Best Geauga County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

The Andrews Foundation, a private family foundation based in Northeast Ohio since 1951, focuses on enriching the quality of life in the region. It offers multi-year grants ranging from 2 to 5 years to non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. In 2024, the foundation emphasizes sectors such as Education, Eldercare, Community Services, Healthcare, Social Services, and Sustainability, showcasing its commitment to community investment and adaptability in grant-making.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Bicknell Fund Grant aims to enhance the well-being of mankind through charitable, educational, and scientific initiatives. Established in 1949 by Warren Bicknell and his family, the fund focuses primarily on Health and Human Services, aiding the homeless and disadvantaged in Cleveland, with additional support for education and the arts. Grants are available to local 501(c)(3) organizations, fostering a collaborative relationship with the community. The fund does not support individuals, multi-year pledges, or political advocacy.

The Specialized Transportation Program (5310) aims to enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities through federally funded projects. This program supports various initiatives, including vehicle funding, preventive maintenance, and contracted transportation services. With an 80% federal cost coverage, local funding must cover the remaining 20%. The Ohio Department of Transportation oversees this program, ensuring accessible transportation options in urban and rural areas, thereby addressing the unique needs of transit-dependent populations.

Mission

Be the premiere provider of information resources concerning living with Parkinson's Disease to both those with Parkinson's and their caregivers in the sixteen counties of northeast Ohio. Provide advice and assistance to existing Local Support Groups and Classes while also promoting the creation of new Local Support Groups and Parkinson's exercise, dance and related classes. To promote and offer educational events that provide support and awareness for people with Parkinson's in our region.

Ohio Parkinson Foundation Northeast Region

The Ohio Parkinson Foundation Northeast Region (OPFNE) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson's Disease (PD). Our focus is local! We want to be your resource for information on local events, classes and services. The foundation offers an annual free educational symposium, supports the efforts of many charitable organizations involved in the development of wellness programming for Parkinson community, and provides funding for local PD research. The Foundation also maintains contact and general information for the Parkinson Support Groups in the 16 counties that it serves.

Grants

OPFNE offers a grant program for organizations needing funds for Parkinson’s programs. Grants are reviewed quarterly.

The typical project duration is six months and funds requested are typically less than $5K.

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 Cleveland Foundation

The Cleveland Foundation is the community's trust—a collective savings account dedicated to making the lives of Greater Clevelanders better.

The Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today. The foundation was established in 1914 by Frederick Harris Goff, a well-known lawyer and banker at the Cleveland Trust Company. Goff sought a solution for people who wanted to give back to their community in a lasting and impactful way. Unlike a one-time donation to a specific cause or organization, a gift to the Cleveland Foundation is invested to grow over time and meet the changing needs in the community across generations.  

Black Philanthropy Fund

The Cleveland Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Fund is an endowed affinity fund dedicated to advancing healthy communities and long‑term prosperity for Greater Cleveland’s Black community.

Harnessing the strength of collective giving, the fund convenes bold voices and sparks joyful collaboration to drive systemic change. Through strategic grantmaking and community partnerships, the fund invests in organizations creating pathways to opportunity, building wealth and advancing holistic well‑being.

Impact Areas

• Opportunity Access: Grants support organizations leading initiatives that open doors to meaningful careers, entrepreneurial ventures and civic leadership, creating inclusive pathways for Black communities to thrive and lead boldly. 

• Economic Investment & Wealth Building: Grants support organizations equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge and resources to build financial security and generational wealth through education, collaborative investment opportunities and innovative strategies for personal growth.

• Physical & Mental Health: Grants support organizations advancing holistic well‑being by strengthening mental resilience, promoting physical health and creating joyful spaces for connection and community care. 

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding

Operating Assistance

The objective of the 5310 operating assistance project is to provide financial support to subrecipients in the day-to-day transportation operations for seniors and persons with disabilities. Operating assistance funding is explicitly intended to be spent on operations. ODOT will reimburse 50% of the operating cost and the subrecipient is required to provide the 50% local match. All of the local match must be provided from sources other than U.S. Department of Transportation funds. To be eligible for Section 5310 operating funds, an applicant must provide open-door services. FTA defines open door as regular, continuing shared ride surface transportation services that is open to the public or open to a segment of the public defined by age or disability.

The O'Neill Brothers Grants support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Northeast Ohio, providing approximately $300,000 in grants annually. With a focus on Catholic, educational, human service, cultural, and conservation initiatives, the foundation prioritizes requests for unrestricted operating support from financially stable entities. Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The review process can take up to six months, but emergency funding requests may be considered at the discretion of the Trustees.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The Cyrus Eaton Foundation Grant focuses on advancing sustainable environments, social justice, cultural enrichment, and peaceful coexistence. It funds innovative and small nonprofit organizations, primarily in Northeast Ohio and Pugwash, Nova Scotia. The foundation typically distributes $160,000 annually across two funding cycles, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and occasionally offers high-impact grants of up to $15,000 for significant projects.

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.

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 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 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 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 MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.

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 Makulinski Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit and charity organizations, emphasizing sustainable community development. With a commitment to lasting change, MFF actively matches investments to amplify their impact, ranging from 10:1 to 1:2 based on beneficiary needs. The foundation welcomes proposals from various regions, including Ohio, Michigan, and South Carolina, and encourages applications that align with their mission. Interested parties can access the grant request form to submit their proposals.

The Cleveland Foundation's Equity in the Arts Fund supports organizations led by people of color in promoting diverse arts and cultures. Grants between $5,000 and $30,000 are available for non-profits and collectives with fiscal sponsors, focusing on enhancing organizational capacity and sustainability. The fund aims to uplift Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga Counties.

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.

The Equity in the Arts Fund, supported by The Cleveland Foundation, aims to empower small and medium arts organizations led by and serving BIPOC communities in Cleveland. This initiative seeks to strengthen these organizations by addressing their unique needs and fostering their growth. The fund emphasizes long-term investment for impactful change while remaining responsive to immediate community needs. Organizations with budgets under $300,000 are encouraged to apply for tailored funding that aligns with their specific missions.

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 Bascom Little Fund Grant supports Northeast Ohio composers by funding the performance and recording of contemporary music. Established in memory of architect Bascom Little, the fund aims to promote new works through concerts and publications. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, and composers must reside in Northeast Ohio. The fund does not support the commission of new works or operating expenses. Special consideration is given to those with additional financial backing.

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.