Best Lucas County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Environmental nonprofits and community organizations working on Great Lakes ecosystem health and climate resilience in Lucas County, Ohio can access funding through the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation; awards are typically more than US $10,000. Grants support watershed and freshwater conservation, environmental justice, policy advocacy, and developing Great Lakes leadership capacity.

Nonprofit, neighborhood-based organizations in Lucas County, Ohio can seek funding to create or rehabilitate local football fields through the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, administered by Local Initiatives Support Corporation. Grants of up to US $250,000 support capital improvement projects that enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community playing fields.

The Toledo Neighborhoods Foundation Grant supports projects that enhance the quality of life in Toledo neighborhoods through initiatives in land reuse, neighborhood improvement, safety, and youth engagement. Funded by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation's solar energy revenues, this grant prioritizes collaborative proposals and those addressing significant community needs. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and successful proposals are expected to demonstrate sustainability and community coordination.

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.

Nonprofit and public transportation providers offering open-door shared-ride services for seniors and people with disabilities in Lucas County, Ohio can access operating assistance via the Ohio Department of Transportation. Focused on specialized transportation, this Section 5310 funding reimburses 50% of eligible operating costs, with recipients supplying a 50% local match from non-U.S. DOT sources.

The GM on Main Street Grant Program, led by Main Street America, focuses on enhancing the safety and vibrancy of downtowns through innovative road safety and traffic calming projects. Funded by General Motors, this program seeks transformative ideas that promote pedestrian safety and accessibility, making downtown areas more inviting for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants include non-profits and local governments in designated counties, with a strong emphasis on projects that are inclusive, feasible, and easily replicable.

Public and nonprofit transportation providers in Lucas County, Ohio can apply for Ohio Department of Transportation’s Specialized Transportation Program (5310) computer hardware, software, and equipment funding to enhance mobility for seniors and people with disabilities. Grants cover 80% of eligible capital costs supporting Section 5310-funded vehicles, with a required 20% local match and a mandatory letter of intent.

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

The Township Safety Sign Grant Program, funded by ODOT, allocates $2 million annually to enhance safety signage on Ohio's township roads. For FY 2025, $845,040.42 has been designated for 38 projects across 30 counties, supporting local townships. Eligible townships may request up to $50,000 for signs, posts, and hardware, provided they meet specific criteria related to crash rates and prior funding. This initiative aims to improve road safety significantly.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

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.

Grants for nonprofits and public agencies in Lucas County, Ohio and other eligible counties support mobility management projects that expand transportation access for seniors and people with disabilities. The Ohio Department of Transportation funds capital-focused planning and coordination efforts that increase awareness of transportation options, integrate transportation into local planning, and build community capacity for transit services.

Schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Lucas County, Ohio can receive US $100 - US $1,000 to cover bus transportation for field trips to Toledo Mud Hens baseball or Toledo Walleye hockey games. Grants from Toledo Community Foundation help eligible organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan overcome financial barriers to these sports outings.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital funding for facilities or equipment in Lucas County, Ohio can apply for more than US $20,000 through the Andersons Fund Supporting Organization. Toledo Community Foundation provides support for projects in education, social services, health, neighborhood and urban affairs, natural resources, and the arts across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

Nonprofit organizations serving K–12 youth with fitness and wellness programming in Lucas County, Ohio can seek funding for cold-weather activities that promote exercise, sports, and healthy lifestyles. With a mission to enrich local quality of life, Toledo Community Foundation provides $1,500 - $10,000 grants, prioritizing projects with educational components and those not previously funded.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Lucas County, Ohio can seek funding for housing and financial literacy programs through the Union Home Foundation. This grant supports one-year projects under its pillars of housing and financial education, with awards of More than US $1,000 available quarterly to eligible organizations.

Youth-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Lucas County, Ohio can seek funding to promote children’s fitness, wellness, and warm-weather recreation, as well as youth sports capital projects. Focused on recreation and physical fitness, Toledo Community Foundation invites proposals for program costs, league fees, equipment, and construction or rehabilitation of sporting venues across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

Nonprofit and community organizations serving youth under 18 in Lucas County, Ohio can receive more than US $3,000 for program operating costs or launching new youth services. Toledo Community Foundation prioritizes programs benefiting youth in Lucas and Wood Counties, with preference for those serving Waterville and the Anthony Wayne Local School District.

Nonprofit organizations serving youth under 21 in Lucas County, Ohio can seek funding for programs that enhance young people’s lives, especially those facing behavioral challenges or juvenile justice involvement. Grants from Toledo Community Foundation help Lucas County youth services with up to US $3,000, with preference for organizations in Wood County and other nearby northwest Ohio counties.

Lucas County, Ohio transportation providers serving seniors and people with disabilities can access funding through the Ohio Department of Transportation to cover preventive maintenance for vehicle fleets. This Section 5310 program reimburses 80% of eligible maintenance costs, helping nonprofit and public agencies preserve vehicle functionality for specialized transportation in small urban and rural areas.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on higher education, STEM, business education, economic and community development, or human services in Lucas County, Ohio can seek support for programs that improve local quality of life and economies. Steel Dynamics Foundation prioritizes communities where its facilities and employees are actively engaged.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

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 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 Lake Erie Environmental Justice Grant, awarded by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, aims to support restoration projects in historically underserved communities within Ohio's Lake Erie watershed. Funded through the U.S. EPA’s Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Program, this initiative focuses on enhancing stormwater management, strengthening coastal resilience, and advancing environmental justice. With a significant grant of up to $750,000, OLEC collaborates with partners like Black Environmental Leaders and Rural Action to ensure equitable resource distribution and impactful outcomes.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas