Best Human and Social Service Grants in Ohio

Ohio human and social service nonprofits, public agencies, and qualifying educational institutions can seek funding for STEM education, basic needs like hunger and housing, and social justice initiatives. The American Electric Power Foundation supports eligible 501(c)(3) and public entities within AEP’s multi-state service territory, including Ohio, through an invitation-only application process initiated by local AEP operating companies.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to address human and social service needs in Ohio can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation; awards up to US $100,000 for innovative, early-stage programs. Eligible projects focus on crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience for predominantly economically underserved communities.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit and governmental organizations running humanitarian, social, education, or community programs that serve Ohio or provide nationwide U.S. support may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to advance community-focused initiatives, Amgen Foundation provides support for charitable programs and fundraising events outside the U.S. healthcare community.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Ohio human and social service nonprofits, along with other civic and charitable organizations, can seek funding for programs in Jefferson County through the Alfred & Lillie Dunlavey Charitable Trust. Focus areas include education, community development, health, human services, and related initiatives that improve quality of life for local residents.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations providing human and social services in Ohio, specifically serving Mansfield in Richland County, can seek support for charitable purposes through the Justine Sterkel Fund. This fund, managed as the Sterkel Fund Grant, may also support related work in areas like community development, health, education, and other listed program areas.

Human and social service nonprofits in Ohio can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, facilities, and services. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations fund youth, senior, disability, education, cultural, environmental, and health-related initiatives where modest awards can make a significant impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children in the Greater Cincinnati area can seek project funding for health, education, cultural experiences, and social welfare programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Greater Cincinnati Foundation provides Ohio human and social service nonprofits with support focused especially on children ages 0–6, with eligibility extending through high school age.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits and selected public sector programs can seek funding for health and social services, basic needs, and community development projects that serve under-resourced children, youth, families, and communities. Nord Family Foundation supports program activities primarily in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties, with some capital funding when criteria are met and potential impact is broad.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, schools, and governmental entities in Ohio serving Erie County residents can apply for Erie County Community Foundation’s Access to Recreation Fund to improve inclusive recreational opportunities and facilities. Projects that foster collaboration, build organizational capacity, and deliver substantial community benefits may be especially competitive for this human and social services-focused funding.

Ohio health and human service nonprofits purchasing health care equipment for Erie County residents may be eligible for this funding. Erie County Community Foundation’s Buckeye Broadband Fund supports 501(c)(3) health care providers, including churches, schools, and governmental entities under group exemptions, to improve health care access and delivery in the community.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, churches, and public entities serving Erie County residents can seek funding for creative performing arts projects, with a preference for theater. Focused on sustaining the Huron Playhouse legacy, Erie County Community Foundation invites proposals that build capacity, encourage collaboration, and deliver strong community benefits in the arts and humanities.

Focused on environmental education, Erie County Community Foundation invites Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, churches, and public entities serving Erie County residents to apply for project support. Funding can back environmental workshops, student field trips, and programs addressing local environmental issues, which may complement broader human and social service initiatives.

Human and social service nonprofits and public entities in Ohio can seek funding for programs that enrich life in Akron and Summit County. Grants from the Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation support local efforts in human and social services, housing, healthcare, youth, education, arts, environment, and broader civic and community initiatives.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children, families, and vulnerable community members can access funding through the Sam J Frankino Foundation for human and social service programs, including homelessness, poverty alleviation, domestic violence, and health care access. Additional support may be available for related education, disability services, disaster relief, and community initiatives, with awards of more than US $1,000.

Human and social service nonprofits in northeast Ohio can seek funding for operating support, programs, or special projects that aid homeless and disadvantaged residents. Grants from the Bicknell Fund help Ohio organizations, primarily around Cleveland and nearby counties, as well as education, arts, and civic groups that are 501(c)(3) public charities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

U.S. nonprofit organizations with strong human and social services partnerships in Ohio may be eligible for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary cross-sector collaborations. This national recognition highlights partnerships that measurably improve communities, can be replicated elsewhere, and introduce innovative approaches to significant social issues.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Springfield Foundation provides Ohio human and social service nonprofits serving Clark County with competitive grants for programs in human services, health, education, civic affairs, and related areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, and government units that serve the Clark County, Ohio community and have a DEI statement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing human and social services and other charitable programs in Middletown, Ohio and the surrounding area can seek support for their work. With a mission to strengthen charitable and religious initiatives, Barnitz Fund provides Ohio organizations with funding across community development, health, education, arts, animal welfare, and related program areas.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering human and social services, community development, education, or related programs may be eligible for support from the Weber W. Sebald Foundation. Organizations serving Middletown and surrounding Butler and Warren counties can seek funding for charitable projects, including health, environment, animal welfare, arts, civic activities, and religious initiatives.