Best Jefferson County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

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 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.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Ohio

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded annually to a woman attending or planning to attend Youngstown State University, Eastern Gateway Community College or Kent State University’s regional campuses.

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 PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Women’s Giving Circle, part of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, offers grants to enhance the lives of women and girls in specific counties in West Virginia and Ohio. The focus is on increasing life skills, promoting young girls' development, and addressing gender disparities. Grants support innovative and proven programs aimed at systemic change, sustainability, and measurable impact, ultimately fostering empowerment and community growth.

The CFOV Community Impact Grants provide support for various community-focused initiatives, emphasizing youth leadership, recreation, and economic mobility. Targeting organizations in specific West Virginia and Ohio counties, these grants encourage programs that foster personal growth, civic engagement, and financial stability. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit a broad public segment while excluding general operating support or activities lacking measurable outcomes.

HealthPath Foundation of Ohio

HealthPath Foundation of Ohio is a regional health foundation advancing health equity through strategic grantmaking and intermediary services that support improved health outcomes across Ohio’s communities.

Our Purpose

HealthPath believes health is a human right. Our purpose is to eliminate barriers that drive health inequities and prevent Ohioans from achieving their best health.

Advancing Oral Health Equity

Building on the strengths of communities and organizations serving older adults (60 and older) and individuals with disabilities, HealthPath will award two-year grants of up to $50,000 to nonprofit and safety-net health organizations in fourteen counties to expand and enhance oral health equity. A total of up to $250,000 in funding will be awarded through this RFP.

Funding Priorities

HealthPath seeks to support organizations addressing oral health inequities for older adults (60 and older) and individuals with disabilities through community-based programs, education, outreach, advocacy, and service delivery. Funded initiatives may include, but are not limited to:

• Oral Health Integration
• Cross-Sector Collaboration
• Data-Driven Approaches
• Expanding Access to Care
• Provider Training and Support
• Safety Net Infrastructure
• Dual-Eligible Supports

The Central Appalachia Living Traditions grants from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation support community projects in designated Appalachian counties. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, these grants aim to enhance public understanding and appreciation of folk and traditional arts. Ideal projects include workshops, public art, performances, and educational initiatives that foster multi-generational participation, particularly in under-resourced communities. Applications should focus on new or expanded programming that diversifies cultural activities.

Environmental Stewardship: Fellowships

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

Fellowships provide two years of support for individuals who pioneer positive change through projects that address environmental challenges and promote biodiversity conservation. Fellows are supported as they engage communities in educational initiatives related to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We seek to invest in fellows who will pilot new methodologies, develop scalable solutions and ultimately shift existing patterns in environmental stewardship. Up to $20,000 is available to support environmental stewardship fellowships over a two-year period. 

Environmental Stewardship: Research Grants

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

FAO welcomes proposals for projects that result in scalable change, with a priority for projects that will impact multiple counties. FAO will consider funding requests between $5,000 and $50,000 per project, and at least $150,000 is available to award. We encourage applicants to propose research with the potential to significantly impact the understanding of aquatic biodiversity, water quality and threats to healthy habitats. The following examples illustrate eligible projects, but proposals are not limited to the listed areas.

• Flood resilience
• Watershed monitoring, analysis and management applications
• Application of innovative technologies and methodologies
• Collaborative research partnerships across disciplines and sectors
• Ecosystem services

Environmental Stewardship: Innovation Grants

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

Innovation grants invest in new and creative solutions that result in environmental good while encouraging environmental stewardship. Possibilities include areas such as upcycling materials or developing approaches to harmonize energy, economics, environment and health. FAO will also consider strategic initiatives and planning for communities leveraging larger funds. Innovation grants can support pilot projects that increase the region’s capacity to improve air quality; water quality; green energy generation, storage and adoption; and diesel emission reduction. At least $20,000 is available to support innovation grants.

Funding Areas

Foster greater community involvement (schools, nonprofits, businesses, etc.) in sustainable initiatives and projects with high impact across multiple sectors, including energy, economics, environment and health.

Support innovative projects that focus on developing new or improving upon existing methods for reducing and redesigning materials, driving forward-thinking solutions that benefit communities and the environment.

Strengthen the ability of local organizations to secure substantial funding from state, federal and national programs. Increasing access to these resources will amplify the impact of projects focused on large-scale and innovative approaches to cleaner air, cleaner water, green energy adoption and diesel emission reduction.

The Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund Grant, administered by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, provides essential funding for nonprofit and public organizations in Appalachian Ohio. With a focus on enhancing quality of life through education, community leadership, and basic needs fulfillment, this fund supports collaborative projects across 32 counties. Thanks to contributions like the $10,000 from Columbia Gas of Ohio, the fund aims to make a lasting impact in the region, fostering growth and development.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, in collaboration with the Longaberger Family Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing K-12 civics education across Appalachian Ohio. Since 2019, over $95,000 has been granted to empower students through engaging civics programs. The funding is available to K-12 public schools, educators, and nonprofit organizations, focusing on projects that foster civic engagement and community involvement among students in the region's 32 counties.

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.

Established in 2007 in honor of naturalist Ora “Andy” Anderson, the Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund for Appalachian Ohio carries forward his commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the region. Emphasis is on conservation activities and programs in the areas of watershed restoration, sustainable forest practices, and promotion of the region’s cultural and environmental history.The Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund for Appalachian Ohio awards grants to support conservation across Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties.

Environmental Stewardship: Community Grants

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

To support locally driven projects that preserve and enhance our natural environment.

Community grants empower local communities to preserve and enhance our natural environment.

We know relatively modest projects can make an outsized difference when they promote environmental stewardship and engage whole communities in conservation. More details about these grants and how to apply can be found on page 5. At least $50,000 is available to support community grants.

The Local Roads Oil & Shale Program in Ohio offers vital funding for repairing infrastructure affected by increased truck traffic due to oil and gas production. This program allocates $2.5 million annually, with a cap of $500,000 per project, targeting roadway repairs in eligible counties. Projects must adhere to local regulations, ensuring safe and efficient transportation within affected communities. Collaboration with ODOT is encouraged to optimize project outcomes and compliance with state standards.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

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.

Investing in Libraries as Community Builders grants

A total of $250,000 will be invested to support Appalachian Ohio’s libraries in work that advances civic health by bringing residents together in meaningful ways, including through projects that forge deeper connections among community members and provide opportunities for residents to collaborate in solving challenges and creating new opportunities. In partnership with the Trust for Civic Life, FAO invites libraries in the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio to apply for up to $20,000 to support “civic experiments,” activities that:

• Introduce entrepreneurial approaches to removing barriers that keep people from participating in their community;
• Repeatedly bring together a group of community members who have not been engaged with one another, the library or the community around a shared interest, goal or unmet need; or
• Integrate volunteer or community members as program leaders to expand capacity beyond staff.

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.