Best Clinton County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Public and charter schools in Clinton County, Ohio serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students can use these grants to expand PLTW Launch STEM programs, equipment, and teacher training. Project Lead The Way provides US $5,000 per school for participation fees, required technology, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for the 2027–2028 academic year.

The Polaris Foundation Grant focuses on long-term community investment, emphasizing areas such as environment, community development, youth safety, and education in STEM and trades. The foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific communities where Polaris operates. Organizations are encouraged to promote responsible land use and create vibrant environments for residents, while adhering to eligibility requirements and avoiding politically affiliated or discriminatory programs.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Clinton County, Ohio can seek funding to support education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects near its manufacturing communities that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability for local residents.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Piedmont Natural Gas Company Grant Program, part of the Duke Energy Foundation, supports community vitality through grants of $20,000 or less. Focus areas include vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and promoting opportunity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and serve communities without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes measurable community impact and does not fund certain entities, including for-profits and religious organizations. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Greater Cincinnati residents in health, education, or arts can apply for Millstone Fund grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 for capacity building, capital, general operating, projects, or innovation seed funding. With a mission to build a more equitable, vibrant community, Millstone Fund provides Clinton County, Ohio nonprofits with flexible support to expand or improve impactful services.

Under-represented individual artists creating work about Black and Brown experiences in Clinton County, Ohio can apply for Inspire Artist Grants supporting new artwork and career development. Focused on artist training, cultural heritage, and arts participation, ArtsWave offers up to US $10,000 for projects showcased in July 2026 within a regional artist cohort.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

Nonprofit and community organizations near Enbridge operations can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 for community safety, vibrancy, and sustainability projects, including in Clinton County, Ohio. Focused on safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities, Enbridge invites eligible groups to apply for donations, sponsorships, or in-kind support that benefit broad community needs.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW Engineering programs in eligible U.S. counties can apply for Project Lead The Way’s grants, awarding US $40,000 over two years for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Clinton County, Ohio schools serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students may be eligible if they meet the location requirements.

The Jack J. Smith Jr. Trust Grant supports impactful projects in the Greater Cincinnati Area, prioritizing year-round programming and direct services that address community needs. The grant favors initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes, sustainability, and collaboration with other organizations. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of operation and show documented results from previous projects. However, the Trust does not support general operating costs or new pilot programs.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

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 PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - New Program In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Computer Science courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

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.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's expansion of student access to the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Computer Science program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Computer Science course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Computer Science courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

The CCCF: Legacy Fund provides vital financial support to enhance the health, welfare, and safety of the Clinton County community. Established in 2019 with a $10 million endowment, it aims to empower local nonprofit organizations and government entities. By focusing on health, wellness, education, and youth initiatives, the fund fosters transformative projects that uplift the community. Its strategic approach ensures that grants are tailored to meet the needs of Clinton County residents, paving the way for lasting impact.

What Do We Fund?

HealthFirst funds projects that serve or benefit Clinton County. Projects and program proposals should address one or more of the following areas:

Education: improving individual and community wellness and health awareness through direct outreach and creative communication about nutrition, emergent health issues, disease prevention or management, and similar topics.

Innovation in Community Health: improving care delivery methods and services, including novel outreach methods for at-risk communities.

Promotion of Community Health: improving the good health of community members, including medication assistance, health and wellness screenings, and wellness initiatives (including exercise and vaccination initiatives).

What Do We Look for in a Grant Application?

High Priority Projects

• Proposals that are new, unique, pilot, or address unmet needs in Clinton County
• Projects designed to improve equity with a focus on supporting underserved communities
• Projects designed to take a systemic approach to improving outcomes for underserved communities
• Projects that include alliances, partnerships, and collaboration between providers and organizations that broaden, deepen, and diversify participation in the provision of services

​Lower Priority Projects

• Projects for remodeling, renovation, maintenance, repairs, and site improvement for existing facilities
• Projects that support or meet the basic educational, health, and safety functions of government agencies and/or schools

Nonprofit and charity organizations in Clinton County, Ohio can seek funding to support education, community services, and environmental initiatives. Grants from Makulinski Family Foundation help local and international charities grow long-lasting community investments, with the foundation considering all proposals and offering matching support based on beneficiary needs, including projects connected with Rotary.

The Robert E. Lucas Memorial Fund, managed by the Clinton County Foundation, provides support to nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Clinton County. Established in honor of Dr. Robert Lucas, a community leader and educator, the fund seeks innovative projects that foster collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and tax-exempt groups based in the area, with a focus on new approaches to enhance community initiatives.

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.

Lees Creek UCC Arts Fund Grants

In 2025, the Lees Creek United Church of Christ closed its doors, sold its assets, and established funds at the Clinton County Foundation to support scholarships, libraries, arts, and guidance departments. This grant cycle targets projects that will benefit students of East Clinton (Ohio) Local Schools through arts, field trips, music, and related programs and activities. Funding requests of $500 to $1000 will be considered for one time events that support learning objectives for any grade level.