Best Grants for Museums in Ohio

The Ohio Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) supports agricultural producers in enhancing their conservation practices while improving their operations. It offers technical and financial assistance tailored to meet specific goals such as improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. With year-round application acceptance and annual payments for implementing conservation practices, CSP encourages participation through flexible contract options. This program is vital for achieving sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in Ohio.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program aims to enhance the state's vital water resources by funding projects that restore and protect high-quality streams and wetlands. Despite progress, challenges like habitat degradation and siltation threaten water quality. The program offers a maximum funding of $15 million to support initiatives that address these ecological concerns and promote biodiversity, ensuring the health of Ohio's waterways for future generations.

The Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA), managed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, provides vital financial assistance for enhancing community water systems. For Program Year 2026, the agency invites project nominations, offering low-interest loans and potential principal forgiveness funds. This initiative aims to support necessary improvements in both community and non-profit non-community public water systems, ensuring access to safe drinking water for all Ohio residents.

The Ohio Environmental Education Fund General Grant, administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, provides funding to support innovative projects that enhance public awareness of environmental issues in Ohio. Grants range from $500 to $50,000, aimed at various audiences including students and the general public. Priority areas include environmental careers, ecological restoration, and reducing pollution. This initiative encourages informed decision-making and promotes sustainable practices, with approximately $500,000 available annually.

The Ohio Environmental Education Fund Mini Grant, administered by the Ohio EPA, supports environmental education projects for students and the public. With approximately $700,000 available annually, funding priorities include promoting environmental careers, ecological restoration, air quality improvement, and addressing harmful chemicals. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, aiming to enhance awareness and understanding of critical environmental issues in Ohio.

The OEPA Recycling and Litter Prevention Grants offer financial support to local governments and non-profits in Ohio for projects aimed at enhancing recycling efforts and reducing litter. Eligible initiatives include purchasing recycling equipment, organizing litter clean-up events, and educational outreach. Grants range from $25,000 to $200,000, depending on the project type, and are intended to foster community engagement and sustainable waste management practices. Applications must be submitted within a specified timeframe.

The OEPA Scrap Tire Grant Program provides funding to Ohio businesses and local governments for projects that enhance scrap tire processing and product manufacturing. Eligible applicants can receive up to $300,000 for projects utilizing ground tire rubber in construction and civil engineering. This initiative aims to improve environmental sustainability while requiring a 100% match from grantees. Grants are reimbursed post-completion, ensuring effective project execution within a 24-month timeframe.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is offering grants under the Clean Water Act Section 319(h) to support projects that improve water quality in Ohio streams. With a total funding of $2.5 million, eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations. Projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution and restoring impaired stream segments are prioritized. This initiative provides 100% funding for projects lasting up to three years, enhancing habitats and reducing pollutants.

The Ohio Environmental Science and Engineering Scholarships provide up to $5,000 for undergraduate students in their junior or senior year at Ohio colleges, focusing on environmental science or engineering. This nonrenewable scholarship supports tuition, fees, and educational materials, excluding housing. Selection criteria include academic performance, relevant experiences, and community service. Funded by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, this initiative aims to encourage students committed to environmental careers.

The OH Wetland Restoration Assistance program, provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, supports individuals and organizations in funding wetland restoration projects on private lands. Eligible projects include tile cuts and the construction of small dikes to improve hydrology. This initiative aims to enhance the ecological health of Ohio's wetlands, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

The Ohio Conservation Club Competitive Partnership Grant, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, aims to foster local wildlife-related recreational activities, particularly among youth and those new to outdoor sports. Eligible applicants include county conservation clubs and nonprofits that actively promote skills in fishing, hunting, and shooting sports. The program emphasizes educational initiatives and mentorship, ensuring activities are open to all participants, while ineligible projects include those focused on competition.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency offers the Academic Institution Grant to support public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities in their recycling and education efforts. Funding is available for projects like recycling equipment, outreach programs, and civil engineering initiatives utilizing ground tire rubber. Applicants must meet matching fund requirements, with grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $300,000, depending on the project category, and have specific timelines for project completion.

The Louie F. Cox Scholarship, established by the Middletown Community Foundation, honors Mr. Louie Cox, an influential civil rights advocate. This scholarship supports African American students graduating from high schools in Butler or Warren Counties, Ohio, recognizing their academic achievements as well as their community service and leadership. With a legacy rooted in community support, this scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering future leaders and fostering educational opportunities.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The M. & A. Seasongood Good Government Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations and professional associations in the Greater Cincinnati area. Focused on promoting good governance, the foundation prioritizes engagement in democracy, public service professionalism, and combating political polarization. These grants aim to enhance accountability, transparency, and civic reform, providing essential funding to initiatives that foster equitable access to voting and encourage civic participation.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Lester and Eleanor Webster Fund

The Lester and Eleanor Webster Fund was established to assist students residing in Stark County who are pursuing a degree at an accredited school in Ohio and who have attained at least sophomore status in college. 

Amount: Varies.

• Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Ohio Arts Council 

The Ohio Arts Council was created in 1965 to foster and encourage the development of the arts and assist the preservation of Ohio's cultural heritage. With funds from the Ohio Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, the OAC provides financial assistance to artists and arts organizations. The Council accomplishes this charge in two primary methods; first, through the various grant funding programs that the Council operates to provide support to artists and to make arts activities available to a broad segment of Ohio's public; and secondly, by providing services that help to enhance the growth of the arts.

ArtsRISE

The Ohio Arts Council strives to support the arts in all communities throughout the state. ArtsRISE is designed to support organizations working to expand access to activities to a broad range of participants, address accessibility and other aspects of welcoming program design, present arts programming of culturally specific or ethnic organizations, and support meaningful engagement with other constituent groups.

Awards may support: 1) organizations whose staff and board represent these specific communities; and/or 2) organizations’ efforts to improve their programs' access.

The National Standard for Arts Information Exchange Project (NISP) defines culturally specific populations as American Indian/ Alaskan Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander; Ohio has traditionally included the addition of Appalachian to this definition. 

The JBF Do Good Grant, established by the Joe Burrow Foundation, aims to support innovative projects that assist underprivileged children, particularly those facing mental health challenges and food insecurity. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and public charities, with proposals up to $10,000 considered. The foundation encourages creative solutions that foster lasting impacts within communities in Greater Cincinnati and Baton Rouge. By fostering these initiatives, the foundation continues Joe Burrow's commitment to community service and social responsibility.

WISEWOMAN Solicitation

Number of Grants and Funds Available: One grant to be awarded with federal funds. The award amount will be no more than $92,000.

No grant award will be issued for less than $30,000. The minimum amount is exclusive of any required matching amounts and represents only ODH funds granted. Applications submitted for less than the minimum amount will not be considered for review.

Purpose

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for WOMen Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program is at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to improve cardiovascular health for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured participants. Congress authorized the WISEWOMAN program in 1993 to extend the preventive health services offered to participants of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). The intent is to expand services to NBCCEDP participants aged 35-64 to address cardiovascular health concerns in a population made vulnerable through social determinants of health.

WISEWOMAN Subgrantees do not provide screening and diagnostic services. All screening and diagnostic services are provided by medical professionals under separate contract with the Ohio Department of Health. WISEWOMAN subrecipients are awarded funds for operational and administrative costs. Funds to be used for the reimbursement of screening and diagnostic services are not awarded to WISEWOMAN subgrantees and are managed by a Third-Party Administrator in a separate account.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Joseph and Kate Cutinella Scholarship Fund

The Joseph and Kate Cutinella Scholarship Fund was established to assist students attending Kent State University pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in business. Personal interview may be required.

This scholarship is renewable.

Key Bank Philanthropic Support - Community Sponsorships aims to enhance community welfare by providing financial backing to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, these sponsorships focus on fundraising events and operational support for initiatives that foster economic inclusion and community growth. Applications are accepted from January to October, with decisions typically made within 90 days, ensuring timely support for impactful local projects.

KeyBank's Community Grants support tax-exempt organizations that align with the Foundation's funding priorities, focusing on improving community well-being. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, eligible organizations must have an operating budget of at least $100,000 and a minimum of three years in operation. The application process is invitation-only, requiring interested organizations to submit an Expression of Interest for review, typically receiving feedback within 90 days.

The Ohio State Bar Foundation's Racial Justice Initiative Grant, launched in 2020, has allocated $1 million to support impactful projects that confront systemic racism in Ohio. This initiative seeks proposals that identify and challenge biases, provide frameworks for change, educate stakeholders, and collaborate with legal systems. However, the OSBF discourages proposals focused on internal organizational improvements related to diversity and equity, as funding is intended for external, systemic change.