Best Defiance County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in eligible counties, including Defiance County, Ohio, can seek funding for physical road safety and traffic calming projects that improve downtown walkability and accessibility. Grants from National Main Street Center, made possible by General Motors, provide US $60,000 for construction, equipment, installation, design fees, and initial activation programming on Main Streets.

Environmental and community organizations in Defiance County, Ohio working on Great Lakes ecosystem health can access funding through the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, with awards of more than US $10,000. Support may cover watershed and freshwater conservation, climate resilience, environmental justice, policy advocacy, and leadership development across the Great Lakes region.

Nonprofits and local agencies improving transportation for seniors and people with disabilities in Defiance County, Ohio can seek funding for computer hardware, software, and related equipment that support Section 5310-funded vehicles. Focused on specialized transportation, the Ohio Department of Transportation helps enhance dispatching and operations for small urban and rural transit services.

Nonprofit and public transportation providers offering open-door shared-ride services for seniors and people with disabilities in Defiance County, Ohio can seek operating support for day-to-day transit costs. With a mission to provide a safe, accessible system, Ohio Department of Transportation reimburses 50% of eligible operating expenses under the Section 5310 Specialized Transportation Program.

The Cletus Vetter Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Cletus Vetter, a dedicated farmer and conservationist. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a resident of Defiance County pursuing education in conservation, natural resources, or agriculture. It aims to inspire the next generation to appreciate and engage in vital resource conservation efforts, ensuring that Cletus's passion for nurturing the land continues through future advocates of sustainability.

Nonprofits and public agencies improving transportation access for seniors and people with disabilities in Defiance County, Ohio can seek mobility management funding to develop and coordinate transportation options. Grants from Ohio Department of Transportation support capital mobility management projects that increase awareness of community transportation needs, expand local capacity, and integrate transportation into local and regional planning.

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding

Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding

The objective of the Section 5310 Capitalized Maintenance project is to provide financial support to subrecipients in the continued maintenance and functionality of their agency’s vehicle fleet. ODOT will reimburse 80% of the vehicle maintenance costs and the subrecipient is required to provide 20% local match Applicants eligible for 5310 capitalized maintenance funding are those agencies that have a vehicle fleet that is utilized to meet the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. Additionally, agencies may charge their 5310-vehicle fleet that has been approved through the disposition process, so long as those vehicles remain in service and the agency utilizes the vehicle(s) for 5310-related transportation.

Eligible costs include activities that preserve vehicle functionality—such as labor, parts, and supplies— and must not add to the permanent value or appreciably prolong the life of the vehicle.

Nonprofits, schools, churches, and government agencies in Defiance County, Ohio can seek funding for projects in education, social services, health, community development, natural resources, and the arts. Defiance Area Foundation supports programs that address unmet basic needs, emphasize prevention, encourage community matching gifts, and typically provide up to US $25,000 per organization each fiscal year.

Defiance County, Ohio transportation providers serving seniors and people with disabilities can access funding for contracted transit services through the Ohio Department of Transportation. Section 5310 Contracted Transportation Service funds reimburse 80% of eligible capital costs, with a 20% local match, for open-door, shared-ride services in small urbanized and rural areas.

Nonprofit and charity organizations in Defiance County, Ohio seeking support for education, community services, or environmental work may be eligible for funding that matches volunteer time or donations. Grants from Makulinski Family Foundation help local and international charities by offering flexible match ratios based on the affluence of beneficiaries, and all Rotary-associated proposals are welcomed.

Healthcare providers and hospital or clinic systems serving rural Defiance County, Ohio can seek funding to strengthen preventive and clinical care for diabetes and hypertension. Focused on chronic disease and rural health care, the Ohio Department of Health and Human Services supports projects improving blood glucose and blood pressure outcomes across non-urban counties, including Defiance.

State agencies or their designees implementing approved aquatic invasive species management plans in Great Lakes states can apply for US $100,000 - US $600,000 to support plan implementation, including work in Defiance County, Ohio. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds to competitively award these aquatic invasive species control grants.

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding.

Vehicle Funding

Available Vehicles: Applicants can refer to the Vehicle Catalog & Selection Guide for more information on the vehicles offered through the Section 5310 program. The vehicle cost worksheet will list the available options and pricing for each vehicle.

Vehicle Use: Vehicles are to be used for program-related needs for which a Section 5310 grant is made. Subrecipients are encouraged to the extent feasible to also provide service to the general public, on an incidental basis if such service does not interfere with transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities. The recipient shall use the vehicle in the project or program for which it was acquired as long as needed, even if the project does not continue to receive federal funding.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

Defiance County, Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on higher education, STEM, business education, economic and community development, or human services can access funding through Steel Dynamics Foundation. Eligible organizations must serve communities where Steel Dynamics or its affiliates operate and demonstrate strong ethical practices and significant local impact.

Defiance County, Ohio nonprofits focused on marine safety, freshwater conservation, or recreational boating can access funding through Great Lakes Foundation for charitable, educational, or scientific projects. Eligible work includes safety education, publications, seminars, environmental research, and efforts to protect and preserve Great Lakes wilderness cruising areas and the broader marine environment.

Nonprofits, universities, agencies, businesses, and individuals with projects improving Great Lakes water and ecosystems can access funding through Great Lakes Protection Fund; teams may be based anywhere but must benefit the basin, including Defiance County, Ohio. Funding supports collaborative, science-based, action-oriented initiatives that drive basin-wide change using markets, social norms, or policy shifts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering technology access and digital literacy programs in Defiance County, Ohio can apply for Spectrum Digital Education Grants from Charter Communications; awards range from US $2,500 - US $50,000. Funding supports existing programs serving families or seniors in low-income or multicultural communities and requires tracking participant impact and demographics.

The Andersons Fund Supporting Organization aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, particularly in the greater Toledo area. It supports nonprofit organizations with grants for programs in education, social services, mental health, urban affairs, natural resources, and the arts. The Fund prioritizes capital projects and evaluates the financial stability and operational issues of requesting organizations.

The Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund supports schools and nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan by providing transportation grants for attending Toledo Mud Hens baseball and Toledo Walleye hockey games. With awards up to $1,000, the fund aims to eliminate financial barriers for educational field trips to these events. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and adhere to specific guidelines regarding the use of funds for transportation services.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Defiance County, Ohio can apply for the FirstEnergy Foundation Grant, with awards up to US $25,000 for housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development, and STEM initiatives. Eligible organizations must operate within FirstEnergy’s service area and should contact the Community Involvement Department to discuss grant opportunities.

Research institutions and organizations conducting fisheries and ichthyology studies in Defiance County, Ohio can apply for Great Lakes Fisheries Trust funding, with awards up to US $1,300,000 for ecological and biological research to inform fishery management. Projects may include hypothesis-driven research, tools, resources, and capacity-building to support resilient, self-sustaining fish populations.

With a mission to restore coastal and Great Lakes habitats, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides Defiance County, Ohio conservation and fisheries projects with funding to restore degraded fish habitat. Eligible projects must occur in designated Great Lakes areas and advance Great Lakes Restoration Initiative goals for native fish populations and Areas of Concern management actions.

Great Lakes tribes or their designees working on aquatic invasive species management in or near Defiance County, Ohio can apply for US $20,000 - US $100,000 to develop or implement Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports prevention, early detection, rapid response, outreach, and control efforts benefiting the Great Lakes Basin.

Eligible small cities in Defiance County, Ohio with populations between 5,000 and 24,999 can apply for Ohio Department of Transportation’s Small City Program, offering up to US $2,000,000 for road, safety, and signal construction projects. Funding supports pavement rehabilitation, roundabouts, signals, roadway widening, and related eligible public infrastructure work on the Federal-aid system.