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Search Through Community Services Grants in Columbus, Ohio

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Digital Access Grants

Support for programming designed to offer training or technical support, or expanding the affordability and accessibility of digital technology and the internet to individuals and communities with limited access.

Not everyone has the same level of access to reliable internet service, or the devices and skills needed for work, commerce, education, healthcare, transportation, and civic engagement.

In response to the urgent technology needs of nonprofits and the communities they serve, The Central Ohio Digital Access Fund was established in July 2020. A group of local partners and institutions works on internet affordability, access to devices, and programs across the community that offer training and technical skill building for life and careers in the twenty-first century. 

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The REALTOR® Care Day Grant, offered by the Columbus REALTORS® Foundation, supports local realty associations with up to $500 in matching funds for service projects. Since its inception in 2005, this initiative has mobilized hundreds of volunteers, contributing over $676,000 towards community improvements in central Ohio. With a mission to enhance the real estate landscape and advocate for affordable housing, the foundation plays a vital role in fostering healthy communities through dedicated service and collaboration.

The Columbus Foundation offers the Focused Funds Grants to enhance community well-being through strategic support for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in diverse areas, including environment, health, special populations, and social services. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a maximum of $25,000 available. Applications are accepted biannually in May and October, fostering impactful projects that promote sustainability and improve quality of life in central Ohio.

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 Greater Columbus Arts Council's Artist Projects grant supports original, artist-led projects in all disciplines within Columbus. It aims to foster artistic creation and ensures that artists have the freedom to define their project's goals. Eligible artists must be working in various art forms, including dance, film, and visual arts, and demonstrate community value. Awards can reach up to $10,000 for artists and $25,000 for filmmakers, promoting a vibrant arts scene in the city.

About GCAC

The Greater Columbus Arts Council supports artists and arts organizations through a spectrum of grant programs, workshops, networking events and services. GCAC also shares a host of resources such as calls for artists, job opportunities, nonprofit board openings and listings of spaces for rent. Subscribe to our newsletters to stay up-to-date on GCAC grant deadlines, workshops and events.

Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program

GCAC recognizes that artists confront a range of legal matters critical to their career sustainability and the protection of their creative works. In 2026, GCAC is offering a grant to assist with some legal expenses related to an artist’s art practice and art business. In addition, GCAC established a Lawyer Referral Service with attorneys who guarantee to provide our legal program grantees a flat fee of $300 per eligible legal service.

Purpose:

Assist artists with protecting their artwork and art business.

This Grant is open to:

Individuals who work in the following disciplines: dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts who meet GCAC’s definition of a working artist.

Award Amount:

$300 to pay an attorney for eligible services

About GCAC

The Greater Columbus Arts Council supports artists and arts organizations through a spectrum of grant programs, workshops, networking events and services. GCAC also shares a host of resources such as calls for artists, job opportunities, nonprofit board openings and listings of spaces for rent. Subscribe to our newsletters to stay up-to-date on GCAC grant deadlines, workshops and events.

GCAC provides marketing services that support artists and organizations through the ColumbusMakesArt.com event calendar, Artist Directory, and Public Art Database. We also produce the annual Big Arts Night recognizing business and individual contributions to the community and the Columbus Arts Festival, the city’s welcome to summer event that takes place each June.

The Greater Columbus Film Commission (Film Columbus) is a division of GCAC that aims to grow the film industry in Columbus and central Ohio by creating jobs and providing significant economic impact for the area. Film Columbus strives to build Columbus as a top city for film education, exhibition, and production by supporting filmmakers and the film industry by offering a range of services—including the only local incentive in Ohio, grants, and resources—to encourage film and media projects in our city. For more information, visit filmcolumbus.com.

GCAC programming provides access to the arts for people of all cultural backgrounds, economic status, sexual orientation, age and physical ability and ensures broad public access to the arts. Supporting Columbus artists, and arts and culture organizations enhances the cultural image of the Greater Columbus area.

Cultural Festival Funding Awards

Purpose:

To provide funding for pre-existing cultural festivals that primarily reach or represent immigrant, refugee, and New American communities through presentation of the arts and cultural heritage traditions.

Description:

Cultural festivals with a primary focus on presenting the arts (including dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater and visual arts) that present cultural heritage traditions and primarily reach immigrant, refugee, and new American audiences, may make an annual request for Cultural Festival Funding of $3,500 from GCAC. Applicants who would like to be considered for more than $3,500 should apply for Project Support, which follows a scored, competitive funding process. Applicants may receive EITHER Project Support OR Cultural Festival Funding; organizations cannot receive both awards in the same calendar year.

Festival programming may:

• Reflect customs and art forms that are passed down through generations.
• Include traditional music, dance, food and crafts.
• Honor symbolic and/or ritualistic ceremonies.
• Observe natural events with cultural significance.

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 Brett Candela Lacrosse Scholarship, established by the family of Brett Candela, honors his passion for lacrosse and supports central Ohio players pursuing higher education. A standout athlete from Columbus, Brett was recognized for his leadership and competitiveness in lacrosse and basketball. This scholarship aims to invest in student-athletes who embody his values of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, ensuring that the next generation of lacrosse players can achieve their educational goals while upholding Brett's legacy.

The Burton E. Stevenson Endowment Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports underprivileged children in Ross County, Ohio. Named after the influential librarian and author Burton E. Stevenson, this scholarship aims to alleviate the challenges faced by these children, promoting access to education regardless of race, sex, or religion. Applicants must be graduating seniors from Ross County high schools and plan to attend a public or nonprofit college in the U.S. Awards range from $500 to $6,500.

The Columbus Firefighters Foundation Scholarship supports individuals in Ohio pursuing careers as firefighters or EMTs. Offered by The Columbus Foundation, this scholarship provides essential financial assistance to candidates enrolled in accredited fire technology or EMS programs. By investing in the future workforce, the scholarship aims to enhance emergency response services, ensuring a well-prepared and capable team ready to address community needs effectively.

The Columbus Hilltop Lions Community Service Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation in 1943, aims to support high school seniors from the Hilltop area of Columbus who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. The scholarship offers $2,000 over two years to eligible candidates who have completed at least 30 hours of volunteer service. This initiative reflects the foundation's long-standing dedication to enhancing the quality of life in central Ohio.

The Columbus Roast Association Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation, provides scholarships to high school seniors from Franklin and Madison counties. Building on a legacy of supporting former Ohio State University athletes, the fund aims to assist students with demonstrated financial need pursuing a four-year degree. This initiative continues the Association's commitment to community support and empowerment, fostering the next generation's educational aspirations while addressing local needs.

The Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) Scholarship, managed by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This scholarship is designed for qualifying full-time college students demonstrating strong academic performance and financial need. Eligible candidates must be graduating high school seniors from specific Ohio counties and have a minimum GPA of 2.8. The fund seeks to enhance access to post-secondary education at select institutions, fostering academic success and future career opportunities.

The D. W. Vanderhorst Charitable Trust Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support high school graduates from the 43204 Zip code pursuing higher education. This fund honors Wayne Vanderhorst's legacy, who dedicated his life to helping others succeed. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 are available for students in public service, engineering, business, and other fields. Preference will be given to students with strong attendance records and financial need.

The F.A. and R.A.M Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports post-secondary education for students with physical or developmental disabilities in Columbus, Ohio. This scholarship aims to enhance access to higher education and foster inclusive opportunities for these students as they pursue academic or vocational training. By addressing barriers and promoting educational equity, the scholarship contributes to the community's commitment to empowering individuals and transforming lives through education.

The James R. and Joanne K. Burgoon Endowment, established by a bequest from James R. Burgoon, honors the couple's legacy of service and education in Westerville, Ohio. With a focus on supporting students pursuing accounting or law, this endowment reflects their commitment to community betterment. Managed by The Columbus Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the nation, it aims to foster educational opportunities for deserving candidates, particularly those with ties to Westerville.

The John E. Foster Engineering Scholarship Fund, established by engineering firms to honor John E. Foster, supports Columbus City Schools seniors pursuing engineering degrees at The Ohio State University or Columbus State Community College. Applicants must be graduating seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, reflecting a commitment to diversity and excellence in engineering. This fund aims to empower future engineers and enhance representation in the field.

The Marian and Wayne Sinsel Scholarship, established by Marian Sinsel to honor her late husband Wayne, provides financial support to hearing impaired residents of Appalachian Ohio or Fairfield County. This scholarship aims to assist candidates who are 22 years or younger and plan to pursue education at a post-secondary institution in the U.S. with a minimum award of $1,000, ensuring it does not displace existing state or federal funding.

The Carol Pederson Music Scholarship, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors and recent graduates from Ashland County high schools or members of the Mansfield Youth Orchestra. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 and pursue a music major or minor in string instruments. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students passionate about music, reflecting Carol Pederson's commitment to education and community engagement.

The Bill and Cay Harris Scholarship, established in 2010, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who demonstrate Christian service and leadership qualities. Funded by the Ashland County Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to assist students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who are accepted to accredited colleges or universities. Preference is given to those majoring in History or Social Studies. Bill and Cay Harris, notable community figures, inspire future generations through this scholarship.

The Fishel Scholarship Fund, managed by The Columbus Foundation, offers financial assistance to children of active Teammates pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to alleviate college-related expenses, thus supporting families and encouraging academic achievement. As one of the largest community foundations, The Columbus Foundation is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Columbus, Ohio region through impactful philanthropic efforts.

The Girls on the Run Sparking Limitless Potential Scholarship, funded by The Columbus Foundation, empowers high school graduates from the Girls on the Run program to pursue higher education. This initiative not only celebrates the achievements of alumni but also addresses systemic barriers faced by girls of Color, promoting equity and leadership development. By supporting diverse pathways to education, the scholarship aims to create lasting impact and foster a more inclusive future for youth in Central Ohio.

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 Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

CBC Charities Scholarship

Continental Building Co. (CBC) is a full-service construction management firm headquartered in Columbus, OH, with an office in Pittsburgh, PA. During our 35 year history, CBC has grown and evolved dramatically, investing in our people and the most effective technologies for communication and construction – while spanning geographically from coast to coast. We work with national developers and private clients to build facilities that affect lives daily … places where people live, work, stay and shop.

The Jeffrey Koscik Memorial Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, honors Jeffrey Koscik, a Dublin Scioto High School graduate with a passion for automotive mechanics. This scholarship supports graduating seniors intending to pursue a career in automotive mechanics through a two- or four-year program, reflecting Jeffrey's dedication to the field. It aims to inspire students who share his enthusiasm for hands-on, technical careers, fostering future generations of automotive professionals.