Best Franklin County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Data Center Community Grants Program (US-CBF) supports nonprofit organizations that enhance their local communities surrounding Google data centers. Funding is available for projects focused on education, economic opportunity, bridging the digital divide, sustainability, health, and arts. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, prioritizing measurable community benefits and innovative approaches. Eligible projects must demonstrate long-term impact, while operational expenses are generally ineligible. This initiative aims to empower underserved groups and foster collaboration within local ecosystems.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

Summer Fellowship Program Nonprofit Application

The Summer Fellowship Program helps build the organizational capacity of Franklin County nonprofits by facilitating a powerful partnership between the nonprofits and students interested in the nonprofit sector.

The Summer Fellowship Program engages young leaders in the sector through career-related work with selected nonprofit host sites for a 10-week period. Fellows receive valuable experience through their work and immersion with the host sites, and the nonprofits benefit from the increased capacity Fellows provide through the completion of, or progress made towards, a specific program or objective. Inspire the next generation of nonprofit leaders by hosting a Summer Fellow at your nonprofit!

Program Details

• The 10-week fellowship for 2026 starts June 1 and ends August 7.
• Nonprofits must have a specific project or program to assign to the Fellow with specific objectives that will be completed during the 10-week period.
• Organizations selected will receive a grant to cover a stipend for the Fellow.
• All Fellows are required to work full-time as designated by their host organization.
• Fellows are matched with nonprofits based on interests, skills, and the nonprofit’s specific needs or objectives.

Columbus and Franklin County Federation of Women's Clubs Fund-Education

The purpose of the Columbus and Franklin County Federation of Women’s Club Scholarship Fund shall be to make scholarship awards available for the benefit of women attending Otterbein University as full-time students in the field of education.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Digital Access Grants

Support for programming designed to offer training or technical support, or expanding the affordability and accessibility of digital technology and the internet to individuals and communities with limited access.

Not everyone has the same level of access to reliable internet service, or the devices and skills needed for work, commerce, education, healthcare, transportation, and civic engagement.

In response to the urgent technology needs of nonprofits and the communities they serve, The Central Ohio Digital Access Fund was established in July 2020. A group of local partners and institutions works on internet affordability, access to devices, and programs across the community that offer training and technical skill building for life and careers in the twenty-first century. 

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 Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Sector Building Grants

Sector Building Grants partner with community organizations to build the overall capacity of the sector.

The Sector Building grant program launched in 2022 as part of a commitment to build the capacity of the nonprofit sector to serve the community. Sector Building grants support programming that builds and sustains the infrastructure of the nonprofit sector.

The Sector Building grant program seeks to fill this area of need by providing funding to programs or organizations that support the administrative needs of three or more nonprofits, which may or may not include the applicant. These grants typically range from $50,000 to $150,000.

The FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

The Aminah Robinson Writer/Scholar/Researcher Residency, supported by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, offers a unique opportunity for U.S.-based African American writers, scholars, or researchers. This residency, honoring the legacy of the late artist Aminah Robinson, provides a $15,000 cash award, lodging, and studio access in her Columbus home. Residents will engage with the local arts community and have the time and space to focus on their creative projects, fostering cultural expression and artistic growth.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Robert W. Lukens Scholarship

The scholarship honors the namesake, who was a 1940 engineering graduate from The Ohio State University and inspired generations of family engineers. The purpose is to helps students pay for college expenses.

The Columbus Foundation offers the Focused Funds Grants to enhance community well-being through strategic support for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in diverse areas, including environment, health, special populations, and social services. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a maximum of $25,000 available. Applications are accepted biannually in May and October, fostering impactful projects that promote sustainability and improve quality of life in central Ohio.

The Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) supports deaf and hard-of-hearing youth by providing resources to organizations that help them develop essential skills for successful futures. Established in 1997, it focuses on promoting hands-on experiences, leadership training, and enhancing self-esteem. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) non-profits primarily impacting Franklin County, ensuring that these vital services reach those who need them most.

About GCAC

The Greater Columbus Arts Council supports artists and arts organizations through a spectrum of grant programs, workshops, networking events and services. GCAC also shares a host of resources such as calls for artists, job opportunities, nonprofit board openings and listings of spaces for rent. Subscribe to our newsletters to stay up-to-date on GCAC grant deadlines, workshops and events.

GCAC provides marketing services that support artists and organizations through the ColumbusMakesArt.com event calendar, Artist Directory, and Public Art Database. We also produce the annual Big Arts Night recognizing business and individual contributions to the community and the Columbus Arts Festival, the city’s welcome to summer event that takes place each June.

The Greater Columbus Film Commission (Film Columbus) is a division of GCAC that aims to grow the film industry in Columbus and central Ohio by creating jobs and providing significant economic impact for the area. Film Columbus strives to build Columbus as a top city for film education, exhibition, and production by supporting filmmakers and the film industry by offering a range of services—including the only local incentive in Ohio, grants, and resources—to encourage film and media projects in our city. For more information, visit filmcolumbus.com.

GCAC programming provides access to the arts for people of all cultural backgrounds, economic status, sexual orientation, age and physical ability and ensures broad public access to the arts. Supporting Columbus artists, and arts and culture organizations enhances the cultural image of the Greater Columbus area.

Cultural Festival Funding Awards

Purpose:

To provide funding for pre-existing cultural festivals that primarily reach or represent immigrant, refugee, and New American communities through presentation of the arts and cultural heritage traditions.

Description:

Cultural festivals with a primary focus on presenting the arts (including dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater and visual arts) that present cultural heritage traditions and primarily reach immigrant, refugee, and new American audiences, may make an annual request for Cultural Festival Funding of $3,500 from GCAC. Applicants who would like to be considered for more than $3,500 should apply for Project Support, which follows a scored, competitive funding process. Applicants may receive EITHER Project Support OR Cultural Festival Funding; organizations cannot receive both awards in the same calendar year.

Festival programming may:

• Reflect customs and art forms that are passed down through generations.
• Include traditional music, dance, food and crafts.
• Honor symbolic and/or ritualistic ceremonies.
• Observe natural events with cultural significance.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Ronald P. Vallort Engineering Scholarship, named after a former ASHRAE President, supports undergraduate engineering students focusing on refrigeration and the cold chain. Available to students enrolled in select universities, applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class. This one-year scholarship promotes excellence in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, aligning with ASHRAE's mission to advance sustainable technology in the built environment.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

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.

Greater Columbus Arts Council

Our mission: To champion and elevate the arts and cultural expression of Greater Columbus.

The Greater Columbus Arts Council supports artists and arts organizations through a spectrum of grant programs, workshops, networking events and services. GCAC also shares a host of resources such as calls for artists, job opportunities, nonprofit board openings and listings of spaces for rent.

GCAC provides marketing services that support artists and organizations through the ColumbusMakesArt.com event calendar, Artist Directory, and Public Art Database. We also produce the annual Big Arts Night recognizing business and individual contributions to the community and the Columbus Arts Festival, the city’s welcome to summer event that takes place each June.

Columbus Motion Picture Incentive

Purpose

The Columbus Motion Picture Incentive (CMPI) fuels the growth of the film industry in Central Ohio by encouraging productions to hire local talent, utilize regional resources, and film within the area—all while supporting local filmmakers and strengthening the creative economy.

The Columbus Motion Picture Incentive (CMPI) is open to any production company, whether local or international, that spends a minimum of $150,000 in Franklin and surrounding counties.

The Hilliard Education Foundation's Annual Grant Program empowers educators in the Hilliard City School District to enhance student learning through innovative projects. Grants support initiatives not covered by traditional funding, allowing teachers to create unique learning experiences. Open to all district staff, these grants are awarded annually for projects commencing in the following school year. Fund requests of up to $10,000 are welcomed, fostering creativity and educational excellence in the community.

The Columbus Youth Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of youth in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods of Columbus. By focusing on recreation and sports, the foundation provides essential opportunities for young people to learn valuable life lessons in a positive environment. This grant supports programs that foster personal development and community engagement, ultimately helping to shape a brighter future for the youth involved.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

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.

The Ingram-White Castle Foundation, established in 1949 by the Ingram Family, aims to support disadvantaged students through educational programs. With over $22 million awarded in grants, its mission encompasses providing essential resources for academic success, workforce preparation, and strengthening educational institutions. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster community cooperation and encourage additional funding. Although primarily focused on education, it also addresses critical human service needs, impacting the lives of many in the central Ohio area.

The Columbus Foundation's Arts & Culture Fund Grant supports organizations in Franklin County focused on the creation and presentation of performing, visual, and fine arts. The current funding cycle is closed, with new applicants eligible to apply starting in 2026. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and provide annual audits. Ineligible entities include schools and arts education organizations. Grantees will receive updates and funding through mid-2025, with awards announced for the period from July 2023 to June 2026.

Harold E. McDaniel Family Fund

The family of Harold E. McDaniel, DDS, established this fund to provide two scholarships each year to students attending The Ohio State University: one scholarship for a student in the College of Dentistry and the other for a student in the College of Biological Sciences. Dr. McDaniel was a young, trailblazing dentist in the early 1960s. In 1963, along with several other Black physicians, Dr. McDaniel designed and built the Franklin Park Medical Center, one of Columbus’ first Black, multi-specialty medical practices. In 1963, as a champion for equality and civil rights, Dr. McDaniel had the privilege of attending the March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. McDaniel had a strong religious faith and was a proud member of Second Baptist Church where he served as an usher, trustee, and taught Sunday School. His legacy lives on and inspires other members of his family and his scholarship inspires future dentists.

Award Amount:

• Two scholarships for $1,000 each