Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on education, health, arts, and community welfare. Established in 2004, the foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community well-being, ensuring grants are awarded to nonprofits with operating budgets under $10 million. Organizations must apply annually and adhere to specific eligibility criteria, including geographical and operational restrictions. The foundation aims to empower local initiatives that promote positive societal impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, academic institutions, and government entities in Ohio can apply for the William G Pomeroy Foundation’s Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program to commemorate local folklore, legends, and folklife. Projects that highlight community stories, traditions, and expressive arts may be eligible, offering a way to promote cultural heritage and tourism through permanent markers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in eastern Ohio can apply for EQT Foundation support to fund arts and culture, music festivals, public art, and broader community enrichment projects. Grants from EQT Foundation help Ohio arts groups and other nonprofits deliver STEM education, environmental stewardship, food access, libraries, parks, and workforce training initiatives; awards are approximately US $15,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups funding arts and culture, education, basic needs, or community development in Ohio, especially benefiting Akron residents, may be eligible for this support. Grants from Gar Foundation help Akron-focused organizations strengthen early childhood through higher education, economic and workforce development, arts and culture, and essential community services.

The Arts Midwest GIG Fund offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support creative projects and educational events across the Midwest. This funding is available for nonprofit organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, focusing on the arts. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and tribal entities located in specific states. The fund prioritizes those who have not received a grant in the last two years, ensuring diverse cultural engagement and access.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children’s health, education, cultural, and social welfare needs in Greater Cincinnati, including Ohio counties, can apply for the Andrew Jergens Foundation Grant. With a mission to build thriving communities, Greater Cincinnati Foundation supports projects benefiting children, especially ages 0–6, which may include arts and culture programming for youth.

Ohio arts and culture nonprofits in the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky region can seek funding for programs in education, the arts, community development, and human services. Fifth Third Foundation manages multiple affiliated funds supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in Greater Cincinnati, including initiatives for youth, women and girls, historic preservation, and community outreach.

Focused on arts and education, the Banks-Baldwin Foundation invites Ohio nonprofits to seek support for community-based programs that advance education and the arts for children and young adults. Organizations promoting youth leadership, self-sufficiency, active citizenship, and entrepreneurial skills in Cuyahoga County may be especially well-suited to apply.

The Ohio Arts Council's Capacity Building Grants support organizations in enhancing their internal capabilities through external expertise. The program funds projects focused on improving business practices, staff development, and organizational skills. Eligible applicants include arts organizations, educational institutions, and other entities providing arts programming. A 1:1 cash match is required, and grants can cover fees for consultants, training, and registration costs for professional development events. This initiative aims to strengthen Ohio's arts community.

Ohio arts and culture nonprofits working in behavioral health can seek funding for mental health and substance use disorder programs through Elevance Health Foundation. Focused on behavioral health, the foundation invites U.S. 501(c)(3) charities to propose scalable prevention, treatment, and loneliness-reduction initiatives, with priority for culturally relevant, whole-person, measurable programs.

Focused on ongoing arts and cultural programming, large and mid-sized Ohio nonprofits can receive flexible operating support through the Ohio Arts Council’s Sustainability Grants. Eligible applicants include arts organizations, government or social service agencies with arts programs, and educational institutions, provided they meet prior OAC funding, income, and DataArts reporting requirements.

With a mission to support innovative arts programming, Ohio Arts Council provides Ohio arts and cultural nonprofits and educational organizations with up to US $25,000 for bold, experimental projects. Funding supports one-year projects that push creative boundaries, improve accessibility and diversity of arts experiences, and cover costs like artist fees, production, marketing, education, and evaluation.

Focused on STEAM education, Cox Communications invites Ohio arts and culture nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for Cox Charities Community Grants. Eligible groups in Cuyahoga County can request US $5,000 - US $12,000 for youth-focused Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math innovation, conservation, sustainability, or inclusion programs within Cox’s service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions seeking support for arts and culture, education, or community services that benefit residents in PACF’s 11‑county service area, including Washington County, Ohio, can apply for Community Action Grants up to US $20,000. With a mission to improve quality of life, Parkersburg Area Community Foundation funds capital projects, program development, capacity building, and limited operating support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and some government agencies in Ohio, especially those serving Hudson, can seek arts and culture project support through Hudson Community Foundation. The program funds initiatives that enhance quality of life, including art and culture, youth education and recreation, social services, historic preservation, environmental preservation, and prevention and addiction efforts in the community.

Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit and public organizations in Appalachian Ohio can receive US $500 - US $5,000 for arts and culture, education, health, human services, community development, and environmental projects. With a mission to strengthen Appalachian Ohio’s African American communities, Foundation for Appalachian Ohio supports initiatives that create opportunities, meet needs, and unlock local potential.

Local education agencies and community-based organizations in Ohio can receive more than US $50,000 to run high-quality after-school, summer, and expanded learning programs that support academics and enrichment, including arts and music education. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC program funds multi-year initiatives for students from economically disadvantaged, low-performing schools.

Ohio arts and cultural nonprofits and other organizations providing arts programming in Ohio can receive project support for short-term arts initiatives. The Ohio Arts Council’s ArtSTART grants offer up to US $5,000 with a 1:1 cash match for artistic, administrative, marketing, education, or evaluation expenses across disciplines like performing, visual, literary, and traditional arts.

Nonprofit organizations and government agencies serving PK–12 children and young adults in Ohio’s Greater Cincinnati counties can apply for Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Building Bright Futures: Education grants, with awards up to US $50,000, to support mentoring, tutoring, socio-emotional development, college and career exploration, and academic improvement. Funding may cover new or expanded programs, capital needs, capacity building, or general operations.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital funding for arts, culture, education, health, social services, or community development projects can apply to the Andersons Fund Supporting Organization, part of Toledo Community Foundation. Focused on capital projects in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, it offers awards of more than US $20,000, especially when multiple funders are involved.

The Marion Community Foundation's Community Grants Program aims to address pressing needs in Marion County, Ohio, by providing funding to local nonprofits. This initiative supports projects that enhance food security, health, education, and community development while encouraging innovative solutions to local challenges. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 nonprofits, public schools, and governmental entities. The foundation seeks to empower nonprofits to propose transformative ideas that foster positive change and collaboration in the community.

Ohio arts and culture nonprofits and government entities serving Delaware County residents can access funding for programs in areas like arts, education, basic needs, and community development. Through the Delaware County Foundation’s Community Grants, eligible organizations may receive US $2,500 - US $20,000 to support projects that strengthen local quality of life, including priority needs such as housing, recovery, and workforce development.

Nonprofit organizations, churches, and government units serving Clark County, Ohio can apply for Springfield Foundation’s competitive grants to support arts and culture programming alongside civic, education, environment, health, and human services initiatives. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Springfield Foundation provides 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups with project support that may benefit arts-focused nonprofits in Ohio.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits with arts and culture, community, education, or related programs can seek support for charitable purposes in Middletown and surrounding areas. The Weber W. Sebald Foundation also considers projects in animal welfare, environment, health, human and social services, religion, science, civic activities, and community development.

Nonprofits, schools, and public organizations in Ohio serving Meigs County residents can seek funding for arts and culture projects, along with education, environment, and community initiatives. Focused on community prosperity, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio offers up to US $35,000 to support programs that create opportunities and meet local needs.