Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio serving children, families, health, education, arts, environment, or basic needs can seek grants of more than US $1,000 to expand their programs. With a mission to enhance quality of life, Sam J Frankino Foundation provides small grants for initiatives primarily benefiting Northeast Ohio communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations working in education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation support, including small grants for operating, projects, or capital needs. Although grants generally favor the greater Chicago area, Ohio nonprofits may be eligible if their work matches these priorities.

Ohio agricultural and forest producers seeking to enhance environmental stewardship on working lands can receive technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and grazing conditions. Focused on conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Ohio invites producers to enroll entire operations in five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts that support maintaining and expanding conservation practices.

Nonprofit organizations serving Pickaway County communities in Ohio can seek funding for public charitable projects that improve local quality of life. Pickaway County Community Foundation provides Ohio nonprofits with competitive grants across areas like education, human services, health, environment, arts, community development, and civic engagement. Funding availability and application opportunities vary year to year.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and other entities in Ohio can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Ohio’s EQIP program supports projects improving soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture, which may benefit nonprofit-led conservation or farming initiatives.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship from the American Water Works Association. Focused on water industry challenges, this academic scholarship may benefit Ohio nonprofits partnering with or supporting such graduate research programs.

Grassroots resident groups in Cleveland and East Cleveland can receive US $500 - US $5,000 to run community projects in arts and culture, neighboring, or senior and intergenerational engagement. Focused on resident-led neighborhood initiatives, Suite 1300 Services requires at least three unrelated neighbors to apply together and attendance at a mandatory grant workshop before applying.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help support programs that address work, home, and play, especially those advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and serving designated U.S. Bank communities.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides Ohio nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts serving Ohio communities where Honda associates live and work may apply for programmatic support.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Ohio working on community development, education, workforce preparation, or financial literacy can seek support for programs that build thriving futures. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, academic success, and job readiness. Awards range from US $10,000 - US $25,000 across its retail footprint, including Ohio.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio working to build self-sufficiency for women and children through education, employment assistance, homelessness services, health care, or humanitarian aid can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. Grants up to Up to US $750,000 may support adult readiness, child welfare, disaster relief, microfinance, and related community-strengthening projects.

Undergraduate students in Ohio pursuing environmental science or environmental engineering can receive nonrenewable scholarships to support tuition, fees, books, and field-related equipment. Focused on environmental studies, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency invites eligible juniors and seniors at Ohio public or private colleges, universities, and community colleges to apply for awards up to US $5,000.

Ohio nonprofits and educational institutions working in areas like social equity, education, climate and food security, or mental health can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation. Ohio small nonprofits focused on workforce development, housing, homelessness, immigrant services, or community development may be especially competitive if they align with these strategic impact areas.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, park and recreation departments, conservation groups, and local governments in Ohio can receive up to US $7,500 to deliver aquatic education and stewardship programs with hands-on learning. Focused on aquatic ecosystems, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources invites partners to run activities like fishing retreats, water quality monitoring, and Trout in the Classroom projects.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Ohio conducting biomedical research can apply for small-scale project funding to engage students and strengthen their research environment. The National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 for institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have historically received limited NIH support, including those in U.S. territories.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing economic opportunity or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation to build organizational capacity and leadership. Eligible organizations must operate in designated Ohio markets, have sufficient revenue and a three-year impact plan, and commit their CEO and an emerging leader to a two-year leadership development program.

Local education agencies and community-based organizations in Ohio can receive more than US $50,000 to run high-quality after-school, summer, and expanded learning programs that boost academic success for students from low-performing, high-poverty schools. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce supports K–12 enrichment, tutoring, STEM/STEAM, arts, youth development, and family engagement for up to five years.

Early-career biomedical and public health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries, including Ohio-linked LMIC partners, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help fund protected research time and development toward independent investigator status; awards are approximately US $140,000.

Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits fund projects in education, environmental protection, and healthy, vibrant communities. Eligible organizations must serve communities where Cleveland-Cliffs operates, including parts of Ohio, and may include schools, community groups, and charities working on workforce readiness, conservation, health, arts, or community development initiatives.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving communities in Ohio can seek program-specific support for community revitalization, services, affordable housing, and economic development. Focused on equity and low- to moderate-income populations, Huntington National Bank invites partners within its footprint to discuss innovative, self-sufficiency and quality-of-life initiatives.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

The Ohio AmeriCorps Formula Grants, administered by ServeOhio, engage over 80,000 Americans annually in meaningful service across various sectors. These grants support local nonprofits and community organizations in addressing critical needs in education, health, and the environment. By participating in AmeriCorps, members gain valuable skills and experience while earning educational scholarships, fostering stronger communities through civic engagement and volunteerism.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The SHF Responsive Grant Program, offered by Sisters Health Foundation, supports projects aimed at enhancing healthy eating, active living, thriving neighborhoods, and mental health in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions targeting specific counties in West Virginia and Ohio. The program prioritizes evidence-based strategies to promote health and well-being, foster community resources, and improve access to essential services, making it a vital resource for local organizations seeking funding.