Best Fairfield County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

The R. Alvin Stevenson Fund Grant aims to enhance community welfare by supporting nonprofits focused on health and human services in Hocking and Fairfield Counties. This initiative, backed by The Columbus Foundation, invites 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations to apply for funding that fosters continuous innovation in service delivery. With a focus on strategic grantmaking, this program seeks to strengthen our community through effective partnerships between donors and nonprofits.

Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship Fund of the Legacy Fund

The fund was established to benefit gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students pursuing post-secondary education at a central Ohio college or university or Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The NOPEC Foundation Fund offers grants primarily to nonprofit organizations within NOPEC communities, focusing on health, economic development, community development, environment, and social services. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, aiming to address diverse community needs that are often overlooked by traditional funding sources. Eligible applicants are those operating significantly within NOPEC areas, ensuring support reaches those most in need.

The Fairfield County Foundation Grant supports local 501(c)(3) nonprofits aimed at enhancing community well-being. Established in 1989, the Foundation connects resources to address local needs, prioritizing quality of life and inclusivity. With both restricted and unrestricted funds, it empowers organizations to apply for grants that align with their community-focused missions. The Foundation encourages partnerships with nonprofits that serve the Fairfield County area, fostering collaboration for a sustainable future.

The Hawkins Family Foundation Grant supports diverse non-profit initiatives including healthcare, education, and community development. Primarily funding organizations in Chattanooga, Dublin/Columbus, and Tampa Bay, it requires applicants to be 501(c)(3) public charities or have fiscal sponsors with this status. This grant aims to uplift local communities and enhance the quality of life through various supportive programs.

The Catholic Foundation

The Foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus was founded in 1984. It was the inspiration of John Sauter, Richard Stedman, and Robert Morosky, who approached Bishop James A. Griffin with the concept of establishing an independent corporation to manage perpetual endowments for the parishes, schools, and other ministries within the diocese of Columbus.

The Catholic Foundation exists to connect Catholics with the profound joy that comes with Christ-inspired generosity. We meet our donors wherever they are in their charitable journey and turn their gifts into real-world impact. As experts in philanthropy, we help our donors support their favorite causes through Catholic-aligned investments. Our Mission in Christ is to transform generosity into real-world impact by investing in the future of parishes, education, vocations, and ministries in our Catholic community

Catholic Foundation: Responsive Grants for Ministries

Since our inception in 1984, The Catholic Foundation has granted over $250 million and counting. The Catholic Foundation awards grants annually within the 23-county diocese of Columbus through responsive grants, scholarships, endowment distributions, and special granting opportunities.

For the front-line ministries acting as the hands and feet of Christ, we provide funding, support, and strategic counsel to help meet their needs and advance their mission.

This grant pertains to the needs of the marginalized in our diocese. Invited non-profit organizations within the diocese of Columbus may apply to Ministries pillar.

The Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) Scholarship, managed by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This scholarship is designed for qualifying full-time college students demonstrating strong academic performance and financial need. Eligible candidates must be graduating high school seniors from specific Ohio counties and have a minimum GPA of 2.8. The fund seeks to enhance access to post-secondary education at select institutions, fostering academic success and future career opportunities.

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, provides a 50/50 cost-share opportunity aimed at enhancing rural fire departments. Eligible departments can secure funding for essential wildland fire equipment, personal protective gear, and communication devices. Grants are capped at $10,000, promoting community collaboration while ensuring departments meet specific eligibility requirements. This initiative supports the vital role of fire services in protecting Ohio's communities and natural resources.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

The Catholic Foundation

The Foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus was founded in 1984. It was the inspiration of John Sauter, Richard Stedman, and Robert Morosky, who approached Bishop James A. Griffin with the concept of establishing an independent corporation to manage perpetual endowments for the parishes, schools, and other ministries within the diocese of Columbus.

The Catholic Foundation exists to connect Catholics with the profound joy that comes with Christ-inspired generosity. We meet our donors wherever they are in their charitable journey and turn their gifts into real-world impact. As experts in philanthropy, we help our donors support their favorite causes through Catholic-aligned investments. Our Mission in Christ is to transform generosity into real-world impact by investing in the future of parishes, education, vocations, and ministries in our Catholic community

Catholic Foundation: Responsive Grants for Vocations

Since our inception in 1984, The Catholic Foundation has granted over $250 million and counting. The Catholic Foundation awards grants annually within the 23-county diocese of Columbus through responsive grants, scholarships, endowment distributions, and special granting opportunities.

We have a deep and abiding commitment to ensure the faith for the future. Fostering programs that help men and women discern a religious life is one of the surest and strongest ways to support the next generation of Catholic leaders.

This grant pertains to diocesan need for Holy Orders, the call to religious life and marriage.

DOH 59808- Rural Health Transformation Program- Healthier Ohio Initiatives - Preventing and Addressing Chronic Disease- Track One

Project Background:

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71403 of Public Law 119-21) and empowers state to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality and outcomes by transforming the current system. Five key strategic goals of the program, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) are:

• Make Rural America Healthy Again
• Sustainable access
• Workforce development
• Innovative Care
• Technology Innovation

Ohio’s plan aligns with federal priorities to improve the health of rural residents by building an innovative movement to bridge medicine and preventive behaviors into a holistic and collective impact approach to improve chronic disease outcomes. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is designed to strengthen preventive and clinical care for improved blood glucose and hypertension indicators across Ohio’s 73 non-urban counties (See Appendix B. Applicants could be but not limited to the following:

• State-level associations that support implementation in multiple clinics, health centers, and/or hospitals.
• Regional collaboratives or health system with multiple locations.
• Individual hospitals, health centers and clinics

Project Objective:

Based upon data analysis from Ohio’s State Health Assessment, including a supplemental deep dive into Appalachian health, 2025 Summary Assessment of Older Ohioans, the Ohio Chronic Disease Atlas 2025, and other publicly available data, Ohio seeks to reduce the prevalence and mortality rates associated with chronic disease. The collective aim of the strategies is:

to reduce hemoglobin A1C for patients diagnosed with prediabetes and diabetes by 10% and

to manage blood pressure at clinically appropriate levels for patients diagnosed with hypertension.

The Catholic Foundation

The Foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus was founded in 1984. It was the inspiration of John Sauter, Richard Stedman, and Robert Morosky, who approached Bishop James A. Griffin with the concept of establishing an independent corporation to manage perpetual endowments for the parishes, schools, and other ministries within the diocese of Columbus.

The Catholic Foundation exists to connect Catholics with the profound joy that comes with Christ-inspired generosity. We meet our donors wherever they are in their charitable journey and turn their gifts into real-world impact. As experts in philanthropy, we help our donors support their favorite causes through Catholic-aligned investments. Our Mission in Christ is to transform generosity into real-world impact by investing in the future of parishes, education, vocations, and ministries in our Catholic community

Catholic Foundation: Responsive Grants for Education

Since our inception in 1984, The Catholic Foundation has granted over $250 million and counting. The Catholic Foundation awards grants annually within the 23-county diocese of Columbus through responsive grants, scholarships, endowment distributions, and special granting opportunities.

Catholic education is the cradle of evangelization. We support learning beginning with pre-school, extending from kindergarten through elementary, middle and high schools to Catholic colleges and universities. We also support Parish School of Religion (PSR) programming for students learning to enrich their faith outside of Catholic schools.

This grant pertains to the capital, education, evangelization, and faith formation needs of our diocese.

The Catholic Foundation

The Foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus was founded in 1984. It was the inspiration of John Sauter, Richard Stedman, and Robert Morosky, who approached Bishop James A. Griffin with the concept of establishing an independent corporation to manage perpetual endowments for the parishes, schools, and other ministries within the diocese of Columbus.

The Catholic Foundation exists to connect Catholics with the profound joy that comes with Christ-inspired generosity. We meet our donors wherever they are in their charitable journey and turn their gifts into real-world impact. As experts in philanthropy, we help our donors support their favorite causes through Catholic-aligned investments. Our Mission in Christ is to transform generosity into real-world impact by investing in the future of parishes, education, vocations, and ministries in our Catholic community

Catholic Foundation: Responsive Grants for Parishes

Since our inception in 1984, The Catholic Foundation has granted over $250 million and counting. The Catholic Foundation awards grants annually within the 23-county diocese of Columbus through responsive grants, scholarships, endowment distributions, and special granting opportunities.

Through Responsive Grants for Parishes, we partner with the faithful to multiply inspired generosity through the strategic investment of parish endowment funds and assist in meeting the needs of the local community of Catholic believers.

This grant pertains to the capital and infrastructure needs of diocesan parishes.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

The Reinberger Foundation offers Human Service Grants to support organizations helping underserved individuals achieve self-sufficiency and community enrichment. Priority is given to those who have received funding in the past five years. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and serve within Ohio, particularly in Cuyahoga and Franklin counties. The foundation focuses on critical areas such as housing stability, food insecurity, and family violence.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

The Siemer Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on enhancing educational opportunities and literacy for children in central Ohio. It supports initiatives that prepare young children for school, improve overall academic achievement, and assist underprivileged families in achieving stability. Guided by Barbara Siemer, the foundation emphasizes programs that foster parental involvement and community engagement to ensure a brighter future for children and families.

Crown Automotive Charities/Hawkins Family Foundation Grant

The Crown Automotive Charities/Hawkins Family Foundation supports a wide range of non-profit initiatives, including healthcare, animal welfare, education, veterans' services, the arts, community and economic development, housing, and special needs. The Foundation primarily funds organizations in the communities where they operate: Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dublin/Columbus, Ohio, and the Tampa Bay area in Florida.

After an application is submitted, the review process usually takes four to six weeks. However, depending on the specifics of the request or if additional information is needed, the process may take longer.

There are two types of Applications: Grants; and Sponsorships.

Sponsorship Application

This is for requesting support for fundraising events or initiatives that include public visibility, recognition, or promotional opportunities (e.g., galas, golf tournaments, charity walks, benefit dinners). Sponsorships are typically event-based and may include logo placement or other marketing benefits.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The GCAC Project Support program offers vital funding for arts and cultural initiatives, such as events, festivals, and series. This grant encourages community engagement through performances, exhibitions, and locally-produced film presentations. Projects must be public-facing and actively involve professional artists, ensuring a high-quality artistic experience. Applicants are required to submit a detailed implementation plan to outline how their project will be executed effectively, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.