Best Jefferson County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Mary Jane Ritson Charitable Trust Grant supports eligible nonprofit organizations in Jefferson County and Steubenville, Ohio, by distributing one-time awards from a variety of charitable trusts and foundations. The grant focuses on projects that demonstrate social impact, sustainability, and effective financial accountability. Organizations must have at least three years of operation and show measurable outcomes from previous projects. The grant does not support general operating costs or for-profit initiatives.

The Margaret Tisher Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives in the Steubenville area that provide essential year-round programming and direct services. The trust seeks projects addressing community needs with measurable outcomes, collaboration with other organizations, and effective financial accountability. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of operational history and demonstrate prior measurable impact. The trust prioritizes initiatives benefiting underserved populations while avoiding support for general operating costs, new programs, and for-profit entities.

The John C. Williams Charitable Trust Grant focuses on supporting organizations in Steubenville, OH and Weirton, WV that provide essential services to their communities. Eligible applicants must have public charity status and demonstrate measurable outcomes, sustainability, and collaboration with other organizations. The trust prioritizes projects addressing community needs and benefiting underserved populations, while avoiding funding for general operating costs or discriminatory practices.

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 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.

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.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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 Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

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 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.

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: 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.

DOH 59808- Rural Health Transformation Program- Healthier Ohio Initiatives - Preventing and Addressing Chronic Disease- Track One

Project Background:

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71403 of Public Law 119-21) and empowers state to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality and outcomes by transforming the current system. Five key strategic goals of the program, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) are:

• Make Rural America Healthy Again
• Sustainable access
• Workforce development
• Innovative Care
• Technology Innovation

Ohio’s plan aligns with federal priorities to improve the health of rural residents by building an innovative movement to bridge medicine and preventive behaviors into a holistic and collective impact approach to improve chronic disease outcomes. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is designed to strengthen preventive and clinical care for improved blood glucose and hypertension indicators across Ohio’s 73 non-urban counties (See Appendix B. Applicants could be but not limited to the following:

• State-level associations that support implementation in multiple clinics, health centers, and/or hospitals.
• Regional collaboratives or health system with multiple locations.
• Individual hospitals, health centers and clinics

Project Objective:

Based upon data analysis from Ohio’s State Health Assessment, including a supplemental deep dive into Appalachian health, 2025 Summary Assessment of Older Ohioans, the Ohio Chronic Disease Atlas 2025, and other publicly available data, Ohio seeks to reduce the prevalence and mortality rates associated with chronic disease. The collective aim of the strategies is:

to reduce hemoglobin A1C for patients diagnosed with prediabetes and diabetes by 10% and

to manage blood pressure at clinically appropriate levels for patients diagnosed with hypertension.

The CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program, funded by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, supports early-career Appalachian traditional artists with $5,000 grants and personalized professional development. Artists engage in learning opportunities, including workshops and mentorship, to enhance their skills. Eligible applicants must be traditional artists from designated Appalachian counties in Ohio, Virginia, or West Virginia, at least 18 years old, and in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts. This initiative fosters cultural preservation and artistic growth in the region.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

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 ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.