Best Cuyahoga County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Brothers Helping Brothers is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential tools and equipment to small and rural fire departments. Founded in 2014 after a tragic loss, the organization has raised over $20,000 to support fire services. They grant financial assistance to eligible fire and EMS organizations across the U.S. with a focus on enhancing safety and operational capability. Their mission continues to grow as they research and address the pressing needs of emergency services.

The Brothers Helping Brothers initiative aims to provide essential equipment to small fire departments and EMS organizations in the U.S. Established in 2014, the program offers grants to eligible agencies serving communities with populations under 10,000. With a focus on tools like wireless backup cameras, the organization strives to enhance safety and operational efficiency for first responders. Through community support, they have raised significant funds to assist in this critical mission.

The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) supports Ohio nonprofits through grants awarded twice a year to address critical legal needs. With over $16 million allocated since 1992, these grants foster the development of legal resources, websites, and community initiatives. OSBF focuses on project-based funding, enabling organizations to create impactful programs that serve the public and enhance access to justice across Ohio.

National Community Care Corps Grant

Community Care Corps encourages organizations across the country to apply for 18-month grants ($30,000–$200,000) to develop and scale innovative volunteer programs that provide nonmedical assistance to older adults, adults age 18 and older with disabilities and family caregivers.

Projects funded through this initiative will increase the number of community-based volunteer programs available to provide nonmedical assistance while decreasing the number of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who need assistance in maintaining independence in the community but are unable to obtain help. In doing so, the initiative will strengthen community-based supports that help people maintain independence, reduce unmet needs, and improve overall well-being.

Focus Areas

Proposals must include one or more of the following focus areas:

• Integrate principles of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
• Support grandparent/kinship-led households
• Use off-the-shelf materials. Off-the-shelf materials are products, components, or resources that are readily available for purchase and immediate use, without the need for custom development, modification, or special ordering
• Engage college students/interns for intergenerational connections
• Expand virtual or low-tech access
• Provide volunteer chaperone programs for non-emergency medical appointments
• Increase access to respite programs
• Build opportunities for volunteer skill-building

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Grant Program, initiated by Eric Smidt through The Smidt Foundation, supports high school students in skilled trades education. This initiative facilitates pathways to graduation and fosters opportunities for meaningful employment. Each year, it awards $1.5 million in cash prizes to 25 exceptional U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers, enhancing support and investment in trades education. This program is a vital resource for schools aiming to improve their vocational training.

The New Music Organization Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations and performance groups dedicated to promoting new music and nurturing creators. This grant prioritizes artistic merit, community impact, immediate funding needs, and a commitment to inclusion. Eligible entities can apply for assistance to sustain their vital programming and resources for artists, ensuring the continued development of a vibrant music community.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund, supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance the capabilities of preservation organizations through mentoring and organizational development. Grants cover travel and mentor honoraria, fostering collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, prioritizing those who previously applied but did not receive funding. Eligible applicants include Forum members and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on innovative ideas for mentorship opportunities.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Maternal and Child Health Grant supports community-based nonprofit organizations aiming to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. The foundation prioritizes funding programs that address disparities, improve care access, and promote health throughout the pregnancy journey. Focus areas include reducing pre-term birth rates and severe maternal morbidity. This initiative encourages scalable solutions for measurable impact across various states, ensuring comprehensive support for mothers and infants alike.

The Papé Family Foundation seeks to positively impact communities where its members reside, emphasizing family unity, service, and stewardship. It funds small capital projects, building improvements, equipment needs, and operational requests for new programs (under two years old) but does not cover salaries. Eligible organizations must be within 50 miles of trustee-residing cities, including locations in Arkansas, California, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

Mission

The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is a faith based charitable organization located in Bangor, Maine. Founded in 2007, our mission is to provide resources for many initiatives including, but not limited to, missions, education scholarships, ministries, medical research, and employment creation. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is primarily funded by the family. However, contributions from like minded individuals and organizations is appreciated. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine has a balanced strategy of making funds available for immediate needs, while also investing to build a perpetual earning endowment ensuring the Foundation's successful future.

Missions:

We support needs of missionary organizations including sponsorships for young people who wish to attend youth group sponsored mission trips. We ordinarily make one time contributions but on occasion have made up to a three year commitment. 

Education/Scholarships:

The Foundation makes scholarships available to Colleges, Universities, and other Schools for student enrollment and expenses. We also consider new construction, existing renovation, equipment, and support material contributions.

Independent Churches and Ministries:

We accept a wide variety of requests, including, but not limited to: materials, equipment, new construction, renovations, programs, and services. 

Medical Research:

We support medical research opportunities close to our hearts and organizations that our family and friends have experienced. 

Job Creation:

We Support organizations that fund entrepreneurs in impoverished areas to start small businesses providing services and employment to the community.

Requests are considered by the trustees the first week of each month. Foundation payments are made by paper check in US dollars and are reported to the appropriate tax agencies. While we certainly wish that we could contribute to all the applications that meet our funding criteria, there are times when when available funding is limited and we are not able to contribute to some very worthy causes. If we are not in a position to help in the timeline requested, we will keep the information on file for possible consideration in the future. 

Artis offers exhibition grants to support contemporary artists from Israel, aiming to promote critical dialogue and cultural exchange in international settings. These grants facilitate presentations at renowned organizations globally, focusing on innovative and impactful projects that engage with pressing social and environmental issues. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate curatorial ambition and artistic experimentation, fostering collaboration across diverse disciplines. Artis is committed to shaping a sustainable art world while addressing urgent global challenges through artistic practice.

The Les Paul Foundation Grant supports innovative music education and medical research related to hearing loss. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based public charities under 501(c)(3) and avoid religious, political, labor, or business affiliations. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance music production, performance, and STEM/STEAM initiatives, particularly those benefiting individuals in challenging situations. Proposals must detail how they will share Les Paul's legacy in their work.

The AHA Quest for Quality Prize recognizes hospitals and health systems that demonstrate exceptional leadership in improving care quality and advancing health. Applicants should showcase innovative models of care and effective partnerships with community organizations. One winner and two finalists will be honored at the 2026 AHA Leadership Summit in Denver. This award aims to inspire hospitals to commit to patient-centered care and address healthcare disparities, ultimately enhancing community health outcomes.

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative supports outdoor enthusiasts and promotes responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Its mission includes educating the public on land use and wildlife conservation while protecting access to public lands. Applications are accepted quarterly from nonprofit organizations and community groups focused on land stewardship and access improvements, ensuring a safe and sustainable outdoor experience for all.

The Engagement Award: Dissemination Initiative by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) aims to enhance patient engagement in healthcare decisions through comparative clinical effectiveness research. Since 2010, PCORI has funded over $3 billion for nearly 2,000 projects, focusing on improving health outcomes by providing actionable information. The initiative emphasizes transparency and stakeholder involvement, ensuring that results are accessible to both patients and clinicians, ultimately fostering informed healthcare choices.

The Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Libraries' Grant, initiated by the American Library Association (ALA), aims to enhance accessibility and community engagement in small and rural libraries serving people with disabilities. With funding up to $20,000, selected libraries will receive support for projects that improve library services and facilities. This initiative promotes collaboration with community members to identify and address accessibility needs, ensuring libraries effectively serve diverse populations.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Ohio provide vital funding to help rural communities prepare for or recover from emergencies threatening safe drinking water access. Eligible disasters include droughts, floods, and chemical spills. Grants can fund water transmission improvements up to $150,000, or source construction up to $1 million. This initiative, led by USDA Rural Development, aims to restore and enhance access to clean water, benefiting households and businesses in affected areas.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Can'd Aid: Crush It Crusade Grant empowers nonprofits, local education, and government organizations to enhance recycling efforts. With grants ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, the program supports initiatives that promote recycling at community events, engage volunteers, and foster inclusive outreach. Since 2014, over 125 organizations have benefited from this funding, driving impactful change through community engagement and environmental stewardship.

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program offers $10,000 in startup funding for community-driven groups in small towns to adopt the Community Heart & Soul model. Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on the last business day of each month, with funding decisions made the following month. This initiative aims to empower residents to engage in local development and foster community connections.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health Innovation Awards aim to fund innovative mental healthcare solutions for children in the U.S. This initiative invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities with revenues under $5 million to submit projects. With up to $550,000 in grants, the program focuses on addressing critical mental health issues among youth, fostering equity in access to care, and supporting nonprofits led by young leaders. Awards include up to $100,000 for general and $50,000 for Next Gen projects.

The APA Foundation's Helping Hands Grants provide up to $5,000 to medical schools for projects aimed at improving mental health education and assistance in under-served communities. Initiated in 2005, this program empowers medical students to lead initiatives that promote awareness of mental illness and encourage community service, particularly among minority populations. By partnering with community agencies, these projects foster a deeper interest in psychiatry while addressing critical mental health needs.

The Bar Success Intervention Grant Program, funded by AccessLex Institute, aims to enhance bar exam passage rates for at-risk law students and graduates. With grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 for programs lasting 12 to 24 months, the initiative seeks data-driven solutions that are scalable and replicable. Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations and law schools. Programs should feature clear goals, measurable objectives, and a robust evaluation plan to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.

Monarch Watch offers a Free Milkweeds Grant for habitat restoration projects aimed at supporting the monarch butterfly population. The program provides free milkweed plugs to schools and educational non-profits that demonstrate clear educational goals, long-term maintenance plans, and adequate space for the plants. With over 730,000 milkweeds distributed since 2015, this initiative plays a vital role in restoring habitats along key migration routes in the eastern and western U.S.