Best Hamilton County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

L3Harris Technologies collaborates with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to ignite interest in STEM among PreK-12 students. This initiative provides grants for schools to implement PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible public and charter schools in specific counties will receive a total of $20,000 over two years to support the development of innovative educational programs. This partnership aims to empower future generations and foster skills essential for the aerospace and defense industries.

L3Harris Technologies is expanding its partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance STEM education for PreK-12 students. This initiative aims to support schools in launching or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs for the 2026-2027 academic year, focusing on diverse and economically challenged communities across multiple states. Eligible schools can receive grants to implement new courses, additional class periods, or teacher training, fostering a strong foundation in technology and engineering.

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.

L3Harris Technologies partners with PLTW to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM education. The program provides $20,000 in grants to schools starting or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible public and charter schools in specified counties can receive funding to support diverse and economically challenged communities. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and ensure students gain essential skills for future careers in technology and engineering.

The Catalyzing Impact Grant Program by ArtsWave aims to enhance community connections and economic vitality in Greater Cincinnati through arts and cultural heritage projects. This program encourages diverse programming aligned with the goals outlined in the Blueprint for Collective Action. Eligible projects can be new or existing, focusing on expanding impact by reaching new audiences or deepening existing initiatives, ultimately fostering a more vibrant arts landscape in the region.

L3Harris Technologies is partnering with PLTW to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM fields by funding grants for schools to start or expand PLTW Engineering programs. With a total award of $15,000 available for the 2025-2026 academic year, this initiative focuses on public and charter schools in specific counties, especially those with high-need student populations. The program also includes requirements for grant reporting and allowable expenses to ensure effective use of funds.

The Spaulding Foundation

The Spaulding Foundation was established in 1998 by Ruth E. Spaulding, who was born in Northside and remained a lifelong resident of Greater Cincinnati. During her life, many people were touched by her benevolent and charitable giving. This private foundation is funded by her estate.

The Spaulding Foundation focuses its grant-making in the areas of mental health, physical and mental disabilities, substance abuse/chemical addiction, and domestic violence, rape and abuse. In addition, The Foundation has continued Mrs. Spaulding’s close relationship with The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

The Foundation welcomes opportunities to partner with organizations sharing our common goals. 

L3Harris Technologies has partnered with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM fields. This initiative supports grants for schools starting or expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible public and charter schools in specified counties can apply for a total of $30,000, distributed over two years. The grant aims to enhance engineering education and promote innovative learning experiences for students.

FC Cincinnati Foundation

FC Cincinnati is committed to leaving a legacy, creating something bigger than ourselves, and being the embodiment of a rising Cincinnati. Through our own programs and initiatives, and the support of key partners, we aim to improve the lives of children through the game of soccer and will continue to do our part to create an inclusive community.

FC Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is accomplished primarily through five key programs: Club Ambassadorship through In-School and Out-of-School Programming, Mini Pitch Soccer Builds, West End Pride and Learning Is Cool. These programs help promote and encourage strong academic performance, and serve as catalysts to reinforce character values and improved health for children in the Greater Cincinnati region. The Foundation also serves as FC Cincinnati’s philanthropic arm, making donations and investments to Cincinnati-area organizations that have similar goals and ambitions for the area’s youth.

Donation Request

Donations are a way for FC Cincinnati to give back to local non-profit's as they are hosting fundraisers and events. These donations include, but are not limited to FCC signed merchandise items, FCC apparel items, and on special occasion, tickets to matches. Donations allow FC Cincinnati to show up across the city and support causes that are important to our fans, allowing us to connect with fans in a way that is meaningful to them. These items allow non-profits to use the donation for fundraising efforts and supporting their organization to raise money for a specific cause.

FC Cincinnati Foundation

FC Cincinnati is committed to leaving a legacy, creating something bigger than ourselves, and being the embodiment of a rising Cincinnati. Through our own programs and initiatives, and the support of key partners, we aim to improve the lives of children through the game of soccer and will continue to do our part to create an inclusive community.

FC Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is accomplished primarily through five key programs: Club Ambassadorship through In-School and Out-of-School Programming, Mini Pitch Soccer Builds, West End Pride and Learning Is Cool. These programs help promote and encourage strong academic performance, and serve as catalysts to reinforce character values and improved health for children in the Greater Cincinnati region. The Foundation also serves as FC Cincinnati’s philanthropic arm, making donations and investments to Cincinnati-area organizations that have similar goals and ambitions for the area’s youth.

West End Grants

FC Cincinnati Foundation is proud to support the West End with our Grants Program which supports community-building initiatives within the West End neighborhood. A minimum of $100,000 in grants will be invested in the West End on an annual basis through this grants program.

To qualify for a grant, the applicant’s initiative must support community-building initiatives within the West End neighborhood. Applicants should also be a 501(c)3 organization in good standing.

Organizations are encouraged to seek endorsement for their application from the West End Community Council. While this is not required, it is helpful for us to understand the priorities of neighborhood leadership as we make grant determinations.

The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) program aims to improve transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to access. It provides federal funds for necessary services, including vehicle purchases for paratransit. Eligible applicants include private nonprofits and local authorities approved to coordinate such services. This initiative enhances mobility for essential activities like employment, medical appointments, and grocery shopping, ultimately supporting community integration and independence.

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.

Who We Are

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati is an apostolic Catholic community of women religious that exists to carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service and prayer in the world.

Sister Elise Fund Grant

These small grants are requested by a Sister of Charity. Eligible organizations include:

• those where a Sister is currently involved in the nonprofit organization as a board or committee member, paid staff member or regular volunteer, or
• those either founded by a Sister of Charity, or at one time had Sisters involved.

The grant was named in honor of Sister Elise Halloran, SC, who served as treasurer for the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati from 1944 to 1965. Sister Elise was widely known for her financial acumen and stewardship of investments, as well as her strong faith, kindness, perseverance, care for those in poverty, and her support of Catholic education.

You Need to Know:

• Grant funds must be used for the specific purpose identified in the Sister Elise Grant Fund application. Once granted, any change in purpose must be approved in advance by the endorsing Sister(s) and SC Ministry Foundation before funds are spent.
• The authority and accountability for all requests to the Sister Elise Grant Fund rests with the nonprofit’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• Supplies or minor equipment funded through the request become the property of the nonprofit organization.
• The Sister Elise Grant may not be used to fund a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati’s salary or benefits.
• Due to our fiduciary and stewardship responsibility, SC Ministry Foundation reserves the right to approve or decline all requests.
• Upon conclusion of the grant, the organization is required to contact the Sister of Charity who supported the grant to describe the results of the project and usage of the funds.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing education, health, cultural experiences, and social welfare for youth with disabilities and economic challenges in the Greater Cincinnati area. It supports arts organizations and recreation initiatives, prioritizing programs that help young individuals realize their potential. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate benefits to specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The Foundation encourages collaboration with other donors for project funding.

The Andrew Jergens Foundation Grant, administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, focuses on enhancing the health, education, cultural experiences, and social welfare of children in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a commitment to supporting programs for children through high school, the foundation seeks to foster vibrant communities by connecting with nonprofits dedicated to improving quality of life. The foundation emphasizes the importance of generous contributions to create lasting change in the region.

The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation, established in 2006, aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a focus on innovative programs and scholarships, the foundation supports initiatives in primary, secondary, and adult education. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, promoting sustainability and collaboration with other donors. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, prioritizing local community impact.

The Thomas J. Emery Memorial Grant, established by prominent Cincinnati philanthropists, aims to enhance the lives of individuals in the Greater Cincinnati area through grants that support social, cultural, educational, civic, and physical betterment. Founded in 1925, the grant prioritizes nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, focusing on collaborative projects and impactful initiatives, while not providing ongoing operational support. This initiative honors the legacy of Thomas and Mary Emery in fostering community development.

The Erma A. Bantz Foundation, established to honor Erma Bantz's legacy, focuses on enhancing the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Located in Cincinnati, the Foundation supports local nonprofit organizations that assist the visually impaired, having allocated 60% of its resources to this cause. While it previously funded hearing impairment initiatives, it no longer accepts grant requests for such purposes. The Foundation encourages collaborative funding for specific projects, reinforcing community support.

The altafiber Sponsorships and Donations Program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being by investing in initiatives that promote economic and social mobility. With a commitment to volunteerism and local partnerships, altafiber aims to give back to the communities where their employees and customers reside. This program exemplifies altafiber's mission to provide exceptional services while fostering positive change in the areas they serve, ensuring a lasting impact through strategic investments.

The Youth Organizing RFP aims to empower young leaders in Greater Cincinnati by funding nonprofits to develop sustainable, youth-led programs. With an investment of $250,000 in 2025, five organizations will receive $50,000 each for a 12-month capacity-building grant. This initiative focuses on enabling youth to advocate for community change on issues that are important to them, fostering leadership skills and community engagement among young people.

Murray & Agnes Seasongood Good Government Foundation

Agnes and Murray Seasongood were philanthropists who promoted good government and civic reform. The Seasongood Foundation honors their legacy by fostering accountability, transparency, equity, and efficiency in local government through grants for 501(c)(3) community organizations and professional associations serving the Greater Cincinnati Region. The Foundation reviews proposals three times each year. Visit the grant applications page for deadlines and access to the online application form.

As champions of good government, the Trustees identified key investment areas to live out their mission with the community.

• Engagement in Democracy – projects and programs that actively and directly champion voter education, voting access, and equitable voting; projects and programs that address issues of redistricting, gerrymandering, and the rising threat of authoritarianism in America
• Public Service Professionalism – public service internships (especially for college students with local government offices), public/private collaborations, anti-corruption efforts, the protection of poll workers and election officials
• Combating Political Polarization – projects and programs that advance fair, balanced media and fact-based reporting; community efforts to cultivate civil discourse; projects and programs that advocate for transparency in government actions and policies

Seasongood Good Government Foundation Internship Program

Since 1975, The Seasongood Good Government Foundation Internship Program, offers a select group of college juniors, seniors, and graduate students insights into the realities of the day-to-day operation of the government of the City of Cincinnati. Interns, working under the supervision of local government professionals, have a chance to contribute to the local government while they are learning about government. In 2020, the trustees updated the Seasongood Good Government Internship Program to include all government organizations in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky region. A revised application and reporting process was been implemented for 2022.

The goal of the Seasongood Foundation internship program is to support the development of emerging professionals who want to work in the public realm, and who understand and practice good government principles.

The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation Grant supports innovative public policy projects in Cincinnati, focusing on political discourse and informed policy. Established in the 1940s, the foundation allocates funding primarily for studies affecting civic issues in the region. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, aimed at fostering initiatives that engage the community in meaningful discussions on civic matters.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Talent Attraction Program (TAP) Scholarship, provided by the Hamilton Community Foundation, offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to alleviate student loan debt. This reverse scholarship aims to attract and retain talented individuals in Butler County by supporting those who have completed STEAM programs. It aligns with the Foundation's commitment to enhancing local workforce development and fostering community engagement, ultimately contributing to the area's economic vitality and long-term prosperity.

The Millstone Fund aims to foster a vibrant, equitable community in Greater Cincinnati by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on health, education, and arts. The fund prioritizes initiatives that promote innovation, capacity building, and collaborative efforts among organizations. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, with a commitment to inclusion and equity. Requests exceeding $50,000 require prior approval. The fund seeks to invest in organizations that demonstrate a clear plan for sustainability and impactful services.

The ArtsWave Pride Grant Program aims to foster inclusive arts experiences that resonate with the LGBTQIA community. By funding arts and cultural heritage projects, it seeks to enhance Cincinnati's reputation as an inclusive city. This program supports both the development of new creative initiatives and the operational needs of existing ones, encouraging projects that extend beyond traditional Pride celebrations. Applicants are urged to craft projects that align with these goals throughout the year.

Valorie Wolcott Mendelson Ohio School Psychologists Association Scholarship Fund

The Ohio School Psychologists Association established the scholarship to benefit graduates students who are in the second term of their first year at one of the eight Ohio Graduate Training Programs in School Psychology.

Award Amount:

• Two $4,000 Scholarships