Best Franklin County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

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 Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Adams Legacy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting non-profit organizations that utilize nature to enhance personal growth and healing. For the 2022-2026 cycle, applicants must provide programming in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties in California, as well as Franklin County, Ohio. The foundation encourages collaborative efforts aimed at improving access to green spaces in urban areas. It seeks projects that foster a connection with nature to promote well-being among diverse populations.

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 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.

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 Ross Wagner Foundation Scholarship offers significant financial support for students pursuing degrees in various engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. With awards up to $25,000 annually, students can receive up to $100,000 over four years. Applicants must maintain a B average, work in engineering labs, and be enrolled in top-ranked engineering schools in the U.S. and Canada. This scholarship honors Ross Wagner's legacy, promoting excellence in engineering education.

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 Gus Poesch Research Fund - Student Travel Grant supports floriculture graduate students from The Ohio State University in presenting their research. Grants up to $1,500 are available for educational travel and require submission of an abstract. Successful applicants must report on their trip and acknowledge funding in all publications. This initiative enhances research dissemination and fosters professional development in the floral industry, which faces ongoing challenges in pest management and production efficiency.

The Gus Poesch Research Fund, established in honor of innovator Gus Poesch, offers approximately $40,000 annually to support floriculture-related projects at The Ohio State University. This fund prioritizes projects that recruit high-quality graduate students, advance research, and improve industry practices. Emphasizing relevance to current industry needs, funded projects may cover pest management, production techniques, and postharvest quality. The fund encourages collaboration and aims to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the floral industry.

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 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.

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 2027 starts June 7 and ends August 12.
• 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 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 Caesars Foundation supports community-focused organizations through monetary and in-kind donations, prioritizing strategic areas like social equity, climate action, and mental health. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and educational institutions operating within the U.S. Requests must align with these focus areas to enhance community impact. Organizations that discriminate or operate outside the U.S. are ineligible. By fostering collaboration, the foundation aims to uplift vulnerable populations and promote sustainable practices.

The Capital Improvements Grant from The Columbus Foundation supports nonprofits in Franklin County looking to enhance their facilities and equipment. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 and prioritize requests that demonstrate a clear impact on service delivery. Eligible projects include purchasing new buildings, updating existing facilities, or acquiring essential equipment. Letters of intent are due the first Friday in June, and successful applications will show progress and sustainability in their capital campaigns.

The Focused Funds Grants aim to enhance community welfare through targeted funding in areas such as community improvement, education, health, social services, and support for special populations. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits. This initiative, backed by The Columbus Foundation, fosters a vibrant community by addressing critical local needs and supporting various initiatives that resonate with donor interests.

The Community Garden Grants aim to strengthen Central Ohio's neighborhoods by providing financial support for the creation and expansion of community gardens and greenspaces. With funding up to $3,000 and in-kind donations, the program focuses on enhancing local food access, education, and the environmental benefits of gardening. Eligible projects must benefit community groups and be completed within a year, helping connect residents to healthier lifestyles and community building opportunities.

The Aminah Robinson Fellowship, offered by the Greater Columbus Arts Council in partnership with the Columbus Museum of Art, provides a 90-day fellowship and an unrestricted $15,000 award to a professional African American visual artist residing in Franklin County. This initiative supports the artist's creative process and encourages community engagement through outreach opportunities. Applicants must identify as African American, be 18 or older, and produce work that reflects cultural storytelling and heritage.

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 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 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.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

The Bexley Community Foundation offers semi-annual grants aimed at projects that enhance the Bexley community experience. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government agencies, while faith-based organizations can apply for non-religious initiatives. The Foundation emphasizes fairness and equity in participation, ensuring no arbitrary barriers exist. Ineligible projects include endowment funds, fundraising expenses, and those aimed at influencing legislation. This grant encourages creativity and community involvement through its funding opportunities.

The Upper Arlington Community Foundation's Good Neighbor Fund Grant provides emergency financial assistance of up to $3,000 for Upper Arlington residents facing unforeseen circumstances that threaten their stability. Established in 2017, this fund acts as a crucial safety net, ensuring that individuals can access support for urgent needs like living expenses, utilities, and medical fees. The grants committee evaluates applications based on sustainability and collaboration, aiming to foster ongoing community support.