Best Knox County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

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

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations hosting cat or dog welfare events in Knox County, Ohio can seek event sponsorship, product donations, or giveaways through Nestlé Purina. Grants from Nestlé Purina help Knox County, Ohio animal welfare groups support pet-focused community events, primarily within 50 miles of company facilities across the U.S.

501(c)(3) public charities and state or local government entities in Knox County, Ohio can apply for Ariel Foundation grants, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 or more for eligible projects. Funding supports arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, economic development, education, and health and human services in the Mount Vernon area.

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.

Nonprofit and charity organizations in Knox County, Ohio working in education, community services, or environmental initiatives can seek flexible grant support, including matching of time or financial investments. Grants from Makulinski Family Foundation help local and international charities create lasting community impact, and Rotary-associated proposals may also be considered.

With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides Knox County, Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for early childhood education and economic development initiatives. Eligible organizations must serve communities where PNC has a significant presence, focusing on low- and moderate-income residents through education, affordable housing, community development, human services, or arts and culture programs.

Public or charter schools with at least 40% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch can use this US $10,000 grant to expand existing PLTW Gateway STEM programs, covering fees, equipment, devices, and teacher training. Focused on STEM/STEAM education, Project Lead The Way invites eligible schools in select U.S. counties, including Ohio, to apply.

Public and charter middle schools seeking to launch new PLTW Gateway STEM programs can receive US $20,000 for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Project Lead The Way and Burns & McDonnell support schools in designated counties nationwide; Knox County, Ohio schools may need to verify county-level eligibility before applying.

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.

Public and charter elementary schools starting new PLTW Launch STEM programs, including those serving Knox County, Ohio students, can receive up to US $20,000 for participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Project Lead The Way, with Burns & McDonnell, supports schools in eligible counties that serve at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students.

Public and nonprofit organizations, plus groups with a fiscal sponsor, can seek funding to advance conservation and environmental stewardship in Knox County, Ohio and across Appalachian Ohio. With a mission to improve regional well-being, Foundation for Appalachian Ohio backs locally driven projects enhancing parks, green infrastructure, outdoor recreation, beautification, and other natural environment initiatives.

Public and charter schools in Knox County, Ohio can use this Project Lead The Way grant to expand PLTW Launch STEM programs, including fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and teacher training, with awards of US $5,000. Eligible schools must serve at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students and complete one year of grant reporting.

Knox County, Ohio transportation providers serving seniors and people with disabilities can access funding to contract with local transit operators for open-door, shared-ride services. The Ohio Department of Transportation reimburses 80% of eligible capital costs, with a 20% local match required from non-U.S. DOT sources, supporting rural and specialized transportation operations.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

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 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 FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

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.

Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship Fund of the Legacy Fund

The fund was established to benefit gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students pursuing post-secondary education at a central Ohio college or university or Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

Focused on community safety and sustainability, Enbridge invites Knox County, Ohio nonprofits to seek funding for safe, vibrant, and sustainable community initiatives. Eligible organizations include emergency services, youth development, social services, environmental, and Indigenous-focused groups located near Enbridge operations. Typical awards range from US $1,000 - US $10,000, with higher support possible for national organizations.

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: 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. 

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.

Eligible small cities in Knox County, Ohio with populations between 5,000 and 24,999 can apply for Ohio Department of Transportation’s Small City Program, with awards up to US $2,000,000 for road, safety, and signal construction projects. Funding supports pavement rehabilitation, roundabouts, signals, roadway widening, and related eligible improvements on the Federal-aid system.

Knox County, Ohio first responder agencies needing safety equipment, professional training, or safety education programs can access funding through Enbridge’s Safe Community First Responder Program. Eligible fire departments, EMS, emergency management, 9-1-1 centers, ambulance services, and law enforcement near Enbridge operations may receive US $1,000 - US $10,000 to enhance community safety capabilities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits, public charities, schools, governmental entities, and local colleges in Knox County, Ohio can apply for Knox County Foundation’s Small Grant program; awards up to US $10,000 for community projects. Funding can support initiatives in education, youth services, recreation, health, arts and culture, social services, and civic or community development.

Focused on early childhood education, nonprofits in Knox County, Ohio can seek funding to improve school readiness for children from birth to age five. The PNC Foundation supports programs in areas like vocabulary, social-emotional learning, math, science, and the arts for eligible organizations within its designated service counties.