Best Erie County Grants for Nonprofits 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.

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 NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience, including those serving Erie County, Ohio, can apply for Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities and keep overhead at or below 25 percent.

Erie County, Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants may support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, food insecurity, job training, and K-16 academic and career success programs in the U.S.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing poverty, economic independence, and family stability can apply for more than US $100,000 in social service funding from the Hearst Foundation. Program, capital, and general operating support is available, and Erie County, Ohio organizations working in areas like housing, food access, workforce readiness, or youth development may be competitive if they meet size and impact criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services, including those in Erie County, Ohio, can apply for funding to support their programs. Focus areas include food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives through research and screening, offered by the Labcorp Charitable Foundation.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Erie County, Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation for programs serving low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods. Eligible projects may include early learning, educator development, affordable housing, small business support, workforce training, arts, and broader community revitalization where PNC has a significant presence.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts projects in Erie County, Ohio may be eligible for support that promotes sustainable development and engages corporate partners. Focused on global humanitarian, science and education, community and environment, and arts and culture, La Roche invites accredited charities to propose innovative, high-quality initiatives.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations conducting charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work can apply for Sidney Stern Memorial Trust funding, with all funds used in the U.S. Erie County, Ohio nonprofits that meet IRS and applicable California tax-exemption requirements may be eligible for support to advance broad community welfare services.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $1 million and overhead below 25% can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support children, education, animals, environment, humanitarian needs, and arts and culture. Erie County, Ohio organizations meeting these criteria may be eligible for funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profit entities seeking support for storytelling projects in preservation, education, or wellness may be eligible for more than US $50,000 in Erie County, Ohio. With a mission to partner locally, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides funding to help grantees share the real-world impact of their work through compelling stories.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit health and human service organizations in Erie County, Ohio can access funding through the Albert G and Olive H Schlink Foundation for patient care, hospital services, mental health, addiction treatment, senior and disability services, and related needs. The foundation prioritizes Ohio charities, especially those benefiting Erie and Huron County residents, with no preset grant size limits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Erie County, Ohio can seek funding for environmental and human services programs or general operations; awards typically range from US $5,000 - US $10,000. The Lawrence Foundation offers unrestricted, single-year grants to U.S.-headquartered organizations working locally or globally within its stated priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes in Erie County, Ohio may be eligible for Ameriprise Community Grants. Grants from Ameriprise Financial help U.S. nonprofits expand hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, arts access, and other community development programs, with priority given to areas near Ameriprise employee centers.

Erie County, Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, churches, schools, and eligible public entities serving county residents can receive support for programs and operations across arts, education, health, environment, youth, and human services. Erie County Community Foundation provides flexible Community Grants, prioritizing efforts like workforce empowerment, childcare access, mental health, food access, poverty reduction, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Erie County, Ohio students pursuing post-secondary education can access funding through the August Corso Scholarship Fund to attend accredited nonprofit colleges, universities, or vocational and apprenticeship programs in the U.S. Administered by Erie County Community Foundation, this scholarship favors applicants studying horticulture, environmental science, or agricultural business and may be renewed for up to four years.

Graduating high school seniors from Ashland County with at least a 2.75 GPA who are accepted to an accredited two- or four-year college can receive renewable scholarship support for higher education. The William & Martha Buckingham Scholarship from Ashland County Community Foundation may also benefit Erie County, Ohio nonprofits that assist local students meeting these criteria.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofits, 501(c)(3) organizations, and municipal or academic institutions in Ohio can receive $1,000 grants to install historical markers recognizing people, places, or events from 1800–1900. With a mission to preserve community heritage, William G Pomeroy Foundation provides Erie County, Ohio organizations and others statewide with support for Ohio Historical Markers.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Erie County, Ohio with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for national recognition and support through the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award. Grants from Mutual of America Foundation help U.S. nonprofits highlight exemplary collaborations that address significant social issues and model innovative, scalable approaches to improving communities.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.