Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek funding to develop or expand their work; grants are by invitation, beginning with a letter of inquiry. Grants from Creag Foundation help Ohio nonprofits and others pursuing new approaches to social issues access support for creative, impactful initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and children’s health, education, development, or welfare can seek up to US $15,000 for direct-service programs, including in Ohio. The Dan Paul Foundation funds initiatives such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and related workshops, scholarships, and scientific endeavors benefiting young people.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for climate resilience, crisis response, education, or economic empowerment in Ohio and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities pilot innovative, tech-enabled solutions, which may include clean energy or solar-related projects that build community resilience.

Nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Ohio can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects that fit State Farm’s Good Neighbor Citizenship focus. Focused on community safety and resilience, State Farm Companies Foundation invites eligible U.S. organizations to apply for initiatives like disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, and STEM or college‑and‑career programs, which may include energy-related improvements.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support food pantries, healthcare access, STEM programs, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Ohio nonprofits pursuing solar or energy projects that strengthen community health or services may be eligible if their work fits these priorities.

Ohio nonprofits and social enterprises working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts. Awards of more than US $50,000 may benefit organizations whose solar or energy projects are part of broader youth-focused programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio communities where PNC operates can seek funding for early childhood education or community economic development initiatives. With a mission to strengthen local communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for programs such as early learning, workforce readiness, affordable housing, small business support, arts, and essential services for low- and moderate-income residents.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities, including in Ohio. Semnani Family Foundation provides global funding for healthcare access, women and children’s health, literacy, and humanitarian aid. Ohio nonprofits with international or domestic human and social services projects may be eligible.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or similar programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, as long as funds are used within the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under federal (and where applicable, California) law and may incorporate solar or energy projects into broader service efforts.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce training, arts, environment, or diversity initiatives can apply for sponsorship funding; Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides U.S. regional sponsorships. Organizations with solar or energy-related projects that also advance these community priorities may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can seek the Storytelling Grant to showcase impactful work in preservation, education, or wellness, including environmental conservation and sustainable energy efforts in Ohio. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers more than US $50,000 to help document and share real-world community impact through compelling storytelling projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern U.S. can seek support for programs addressing hardship, including poverty relief, children and families, education, health, disaster relief, veterans, animal welfare, and conservation. Grants from Robinson Foundation help mission-driven groups with at least three years of activity deliver tangible, single-year program impacts that may complement Ohio nonprofits’ clean energy or sustainability efforts.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services or fundraising events can access funding through Insperity, which offers philanthropic grants and event sponsorships. Eligible groups must either be Insperity clients, actively supported by its employees, or serve communities where its employees live and work, and can apply once per year for either a grant or sponsorship.

With a mission to support charitable initiatives, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects. Nonprofit leaders planning solar, sustainability, or broader environmental efforts may be eligible if their work fits these focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities in Ohio communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in these manufacturing communities, which may include nonprofits pursuing solar or other energy-related initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office in Ohio can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants to support basic needs, youth education, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Organizations adding or running solar-powered facilities for these services may be eligible.

Ohio 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek unrestricted funding for environmental and human services programs, including solar and other sustainability projects. Focused on broad community and environmental causes, the Lawrence Foundation typically awards US $5,000 - US $10,000 for general operating or project support, with no geographic restrictions.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio and across the U.S. can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, facilities, and services. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help museums, arts and cultural groups, schools, hospitals, environmental and wildlife programs, and organizations serving youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, which may include solar or energy-related projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven causes may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and community vitality, which could indirectly support energy or facility upgrades like solar projects within broader programs.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, or environmental initiatives can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Organizations pursuing solar or energy-related projects within these areas may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s annual, one-year-only funding guidelines.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working to improve community quality of life can seek project, operating, or capital support for programs like economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates in the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working on youth education, family services, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Projects that also advance clean energy or sustainability themes may be eligible within these focus areas.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize collaborative efforts addressing significant social issues. Ohio nonprofits developing solar or clean energy partnerships that model cross-sector collaboration may be eligible for this national competition and recognition.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those in Ohio working on poverty, disability services, or humanitarian aid, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for program support. Eligible applicants are typically smaller 501(c)(3) organizations or qualifying foreign entities operating in listed countries.