Best Guernsey County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The John E. Foster Engineering Scholarship Fund, established by engineering firms to honor John E. Foster, supports Columbus City Schools seniors pursuing engineering degrees at The Ohio State University or Columbus State Community College. Applicants must be graduating seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, reflecting a commitment to diversity and excellence in engineering. This fund aims to empower future engineers and enhance representation in the field.

The James R. and Joanne K. Burgoon Endowment, established by a bequest from James R. Burgoon, honors the couple's legacy of service and education in Westerville, Ohio. With a focus on supporting students pursuing accounting or law, this endowment reflects their commitment to community betterment. Managed by The Columbus Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the nation, it aims to foster educational opportunities for deserving candidates, particularly those with ties to Westerville.

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.

Medical Mutual Scholarship Fund for Customer Schools

Education encourages ingenuity, fosters creativity, and inspires us to reach for new horizons. Medical Mutual is honored to play a role in helping prepare the young people of Ohio for a bright future. Medical Mutual is the oldest and largest health insurer based in Ohio. For 80 years, we have been serving our members and the Ohio communities where they live and work. We strive to be the health insurance choice of Ohioans and help make Ohio the best it can be.

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.

Amos H. and Geraldine A. Lynch, Sr. Fund

This scholarship, established to honor Amos and Geraldine Lynch, is available to graduating high school seniors within the Columbus City School system.

Award Amount:

Minimum $500

NetJets Scholarship

NetJets is the leader in private aviation. We believe that service is everyone’s job and our company mission is “To enhance the life of each owner, one exceptional travel experience at a time.” The NetJets Scholarship was designed to reinforce a love of business aviation and hospitality, reward academic merit and exemplary character, as well as inspire students to consider an exciting and rewarding career with NetJets.

Award Amount:

• Three Scholarships for $25,000 each

The Anonymous Scholarship for Franklin County, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support students in financial need within the community. This scholarship provides $1,000 annually for up to five years, covering the duration of a first degree. Eligible candidates include graduating seniors residing in Franklin County with a minimum GPA of 2.0, who plan to attend a two- or four-year college in the U.S. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for local youth.

National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) CMH

This scholarship was established to assist dependents of an active member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Columbus, Ohio Chapter.

Award Amount:

• $1,500

Mary Jo DeVleeschower Scholarship

Mary Jo DeVleeschower was a native of South Bend, Indiana, born January 14th, 1941. She graduated in 1968 from Andrew Jackson High School in South Bend, and graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana in 1972 with a degree in “special education.” Mary Jo taught at the Alexander Graham Bell School beginning in 1972 working with students who were hearing impaired. She attended the University of Southern California (John Tracy Clinic) and received her Master’s degree in 1978 from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a teacher at the Alexander Graham Bell School, Mary Jo worked through a grant with Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. for the Wole Language Program for the hearing impaired, publishing a related article in a national magazine. Mary Jo DeVleeschower loved the children with whom she worked, and poured her whole heart into her work. She had a special relationship with her students, demonstrated on the day of her memorial when some shared a tribute to her in American Sign Language. She further demonstrated her love and support for her students through the creation of the scholarship through her will.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The Burton E. Stevenson Endowment Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports underprivileged children in Ross County, Ohio. Named after the influential librarian and author Burton E. Stevenson, this scholarship aims to alleviate the challenges faced by these children, promoting access to education regardless of race, sex, or religion. Applicants must be graduating seniors from Ross County high schools and plan to attend a public or nonprofit college in the U.S. Awards range from $500 to $6,500.

The Columbus Firefighters Foundation Scholarship supports the dependent children of active or retired members of the Columbus Division of Fire. Established by The Columbus Foundation in 1943, this scholarship aims to enhance the educational opportunities for these children. Eligible candidates must attend a public or nonprofit independent college or university in the U.S. full-time, with an award amount of $1,000 to assist in their educational journey.

Judy Huang Scholarship

The scholarship was established by Judy Huang to support a college education for students who are Asian, in financial need, and demonstrate perseverance and hard work.

Award Amount:

• $5,000 payable over fours years at $1,250 per year.

The Columbus Hilltop Lions Community Service Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation in 1943, aims to support high school seniors from the Hilltop area of Columbus who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. The scholarship offers $2,000 over two years to eligible candidates who have completed at least 30 hours of volunteer service. This initiative reflects the foundation's long-standing dedication to enhancing the quality of life in central Ohio.

The D. W. Vanderhorst Charitable Trust Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support high school graduates from the 43204 Zip code pursuing higher education. This fund honors Wayne Vanderhorst's legacy, who dedicated his life to helping others succeed. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 are available for students in public service, engineering, business, and other fields. Preference will be given to students with strong attendance records and financial need.

Mary Elizabeth Betts Beattey Scholarship

Mary Elizabeth Betts Beattey graduated from high school at 17 in 1937, when the shadow of the Great Depression still darkened her home in Appalachian Ohio, so she put aside her desire to attend college and, for the next three decades, relied on her Gregg shorthand, typing, language arts, and general abilities in various secretarial positions. When her husband died just short of her 50th birthday, she found herself with the time and resources to pursue her dream of a college education. Within three years, she had a degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University, graduating cum laude.

For most of the next two decades, she taught fifth grade, reveling in finding the student who, with a little special service, extra attention, encouragement, or cajoling could and would do better academically. The goal of the scholarship is to support a student who has been helped, motivated, or cajoled into doing better and to continue on that path through their high school career.

Award Amount:

• $5,000, payable over four years as 10% awarded year one, 20% awarded year two, 30% awarded year three, and 40% year four.

The Ian Van Heyde Memorial Culinary Scholarship Fund, established by Stephen and Nancy Van Heyde, honors their son Ian, a culinary arts student from Whetstone High School. This fund provides scholarships to students pursuing postsecondary education in culinary arts, food management, or restaurant management. Award amounts start at $1,500, aimed at supporting talented individuals from central Ohio's public culinary programs. Previous recipients are encouraged to apply again, fostering continued growth in the culinary field.

The Installed Building Products Building for Tomorrow Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support employees and their families in pursuing educational goals. Award amounts include $5,000 annually for the duration of a program or degree, with a special $10,000 scholarship for a candidate demonstrating the highest financial need. Open to anyone attending accredited institutions in the U.S., preference is given to those in construction-related fields.

The James Hantak Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools, Upper Arlington High School, or volunteers and athletes from Lancaster Special Olympics with special needs. The scholarship offers $5,000 annually for educational pursuits, with an additional $10,000 scholarship awarded based on financial need. Preference is given to athletes and volunteers from Special Olympics. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students in central Ohio, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

The Jane Tschappat Nursing Advancement Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support nurses pursuing advanced education in Ohio. Initiated in 1943, it honors Jane Tschappat, a dedicated nurse and public health leader. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, hold a valid RN license, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship offers a minimum award of $1,000, empowering nurses to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and enhance their professional qualifications.

The Jean T. Grant Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of Jean Terry Grant, a devoted librarian and arts advocate. Providing $1,000, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools pursuing studies in music or the arts. Jean's commitment to education and the arts inspires future generations, ensuring that her passion for creativity and philanthropy continues to impact the community positively.

The Marcia L. Wetherbee Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from central Ohio who plan to pursue higher education. With a minimum award of $1,000, this scholarship honors Marcia Wetherbee, a passionate community advocate and social worker. Eligible candidates must have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.8 and demonstrate commitment to their education. This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the community.

The Marian and Wayne Sinsel Scholarship, established by Marian Sinsel to honor her late husband Wayne, provides financial support to hearing impaired residents of Appalachian Ohio or Fairfield County. This scholarship aims to assist candidates who are 22 years or younger and plan to pursue education at a post-secondary institution in the U.S. with a minimum award of $1,000, ensuring it does not displace existing state or federal funding.

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.

Davey Tree Family Scholarship

The Davey Tree Family Scholarship assists students pursuing post-high school education with a focus on Urban Forestry, Arboriculture or Science and Landscape Technology.

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.

Bopp-Busch Manufacturing Scholarship

Bopp Busch Manufacturing Company established this scholarship to honor its founding families, August and Eva Bopp and Chester and Betty Busch. The scholarship was created to give back to the residents of the area that made the business possible, and to encourage post-secondary education in general and more specifically in the skilled trades.

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.

American Legion Ohio Warriors Scholarship Fund

This scholarship will provide financial assistance to dependents of Ohio service members Killed In Action.

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.

Erica Alexis Bell Memorial Scholarship

The Erica Alexis Bell Memorial Scholarship has been established by her parents, with pride, to help others who, like Erica, want to become teachers. For graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools to attend Central State University in Xenia, Ohio.

Future of Work Accelerator

A program of HP Inc. and the HP Foundation

In an increasingly digital world, people without access to technology and the skills to use it are often locked out of economic opportunity. The Accelerator helps scale the impact of organizations that are working to change this.  

Since 2022, the Accelerator has served 35 nonprofit organizations across 13 countries, helping them reach an additional 11.3 million people. 

As a joint program of HP and the HP Foundation, the Accelerator offers selected organizations USD$100,000 in funding, HP technology & solutions (~USD$100,000 value), and a six-month, virtual program designed to strengthen capacity and scale impact.  Exciting changes are ahead for the 5th year of the Accelerator. 

Headstream Accelerator 2026

Accelerator Application Cohort VI

The Headstream Accelerator supports entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in scaling digital solutions that improve the mental well-being of teens at risk, with a focus on the education and healthcare sectors. Our four-month, virtual-first program is designed for early-stage innovators, helping them strengthen their business models, refine their value propositions, and build the foundation for sustainable growth and meaningful impact.

Benefits:

• $30,000 non-dilutive stipend 
• Partnership with youth from Headsteam’s Youth Co-Creator Club to gain insights on cultural relevance, age-appropriateness, and user experience, ensuring your solutions resonate deeply and effectively with the next generation 
• Access to a network of expert advisors, connect with a community of founders, and engage with potential investors and capital providers 
• Access to one-on-one and group coaching sessions with our partner, FounderWell

Participant Expectations:

• Attend all activities, including virtual cohort and youth co-creation sessions, advisor calls, and an in-person kickoff event from July 28–30, 2026
• Commit 2–5 hours weekly during the program, including virtual sessions, advisor network office hours, guide calls, and more
• Embed youth voices throughout your product development