Best Muskingum County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Todd Biles Business Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing a two- or four-year degree in business administration. This scholarship aims to encourage students to return to Muskingum County, addressing local business needs and fostering community growth. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $8 million to local charities, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the region.

The Muskingum County Democratic Club's Memorial Scholarship aims to inspire high school seniors in Muskingum County to engage in public service and government. Funded by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, this scholarship encourages students pursuing careers in various public sectors. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate a commitment to public policy or leadership in their career statements. This initiative supports the mission of enhancing the community's quality of life through education and civic involvement.

Nonprofit and charity organizations in Muskingum County, Ohio can seek support for education, community services, and environmental work. Focused on creating long-lasting community investments, the Makulinski Family Foundation invites proposals and may match donations of time or money, including projects connected with Rotary, for local and international impact.

The Mary Jean Borley Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Zanesville branch of the American Association of University Women, supports young women from Muskingum County pursuing degrees related to child welfare. With a mission to enhance community life, the Muskingum County Community Foundation has awarded over $8 million since its inception. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher and be residents of Muskingum County.

The Beverly Bell Scholarship Fund, established by Beverly Bell, aims to support Muskingum County high school seniors pursuing higher education. With a focus on students from Franklin Local School District, particularly those who attended Roseville Elementary, the fund reflects Beverly's commitment to enhancing community opportunities. Her extensive involvement in local initiatives, coupled with her background in social work, underscores a dedication to empowering the next generation. This scholarship fosters educational aspirations, ensuring a brighter future for local youth.

Southeast Ohio Health and Wellness Foundation Fund community grants

The Southeast Ohio Health and Wellness Foundation Fund community grants program supports health and wellness activities in the fund’s eight-county service area, which includes Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble and Tuscarawas counties.

About the fund

Established in 2023, the Southeast Ohio Health and Wellness Foundation Fund awards grants and scholarships that support health and wellness activities in the fund’s eight-county service area.

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.

The Ayden & Wyatt Brown Memorial Scholarship, established in 2021 by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support high school athletes from Maysville Local School District who face significant life challenges. Annually, it awards up to $500 to a graduating senior committed to pursuing their dreams in education or professional goals. This initiative embodies hope, courage, and service, fostering resilience and ambition among young athletes in the community.

The Adrian Ramos Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports students pursuing trade programs, especially in the automotive sector. Established in memory of Adrian Ramos, Sr., this scholarship honors his passion for helping others in the automotive field. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and adult students in Muskingum County. This initiative aims to foster educational opportunities and support the dreams of aspiring tradespeople, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to community development.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Book Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support minority high school seniors in Muskingum County in their pursuit of higher education. Eligible students must meet specific criteria, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an ACT score of 18 or higher. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community quality of life through educational opportunities.

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

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. 

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 ZMHA George F. Kramer Scholarship Fund, managed by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports students residing in Zanesville Metropolitan Housing Authority properties or participating in the Tenant Choice Housing Voucher Program. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be in their junior or senior year of high school, or be current college students. The selection process considers community service and letters of recommendation, promoting educational advancement in the community.

The Ohio Forest Legacy Program aims to protect vital forests from conversion to non-forest uses through conservation easements. This partnership between the State and USDA Forest Service encourages landowners to participate voluntarily in preserving working forests, which are essential for biodiversity, water quality, and economic productivity. The program also promotes the management of forests for timber harvesting while maintaining ecological benefits, ensuring sustainable land use practices for future generations.

Nonprofit and community organizations supporting safety, youth development, social services, environmental stewardship, or Indigenous communities in Muskingum County, Ohio can seek project, program, or event support. Enbridge supports safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities near its operations, offering US $1,000 - US $10,000 in donations, sponsorships, or in-kind assistance to benefit local residents.

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 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 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.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Muskingum County, Ohio can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support early childhood education or community economic development initiatives. Programs must serve low- and moderate-income residents and occur in a community where PNC has a significant presence, including efforts in education, affordable housing, community services, arts, and neighborhood revitalization.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

The Marc Cooper Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports local students pursuing higher education at Muskingum University, Zane State College, or Ohio University-Zanesville. To qualify, applicants must be residents of Muskingum County and first-year students with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote community growth, aligning with the foundation's mission to improve quality of life through philanthropy and collaboration.

Students pursuing higher education or vocational training in Muskingum County, Ohio can receive scholarship support for tuition and related college or skilled trade expenses. Muskingum County Community Foundation’s John & Susan (Rose) Dorr Scholarship assists Muskingum County residents and high school graduates with at least a 2.75 GPA attending Ohio colleges, universities, or HVAC trade programs in business, nursing, or education.

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

With a mission to support rural firefighting capacity, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources provides Muskingum County, Ohio fire departments with 50/50 cost-share funding to buy wildland fire equipment, PPE, MARCS-compatible communications, and related gear. Eligible departments serve communities under 10,000 people within ODNR Forestry Wildfire Protection Areas, with awards up to US $10,000.

Public and nonprofit organizations, plus groups with a fiscal sponsor, can seek funding for conservation and environmental stewardship projects in Muskingum County, Ohio and across Appalachian Ohio. Focused on environmental education, conservation, and community green spaces, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio invites locally driven projects that preserve and enhance the natural environment and community well-being.