Best Community Development Grants in Ohio

The Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation Grants support nonprofits that align with five key focus areas: The Arts, Community Empowerment, Conservation, Education, and Urban Design. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations that improve education, strengthen communities, promote the arts, and advocate for environmental stewardship. Grants are available exclusively to 501(c)(3) organizations, and unsolicited proposals are not accepted. The foundation emphasizes measurable outcomes and strong leadership in the nonprofits it supports.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant, administered by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, supports local charitable organizations in Ohio and West Virginia. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt and provide services in specific counties. The fund emphasizes community improvement and accepts one application per cycle, ensuring fair distribution. Note that grants are not available for individuals or for-profit entities, and applications must follow strict submission guidelines.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The COAD Appalachian Development Fund Grants, offered by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, aim to enhance the quality of life in Appalachian Ohio through innovative programs. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to nonprofit and public organizations serving the region. Priority is given to projects led by local organizations, promoting community development and addressing specific needs. Past awards include housing coordinators and infrastructure improvements, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth and support for COAD member agencies.

The MCF Community Heart & Soul Program, a collaboration between the Montana Community Foundation and Montana State University Extension, aims to empower rural communities in Montana to identify their core values and aspirations. This resident-driven initiative fosters community engagement through exploratory activities, grants, and support, ultimately enhancing local pride, volunteerism, and economic development. Selected communities will benefit from financial assistance, coaching, and a structured process over two years to ensure sustainable community growth and connection.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $49,999 to support community health initiatives. Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration and addressing social needs to foster well-being. Eligible organizations include non-profits, schools, and government agencies. The fund prioritizes projects that align with the Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on health equity, civic engagement, and neighborhood enhancement. This initiative aims to empower communities and improve health outcomes while fostering corporate social responsibility.

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.

Saint Luke's Foundation offers grants over $25,000 to organizations promoting health equity in Cuyahoga County. Through a rigorous review process, funded projects must align with the foundation's mission to address social determinants of health, particularly in targeted neighborhoods. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental agencies. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster long-term collaborations and innovative solutions aimed at reducing health disparities, ensuring community engagement and strategic alignment in its funding decisions.

Saint Luke's Foundation offers Staff Discretionary Grants to organizations addressing health disparities in Cuyahoga County. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $25,000, ensuring rapid approval to meet urgent community health needs. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental agencies. The Foundation prioritizes innovative approaches to health equity, with a commitment to responsive grantmaking that addresses the social determinants of health. This proactive funding strategy aims to support organizations striving to improve community health outcomes.

The Youngstown Foundation Grant supports innovative projects and operational needs of local 501(c)(3) charities in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. It offers various types of grants, including program, operational, capital investment, crisis assistance, and support fund grants. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on community responsiveness and collaboration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to serving the local population without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance community resilience and sustainability. Grant applications are reviewed annually, with specific funding caps for crisis assistance.

The Coshocton Foundation, established in 1967, supports the community through its unrestricted grants, fostering local engagement and philanthropy. The foundation's challenge fund, created by the Montgomerys in 1989, has significantly increased contributions, allowing for a wider donor base. Governed by a dedicated board and distribution committee, it emphasizes local perspectives in addressing community needs and opportunities. With a commitment to maximizing its assets, the foundation strives to make a meaningful impact in Coshocton County.

The Athens County Foundation Grant supports local organizations by providing funding for projects that enhance economic vitality, community well-being, and collaboration. With a focus on sustainable change, the foundation encourages initiatives that meet the evolving needs of Athens County residents. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, with a one-year timeline for project completion. This grant cycle provides a vital opportunity to foster a healthier, more inclusive community.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Henry and Louise Timken Foundation Grant provides essential funding to support charitable initiatives that benefit the Stark County community. Established as a supporting foundation of the Stark Community Foundation, it focuses on programs in medical vision services, aviation, and the arts. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and government entities with a minimum of three years of operation. The Foundation prioritizes local projects that enhance community well-being and development.

The PACF: Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Grants provide up to $4,000 to support organizations facing unforeseen emergencies or opportunities requiring immediate funding. Open to 501(c)(3) non-profits and public institutions in the PACF’s 11-county service area, these grants aim to quickly address urgent community needs. Applications can be submitted anytime to the Foundation's Senior Program Officer, ensuring timely assistance for critical projects.

The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants of $5,000 or less to support non-profit organizations serving Ashtabula County. With a focus on Human Services, the foundation also considers requests from categories such as Arts, Education, and Community Development. Eligible organizations must have a 501(C)(3) status and utilize funds for the benefit of local citizens. Applications are limited to one per year, ensuring careful consideration for impactful projects.

The Defiance Area Foundation Grant supports various programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Defiance County. Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit organizations focused on addressing unmet community needs. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of project costs or $25,000 per organization annually. The foundation emphasizes prevention and collaboration, avoiding funding for individual grants, sectarian activities, and operating expenses of established organizations.

The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants of $5,001 and above to support community development, religious initiatives, and other charitable efforts in Ashtabula County. Eligible organizations must possess a 501(C)(3) status and serve the local community. This foundation prioritizes human services but considers various requests based on available funding and community impact. Applications are limited to one per organization annually, ensuring focused support for each initiative.

The Akron Community Foundation's Community Fund Grants for Civic Affairs support nonprofits in Summit County to enhance community well-being through citizen engagement and quality-of-life programs. Grants promote organizational strength, systemic impact, accountability, and inclusiveness, ensuring that funded initiatives address immediate needs while fostering long-term improvements. Eligible applicants must be approved 501(c)(3) organizations serving the region, while ineligible requests include endowments, scholarships, and direct financial support to individuals.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The Wean Foundation's Community Investment Grants support organizations that prioritize resident engagement and address racial equity challenges in the Mahoning Valley. With grants starting at $5,000, they focus on community revitalization, economic and educational opportunities, and civic leadership. Eligible organizations must demonstrate nonprofit status, mission alignment, and capacity to implement viable solutions. The foundation aims to foster sustainable change through funding that reflects the community's demographics and needs.

The Wean Foundation's Resident Engagement Grants aim to boost community engagement by funding grassroots organizations in Warren and Youngstown. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 support initiatives that prioritize race equity and inclusion, enhance resident participation, and leverage local resources. Participation in a prerequisite workshop is required, ensuring that funded projects align with the foundation's commitment to sustainable community development and racial equity. For more information, visit the Wean Foundation's website.