Best Hamilton County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Responsible Fatherhood Initiative: Strong Fathers, Strong Families

The purpose of this RFGA is to solicit Applications for DCY, through the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, to implement the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative to strengthen father engagement across Ohio. The initiative will provide fathers with resources, support, and encouragement to enhance their parenting role, including a statewide media campaign and locally delivered services.

This RFGA is being issued pursuant to Ohio House Bill 96 and Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) 5180.706. DCY will award a total of $1.8 million annually to support services across 12 counties. Funding is set at $150,000 per county, per state fiscal year. Each Application must clearly identify the specific county to be served. Future phases will expand the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative to include all counties across Ohio.

Applicants may submit up to four applications in a single submission through the GMS system. When applying for multiple counties, each county must be submitted as a separate, clearly labeled document, and all selected counties must fall within the same designated region as defined in Exhibit 1. Each application will be reviewed and scored independently.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have, or will secure, an appropriate service location within the proposed county—whether an existing site it operates or a partner facility—to ensure equal access for fathers. Applications must demonstrate capacity to deliver county-based programming that (1) engages fathers, parents, and mentors, (2) reaches high-need populations, and (3) builds partnerships that strengthen local support systems.

The overarching objective of this Grant is to improve outcomes for children and families by equipping fathers with the tools, resources, and support needed to build stable, positive relationships with their children.

English Language Learning Foundation Incorporated

The English Learning Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 2006 to assist English language learners. The mission of the ELL Foundation is to help English learners to become successful in their academic lives while honoring their cultural identities.

Our vision is to assist English learners in the Greater Cincinnati area so that students:

• Appreciate and are proud of their cultural identities;
• Receive the needed support service for their education;
• Graduate from high school and succeed in college;
• And serve their communities as role models.

ELL Foundation’s Educational Event Grant Program

The ELL Foundation’s Educational Event Grant Program is intended to financially support co-curricular and curricular educational events for K-12 English learners in Greater Cincinnati. Community partners can request up to $2000 for an educational event. Due to funding availability, grantees can only receive one Educational Event Grant per calendar year. The ELL Foundation will accept Educational Event Grant applications at any time, but they will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

If you are interested in requesting funds for an educational event, please apply online. If you have any questions about the Educational Event Grant Program, please email the foundation.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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 Northern Cincinnati Foundation Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Butler, Warren, or Hamilton Counties who demonstrate financial need and intend to pursue a 2 or 4-year degree. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden of higher education, empowering students to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Piedmont Natural Gas Company Grant Program, part of the Duke Energy Foundation, supports community vitality through grants of $20,000 or less. Focus areas include vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and promoting opportunity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and serve communities without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes measurable community impact and does not fund certain entities, including for-profits and religious organizations. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis.

Ignite Philanthropy

Through intentional listening and co-creation, Ignite Philanthropy supports the philanthropic and non-profit sectors. Our mission is simple: Maximize the power of giving. Ignite Philanthropy connects people, ideas, and capital to fuel community solutions. 

Our four core values have been developed by our team with intentionality around equity and community and how these connect to each value and the work we do each day. We believe in the merit of diverse teams and perspectives, striving to empower every voice in the creation of solutions.

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Grant

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation was created in 1997 by Cincinnati native and Boston resident, Nellie Leaman Taft, who died on December 17, 2012. Ms. Taft was an accomplished artist and committed patron of fine arts who is remembered as an independent, progressive-minded woman of great spirit and mirth, an avid gardener, and a worldwide traveler. She also was the descendant of two United States presidents, a loving friend and family member.

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation supports Arts Education and Environmental Education programs serving geographic areas important to Ms. Taft and to her family:

• Greater Cincinnati, OH
• Los Angeles County, CA
• Boston, MA (inside the Route 495 beltway)
• Mid-Coast Maine (defined as the towns of Bath, Belfast, Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick, Camden, Cushing, Damariscotta, Lincolnville, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, Searsport, Thomaston, Topsham, and Union)

ArtsWave's Young Professionals Grant Program supports innovative arts initiatives in the Cincinnati region. Since 1927, ArtsWave has empowered local organizations through funding, fostering creativity and cultural engagement. The grants, fueled by contributions from young professionals, aim to enhance community connections and stimulate the economy by backing projects that resonate with young audiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 designated and focus on arts and cultural activities within the Cincinnati-Middletown area.

ArtsWave’s Circle Grants aim to promote and celebrate Black and African American arts experiences in the Cincinnati region. Established in 1927, ArtsWave raises funds to support diverse artistic expressions and drive social impact in the community. Eligible organizations must be non-profits with a majority of their expenditures dedicated to arts activities and be based in the Cincinnati-Middletown area. This initiative seeks to foster inclusivity and cultural heritage through innovative projects.

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.

The Wyler Family Foundation, founded in 2009, aims to support charitable initiatives in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. As a 501(c)(3) organization, it prioritizes requests that benefit local communities, ensuring that at least 50% of contributions are directed towards programs. The foundation does not fund athletic events, fundraising dinners, or scholarships, focusing instead on impactful community support. This commitment reflects the foundation's mission to enrich lives and foster community development.

The Greater Oxford Community Foundation Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life in the Greater Oxford area by awarding grants for diverse programs such as education, arts, and social services. They support tax-exempt public charities and prioritize proposals that promote community development. The Foundation emphasizes diversity, equality, and non-discrimination, ensuring that funding is accessible to a wide array of community projects while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

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.

Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, N.A

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact.

The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, N.A. is committed to supporting programs and initiatives that create strong, vibrant communities and provide pathways to opportunity. The Foundation Office administers Private Family Foundations that leave a lasting legacy. We review grant requests for private family foundations for which Fifth Third Bank serves as trustee or agent. Grants for programming in education, the arts, community development, and health and human services are considered, in addition to the specific funding interests originally identified by each of the individual donors. Our goal is to make the grant-making process as smooth and easy as possible.

Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund

Jacob Schmidlapp founded one of Fifth Third’s most important origin banks, the Union Savings Bank and Trust Co., in 1890 and served as its president until 1907. Regarded by many as one of the greatest philanthropists in Cincinnati’s history, he committed himself to improving the lives of others.

In the last 40 years alone, the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts and the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund have benefited our region through more than $120 million dollars in giving. The Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts have funded countless programs and organizations aligned with improving and promoting education, caring for children and those in need, and improving health and living conditions. Among those organizations is Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

The Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund supports charitable or educational purposes; for relief in sickness, suffering and distress; for the care of young children, the aged or the helpless or afflicted; for the promotion of education and to improve living conditions. 

The AIA Fellowship for Study in the U.S. supports archaeologists employed by the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (DAI) and project collaborators. This post-doctoral research fellowship encourages high-quality scholarship and fosters connections between North American and DAI scholars. It covers travel expenses, housing, library access, and living stipends for a minimum two-month residency at UCLA, Brown University, or the University of Cincinnati, with opportunities for lectures and engagement in academic life.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's Building Bright Futures: Education initiative aims to empower children and young adults by funding innovative programs that foster academic success. This inaugural grant cycle focuses on evidence-based solutions that enhance mentoring, tutoring, and socio-emotional development. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to high-quality education in the Greater Cincinnati region. Funding can support new initiatives, program expansions, or operational support, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

BASF Corporation, a leading chemical company based in Florham Park, New Jersey, is committed to charitable giving that aligns with its corporate social responsibility goals. The focus areas include science education, environmental sustainability, and health and safety. Donations are only made to eligible non-profit organizations under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that contributions support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in BASF communities and promote a sustainable future.

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.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Carol Ann and Ralph V Haile Jr Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Established by Carol and Ralph Haile, the foundation focuses on funding initiatives in arts and culture, civic engagement, education, and human services. It supports organizations that are tax-exempt and aligns with their mission across ten counties. By fostering collaboration, the foundation seeks to create a vibrant community and drive meaningful change.

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 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.

About Us

Interact for Health works so that people in our region are healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live. We advance health justice by tackling the root causes of unfair systems, amplifying community power and partnering with trust.

Responsive Fund

The goal of the Responsive Fund RFP is to address immediate, emerging, or unanticipated needs within the community, recognizing that opportunities to build resilience require dedicated funding.

2) In-Kind Support for Sustainability Consultations and Capacity Building

Participants in this program will receive 1:1 consulting services tailored to an organization’s identified needs. Interact for Health will work with local consultants and community partners based on needs shared by grantee organizations.

Examples of needs include the following:

• Scenario planning  
• Legal support 
• Sustainability and development planning and implementation
• Diversified funding strategies and implementation
• Exploring collaboration, partnerships/alliances, shared services, and/or mergers
• Strategic planning and revisions 

Sustainability Consultations will include up to 30 hours of 1:1 support and will begin in late 2026. 

About Us

Interact for Health works so that people in our region are healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live. We advance health justice by tackling the root causes of unfair systems, amplifying community power and partnering with trust.

Responsive Fund

The goal of the Responsive Fund RFP is to address immediate, emerging, or unanticipated needs within the community, recognizing that opportunities to build resilience require dedicated funding.

Grant Funding for Critical Services – Sustaining Civic Infrastructure: Total investment up to $1.5 million  

This funding supports the continuity of critical community infrastructure and services by addressing the time-sensitive operational and programmatic needs. Proposals for funding should focus on critical gaps or unmet needs with deep ties to community relationships. Organizations should demonstrate readiness to deploy resources quickly if funding is provided. This RFP will prioritize funding organizations essential to advancing health justice and youth well-being among our priority populations. Grants are available at three levels: $50,000, $75,000, or $100,000 for general operating or programmatic support.

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 Fifth Third Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on education, arts, community development, and health services. It aims to enhance community vibrancy and provide opportunities, supporting various funding interests from several benefactors. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Cincinnati, Dayton, or Northern Kentucky. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower women, support children, and promote environmental conservation, among other charitable purposes.