resources, funded by grants and member donations. Each year, over 4,000 individuals benefit from this program, which supports those facing financial hardships, including unemployment, divorce, and medical bills, while providing the same membership benefits to all.

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 Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

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.

The Nord Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives in the areas of arts and culture, civic affairs, education, and health and social services. The foundation prioritizes projects that engage youth, strengthen communities, and address basic human needs, particularly in Lorain County, Ohio. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and selected public sector activities that can demonstrate a significant impact and engagement with disadvantaged populations.

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.

UNCF Health Careers Scholarship

The UNCF Health Careers Scholarship Program is designed to assist in the development of a more diverse workforce in health professions in Greater Cleveland. University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic and Kaiser Foundation are partnering with UNCF to develop an endowed scholarship for students of CSSM (Cleveland School of Science and Medicine) at John Hay High School who plan to enter the health professions.

Eligible students will receive a $5,000 merit-based scholarship in the Academic Year 2026-2027. Award recipients may be eligible for renewals for the subsequent years provided they continue to meet the criteria.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

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 Rooted Faith - Forward in Hope Grant, managed by the Catholic Community Foundation, supports Diocesan agencies, schools, and parishes in the Diocese of Cleveland. This grant focuses on faith formation programming for all ages, fostering personal relationships with Jesus Christ. It emphasizes empowering families to cultivate a vibrant Catholic faith at home, while parishes partner with parents in this mission. Note that individual grants and multi-year funding are not available.

The LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund, launched by the Cleveland Foundation in 2024, aims to support and empower local LGBTQ+ communities through a $3 million endowment. This fund focuses on grantmaking for organizations that foster community network building and narrative change, addressing both visibility and advocacy for LGBTQ+ issues in Greater Cleveland. By leveraging philanthropy, the fund seeks to enhance queer justice and equity, making a positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the area.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

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 Murphy Family Foundation, established in 1986, focuses on combating poverty in the greater Cleveland area. It primarily supports organizations that provide food, shelter, and educational services to the disadvantaged. The foundation's mission stems from a long-standing commitment by the Murphy family, who have been involved in manufacturing specialty chemical products for generations. While it has a strict policy on grantmaking, it may consider proposals outside its primary mission based on individual family interests.

The George Gund Foundation provides grants to support various program areas including climate and environmental justice, creative culture and arts, public education, thriving families and social justice, and vibrant neighborhoods and inclusive economy in Cleveland. The foundation prioritizes projects that advocate for underrepresented communities and work towards sustainability and equity. By fostering collaboration and policy change, it aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents while addressing systemic barriers to opportunity.