Best Columbus Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Adams Legacy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting non-profit organizations that utilize nature to enhance personal growth and healing. For the 2022-2026 cycle, applicants must provide programming in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties in California, as well as Franklin County, Ohio. The foundation encourages collaborative efforts aimed at improving access to green spaces in urban areas. It seeks projects that foster a connection with nature to promote well-being among diverse populations.

The Ross Wagner Foundation Scholarship offers significant financial support for students pursuing degrees in various engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. With awards up to $25,000 annually, students can receive up to $100,000 over four years. Applicants must maintain a B average, work in engineering labs, and be enrolled in top-ranked engineering schools in the U.S. and Canada. This scholarship honors Ross Wagner's legacy, promoting excellence in engineering education.

The Capital Improvements Grant from The Columbus Foundation supports nonprofits in Franklin County looking to enhance their facilities and equipment. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 and prioritize requests that demonstrate a clear impact on service delivery. Eligible projects include purchasing new buildings, updating existing facilities, or acquiring essential equipment. Letters of intent are due the first Friday in June, and successful applications will show progress and sustainability in their capital campaigns.

The Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant supports organizations focused on community building, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grants under $10,000 can be submitted at any time, while larger requests follow specific deadlines. Priority is given to organizations with community representation in their governing bodies. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and municipalities. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with ERIE's corporate values.

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.

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 NOPEC Foundation Fund offers grants primarily to nonprofit organizations within NOPEC communities, focusing on health, economic development, community development, environment, and social services. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, aiming to address diverse community needs that are often overlooked by traditional funding sources. Eligible applicants are those operating significantly within NOPEC areas, ensuring support reaches those most in need.

The Gus Poesch Research Fund, established in honor of innovator Gus Poesch, offers approximately $40,000 annually to support floriculture-related projects at The Ohio State University. This fund prioritizes projects that recruit high-quality graduate students, advance research, and improve industry practices. Emphasizing relevance to current industry needs, funded projects may cover pest management, production techniques, and postharvest quality. The fund encourages collaboration and aims to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the floral industry.

The AES Ohio Foundation's Power Grants aim to create lasting community impact through innovative programs across its 24-county service area. With $822,000 allocated for 2024, these grants support initiatives addressing basic needs like food and housing, enhancing education, and fostering diversity and inclusion. The Foundation commits to at least two grants annually, prioritizing projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes. This approach aligns with their goal to uplift local communities and empower individuals to improve their lives.

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.

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.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

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.

Sector Building Grants

Sector Building Grants partner with community organizations to build the overall capacity of the sector.

The Sector Building grant program launched in 2022 as part of a commitment to build the capacity of the nonprofit sector to serve the community. Sector Building grants support programming that builds and sustains the infrastructure of the nonprofit sector.

The Sector Building grant program seeks to fill this area of need by providing funding to programs or organizations that support the administrative needs of three or more nonprofits, which may or may not include the applicant. These grants typically range from $50,000 to $150,000.