Best Franklin County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

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 NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

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.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

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 Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

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.

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

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.

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 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.

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 Reinberger Foundation, established in 1966, aims to empower individuals towards self-sufficiency while enriching communities in Ohio. The foundation focuses on supporting organizations in areas such as arts, culture, and humanities, including museums, visual and performing arts, and arts education. Priority is given to past grantees and organizations within the greater Cleveland and Columbus areas. For new applicants, discussions prior to application are encouraged to align missions effectively.

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 Women's Fund of Central Ohio supports organizations that empower women and girls through various initiatives, including civic engagement, health education, leadership development, and economic security. By prioritizing trust-based and participatory grantmaking, the Fund aims to dismantle gender norms and promote equitable solutions. Grants are awarded annually to innovative programs focused on these areas, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by systemic inequity are elevated and heard.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

John and Margaret Humphris Veterinary Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

Financial need, an eesay not to exceed 500 words: “Discuss your reasons for choosing to become a veterinarian and you plans after graduations.”, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $2,000 scholarship, renewable for up to three (3) additional years

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.

Sallie E. Davis Scholarship Fund for The Glenn School of Public Affairs

The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarship awards to graduating seniors of the Columbus Public School District who may major in any area of study, who have a strong interest in public service and/or public policy, and who participate in The John Glenn Learning Community at The Ohio State University.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

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

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 New Albany Community Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt organizations and public agencies within the Greater New Albany area, focusing on lifelong learning, arts, health, and sustainable environments. Grants are intended for programs that benefit the community, ensure continuity post-funding, and promote collaboration among organizations. Ineligible requests include operating expenses and individual benefits. The Foundation aims to enhance community impact through well-planned projects that foster cooperation and innovative solutions.

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.

Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program

GCAC recognizes that artists confront a range of legal matters critical to their career sustainability and the protection of their creative works. In 2026, GCAC is offering a grant to assist with some legal expenses related to an artist’s art practice and art business. In addition, GCAC established a Lawyer Referral Service with attorneys who guarantee to provide our legal program grantees a flat fee of $300 per eligible legal service.

Purpose:

Assist artists with protecting their artwork and art business.

This Grant is open to:

Individuals who work in the following disciplines: dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts who meet GCAC’s definition of a working artist.

Award Amount:

$300 to pay an attorney for eligible services

The AIA Dayton Architectural Scholarship, administered by AIA Dayton, supports high school seniors and college students from the Dayton/Miami Valley region pursuing a degree in architecture at a NAAB-accredited institution. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a local high school or be college students attending an accredited architecture program in Ohio. This initiative aims to foster the next generation of architects by providing financial assistance to deserving students.

The Reinberger Foundation offers education grants to support underserved individuals in Northeast and Central Ohio. Priority is given to organizations with recent funding history. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits serving low-income populations, including schools, adult education, and workforce development programs. The foundation focuses on Cuyahoga and Franklin Counties, with specific considerations for grant requests. Organizations should discuss their proposals with the foundation before submitting applications.

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.