Best Financial Assistance Grants in Ohio

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 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 Step Outside Grant, offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, supports outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and shooting sports. Grants of up to $500 are available to local government agencies and non-profit organizations for educational programs that promote these activities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to hands-on experiences and community engagement. This initiative aims to enhance outdoor skills among families and youth in Ohio, making such activities more accessible.

The HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors in the mid-Atlantic region pursuing STEM degrees. With a focus on expanding access for underrepresented students, the scholarship supports full-time undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative reflects Scholarship America's commitment to educational equity and student success, ensuring every student can achieve their academic goals.

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 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.

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 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 Ohio History Fund offers competitive matching grants for history-related projects, supporting nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Ohio. With a focus on organizational development, grants range from $1,000 to $4,000 and require a 60/40 match. Since 2013, the fund has awarded over $1 million to enhance community history initiatives, demonstrating a significant demand for support in preserving Ohio's rich heritage.

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 Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The Western Reserve Health Foundation Grants aim to enhance the health and well-being of Mahoning County residents by addressing diverse health disparities. Grants support innovative projects aligned with the 2023-2025 Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on mental health, access to care, and community safety. Eligible not-for-profit organizations can apply for funding to implement solutions that directly benefit local populations, with a preference for those connected to the Healthy Community Partnership.

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.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

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.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Jack's Community Grants, managed by the Jack in the Box Foundation, seeks to empower youth in local communities by providing funding to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. These organizations must focus on feeding, educating, and empowering youth and operate within 50 miles of a Jack in the Box restaurant. The Foundation promotes originality and opportunity while ensuring that applicants adhere to a nondiscrimination policy. Special consideration is given to applications with support from franchisees or employees.

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 Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio offers an annual grant of $500 to support research, conservation, or education projects that align with their mission of promoting native plant conservation. The Society aims to foster public appreciation of native plants and encourages collaboration with organizations focused on natural resource conservation. Applications are accepted annually, with deadlines announced each year, ensuring ongoing support for initiatives that enhance understanding and preservation of Ohio's native flora.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

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 Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Kiwanis Club Grants, administered by the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation, focus on projects that promote Safe and Healthy Kids. They support community initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of children and families. Eligible applicants include Kiwanis organizations in Ohio, with priority for projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and substantial community impact. Grants can provide up to $3,000, and the foundation operates without discrimination, emphasizing inclusivity in its funding efforts.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.