Best Financial Assistance Grants in Ohio

The OH Wetland Restoration Assistance program, provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, supports individuals and organizations in funding wetland restoration projects on private lands. Eligible projects include tile cuts and the construction of small dikes to improve hydrology. This initiative aims to enhance the ecological health of Ohio's wetlands, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

The Ohio Conservation Club Competitive Partnership Grant, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, aims to foster local wildlife-related recreational activities, particularly among youth and those new to outdoor sports. Eligible applicants include county conservation clubs and nonprofits that actively promote skills in fishing, hunting, and shooting sports. The program emphasizes educational initiatives and mentorship, ensuring activities are open to all participants, while ineligible projects include those focused on competition.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The ST26 Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Continuation Solicitation, administered by the Ohio Department of Health, focuses on reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The program utilizes a data-driven public health approach, emphasizing surveillance, routine screening, and community education. By providing no-cost medications and enhancing partner services, ODH aims to improve health outcomes for high-risk populations and mitigate the impact of STIs across Ohio.

Ohio Sexual Assault Investigations Grant Program 

The purpose of this funding is to reimburse state and/or local law enforcement and prosecutors for expenses related to sexual assault kit (SAK) testing, results, and related expenses. It is important to note that this includes kits that are collected in suspected drug-facilitated sexual assaults and suspect kits. This funding may be used to build capacity of agencies to complete these types of investigations (e.g., training), Under certain circumstances, other related costs may be covered, and individuals may contact OCJS with questions.

The Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation Grant offers approximately $35,000 annually to support wellness, education, and visual arts programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The foundation prioritizes year-round programming, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations. However, it does not fund general operating costs, new programs, or for-profit entities. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record of service and demonstrate financial accountability.

The Valerie Hickman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports Muskingum County high school graduates pursuing a Pre-BSN or BSN program at Ohio University Zanesville. This scholarship aims to enhance students' educational experiences by covering essential expenses like tuition and books. Preference is given to Zanesville High School graduates, honoring Valerie Hickman's legacy of kindness and community support.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Essential Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities served by Aqua and Peoples, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental initiatives, education, and emergency services. With a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on funding projects that promote community growth while ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. This initiative reflects Essential Utilities' dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of over 5 million people across nine states.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

DOH58850 Ohio Medical Residency Support RFP

The Ohio Legislature, through the Ohio Department of Health, is investing annual funds to support graduate medical education residency positions in family medicine and psychiatry, strengthening Ohio’s physician workforce and expanding access to care statewide.

Project Objective:

• Expand Residency Training Capacity in Ohio - Increase the number of state-funded medical residency slots particularly in primary care and psychiatry by allocating an additional $2 million in the state budget to address the gap between medical school graduates and available residency positions.
• Retain Ohio-Trained Medical Graduates - Improve physician retention rates by ensuring that more Ohio medical graduates can complete their residency training within the state, thereby increasing the likelihood that they will remain and practice in Ohio after training.
• Strengthen the Physician Workforce Pipeline - Build a sustainable physician workforce by prioritizing residency training opportunities that meet Ohio’s healthcare needs, especially in underserved and high-demand areas such as mental health and primary care.
• Enhance Patient Access to Care -Reduce barriers to healthcare access across Ohio by increasing the number of practicing physicians, ensuring that communities particularly rural and underserved regions have sufficient access to timely, highquality medical services.

The Violence Against Women Act Grant Program (VAWA), administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, aims to enhance awareness and response to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. Through funding initiatives from 2022 to 2025, VAWA seeks to foster collaboration among courts, law enforcement, and victim services, establishing a coordinated approach to eliminate violence against women and improve community safety.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides funding for projects to enhance the competitiveness of crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and nursery crops. Grant Proposals must enhance the competitiveness of Ohio specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets by leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops, assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops, expanding availability of and access to specialty crops, and addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers. Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). 

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The A-E SOT Maryanne Stock Student Research Award, offered by the Society of Toxicology, supports student research in toxicology with grants up to $1,000. Open to student members, this award encourages innovative research projects and requires a presentation at an AESOT Spring Meeting. The funds must be used solely for research purposes, ensuring that the topic is original and relevant to toxicology. Applicants are evaluated on the quality of their proposals, and previous awardees are not eligible.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

ServeOhio offers grants for community service projects tied to National Days of Service, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and ServeOhio Day. These grants support initiatives that enhance community infrastructure through youth engagement. Eligible organizations in Ohio can apply for funding between $250 and $1,500, with a focus on educational components. Preference is given to applicants not currently funded by ServeOhio, aiming to foster impactful community involvement and service.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation

Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio, serving nearly 245,000 public and private employers. With over 1,500 employees and assets of approximately $24 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States.

Safety Intervention Grant

The Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) Program is available to any Ohio private or public employer covered by the State Insurance Fund. This program allows employers to purchase equipment to significantly reduce or eliminate injuries and illnesses associated with a particular task or operation. Through this program, recipients are eligible for a 3-to-1 matching grant, up to a maximum grant award of $40,000 for each three-year eligibility cycle. This means we give you $3 for every $1 you contribute as the employer. In return, employers must submit a one-year case study one year after the implementation date of the intervention.

What to know before you apply

• BWC provides safety services at no cost to state fund employers.
• Applicants may seek equipment that significantly enhances employee safety.
• If you are not currently working with BWC safety field staff, someone will be assigned to you upon applying for a grant. This staff member will conduct a pre-review and offer effective intervention recommendations.
• Employers must consent to BWC safety field staff taking photos and videos of the operation before and after implementing the proposed intervention. This aids the grant review committee in better understanding the operation and facilitates staff training and employer education on safety practices.
• Reasons for non-approval may include low initial risk, insignificant risk reduction, incomplete answers, interventions meeting only minimum OSHA compliance, or interventions outside the program's scope. Rejected applicants remain eligible to reapply for other items.

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Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio, Inc. Fund

The scholarship honors and promotes students seeking a career in surveying who will support and represent Ohio and the PLSO standards.

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.

The NRA Foundation: Ohio Grants provides funding to support charitable projects that promote firearms safety, education, and the shooting sports. Eligible organizations must hold a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and can include non-profits, educational institutions, and government entities. The foundation aims to further its mission by funding activities that benefit the public and align with IRS 501(c)(3) regulations. Ineligible projects include those that do not provide a clear public benefit or are related to fundraising.

The Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship honors arts leaders in Minnesota who demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen. With a $2,500 grant, the award celebrates individuals whose innovative approaches fuel the creative sector. Nominees should have at least 10 years of experience and a proven history of community engagement. This award aims to recognize diverse perspectives and encourage initiatives that enhance access to the arts for all Minnesotans.

The Ruth & Ralph Sharrer Scholarship, provided by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support current high school seniors in Muskingum County who have participated in athletics. Eligible students must major in education or school counseling, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and plan to attend a college in Ohio. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing the community's quality of life by investing in the education of its youth.