Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations 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.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Ohio can seek funding to develop or expand their work. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are testing new approaches to persistent or emerging social issues.

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.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven startups working on scalable social or environmental solutions in Ohio can apply for support, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years. With a mission to back bold social entrepreneurs, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides capacity-building, capital, and community to organizations serving underserved populations.

Ohio grassroots and community-based nonprofits, tribes, local governments, and educational institutions can apply for Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, offering up to US $150,000 for environmental justice assessment and engagement projects. Funding supports work in disadvantaged communities on issues like environmental health, pollution, climate resilience, and disaster preparedness across EPA Region 5’s Great Lakes states.

Grassroots and other nonprofit organizations in Ohio using technology to tackle education, economic empowerment, crisis response, or climate resilience challenges for primarily underserved communities can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help fund innovative, tech-enabled programs rather than general operations, with applications accepted year-round via an LOI process.

Grassroots nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Ohio can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects from State Farm Companies Foundation. Focus areas include auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, neighborhood revitalization, food insecurity, financial literacy, and K–12 and higher education initiatives.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio and across the U.S. can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support health, education, and community initiatives. Funding may assist food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programs, or healthy lifestyle and screening efforts, with requests reviewed in March and September.

Ohio grassroots organizations and social enterprises focused on education, youth health, or family economic stability can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for projects serving urban children and youth in poverty. Eligible entities include nonprofits, schools, governments, and other mission-aligned organizations in the U.S., with requests of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling.

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.

Semnani Family Foundation provides Ohio grassroots organizations and other nonprofits with funding for health, education, and humanitarian programs serving marginalized communities. Organizations working on healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women and girls’ services, food security, or related social services may be eligible, alongside groups in many other countries and across the U.S.

Nonprofits and research or advocacy organizations working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention that impact the Great Lakes region, including Ohio, can apply for support from the Joyce Foundation. With a mission to build safe and just communities, it funds research, policy development, advocacy, and related initiatives that advance racial equity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Ohio can seek support for their charitable programs. With a mission to foster positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides funding to tax-exempt charities whose work respects people, the environment, and life in an ever-changing world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, environment, or community enrichment in Ohio communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities may be eligible for this funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects that align with its mission and positively impact the long-term well-being and sustainability of these communities.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Ohio

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio and across the U.S. can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs and facilities. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help grassroots groups fund cultural and performing arts, education and youth services, disability and senior programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, and local health or social service initiatives.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits and selected public sector programs can seek funding for arts and culture, education, civic affairs, and health and social services projects that strengthen communities and serve under-resourced residents. Nord Family Foundation prioritizes Lorain County and nearby areas, supporting program work, some capital needs, and grassroots community development efforts.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Ohio grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural projects, or environmental initiatives can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Funding is for one-year projects, with one application per organization each grant cycle and a required online LOI and application request.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Ohio advancing BIPOC-led democracy, civic engagement, and racial justice can apply for Scherman Foundation’s Democracy Program grants of US $40,000 - US $200,000. Funding supports state-level organizing, voter engagement, structural reform, and arts-based culture-shift strategies that build long-term political power for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in Ohio can seek storytelling support to showcase their impact across preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant funds projects that highlight efforts like wildlife conservation, historic preservation, mental health, education, and outdoor access, with awards of more than US $50,000 available nationally.

Grassroots and community-based organizations improving rural health and social determinants in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky can apply for Interact for Health’s Rural Changemaker RFP, with awards of US $10,000 - US $70,000. With a mission to promote health and well-being, Interact for Health provides rural groups with 12–18 months of support for vital conditions for health.

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 leading strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize impactful collaborations. Ohio grassroots organizations that work with public, private, or social sector partners as equals to address significant social issues may be eligible for this national competition.

Nonprofit and public organizations promoting health and wellness in eight Southeast Ohio counties can apply for community grants supporting activities for residents of all ages. Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s Southeast Ohio Health and Wellness Foundation Fund prioritizes community-based and grassroots groups serving Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, and Tuscarawas counties outside hospital settings.