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.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

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 human and social service 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for programs in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental projects. U.S.-based nonprofits may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project support during the annual October 1 to March 1 grant cycle.

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 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.

Human and social service nonprofits serving communities below the Mason-Dixon line can apply for Robinson Foundation support for programs such as poverty relief, children and family services, disaster relief, education, medical assistance, and veterans’ issues. Grants are limited to U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years; Ohio organizations are not eligible geographically.

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.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.