Best Financial Assistance Grants in Ohio

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in Ohio offers reimbursement grants covering up to 80% of project costs for eligible entities, including cities, counties, and non-profits. Funded projects can include new trail construction, maintenance, and facilities that promote accessibility and safety. This federally funded initiative aims to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities while fostering community engagement in trail development and maintenance.

Submission of the continuation application constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of ODH Grants Administration Policies and Procedures (OGAPP) Manual rules, policy and procedure updates posted on the GMIS Bulletin Board, and any other program-specific requirements as outlined in the competitive Solicitation. The competitive solicitation for this grant program can be found here. 

website atPolicy and Procedures: The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts:

• Program Updates (if applicable),
• Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and
• Other Required Attachments.

Number of Grants and Funds Available: Genetics Services grants are comprised of funds generated from a portion of the state newborn screening fee. Only the previously awarded applicants during the State Fiscal Year 2025 competitive application may apply for continuation funding for this initiative. These are: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Dayton Children’s Hospital; Toledo Hospital; The Research Institute of Nationwide Children’s Hospital; MetroHealth System; University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center; Cleveland Clinic Foundation; and Children’s Hospital Medical Center – Akron. The total grant funding for the SFY2027 budget period (07/01/2026 – 06/30/2027) is anticipated to be approximately $2,320.043.

No grant award will be issued for less than $30,000. Theminimumamountis exclusive of any requiredmatching amounts and represents only ODH funds granted. Applications submitted for less than the minimum amount will not be considered for review.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BigP) Tier I provides funding for constructing transient mooring facilities for large non-trailerable vessels (26 feet or longer). Eligible projects include mooring buoys, day-docks, and navigational aids. The maximum reimbursement is $300,000, and projects are competitive statewide. Ineligible expenses encompass maintenance activities and facilities for trailerable boats. This program aims to enhance boating access and support recreational boating on federally navigable waters.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

About Us

The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, based in Reynoldsburg, is the oldest office of its kind in the United States. Its mission is to protect people, property, and the environment from fire and related hazards through education, investigation, and enforcement.

Fire Department Training Reimbursement Grant

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is pleased to announce we are now accepting electronic applications for the Fire Department Training Reimbursement Grant for eligible classes completed in calendar year.

Fire Departments that provide primary fire protection to an area with a permanent population of 25,000 or less qualify for the grant. Reimbursement is available for specific fire training classes, including the cost of training manuals and student workbooks up to the maximum amount that is authorized. Training grants awards are subject to availability of funds. Applications are available mid-December through mid-January annually.

The Fire Department Training Reimbursement grant application packet is being provided as a worksheet guidance document. This will allow you to gather all the necessary information prior to submitting the grants online.

Fire departments that provide primary fire protection to an area with a permanent population of 25,000 or fewer may qualify for training reimbursement. Reimbursement covers approved training classes and associated training manuals and student workbooks, up to the authorized maximum.

The Appalachian Region Healthcare Support Program aims to enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas by providing technical assistance to organizations such as critical access hospitals and rural health clinics. By focusing on planning and implementing healthcare service improvements, the program seeks to strengthen the operational performance and quality of care within these communities, ultimately benefiting the residents served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The Department of Commerce, Division of Financial Institutions is committed to supporting financial literacy for children, young adults, and adults within Ohio through the Financial Literacy Grant Program.  The fund will award grants to programs focused on providing the knowledge and skills needed to develop and integrate personal financial literacy whether virtually and/or in-person. 

The Cribs for Kids Program, funded by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, aims to enhance safe sleep practices among caregivers in Ohio. By distributing Safe Sleep Kits and providing education, the program seeks to prevent infant deaths associated with unsafe sleep environments. With Ohio's infant mortality rate exceeding state targets, this initiative addresses critical health disparities. The program focuses on equipping vulnerable caregivers with essential resources and knowledge to ensure safer sleep for infants, ultimately improving health outcomes across the state.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

The Maritime Assistance Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Transportation, offers funding to Ohio port authorities for projects that enhance maritime cargo terminal operations. Eligible projects include planning, construction, and acquisition related to marine cargo terminals located on Lake Erie or the Ohio River. This program aims to improve efficiency and support Ohio businesses engaged in international trade, ensuring better infrastructure and capacity for maritime commerce.

The Josephine Sebach Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Muskingum County high schools. Eligible students must have a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5 and be pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree at an accredited institution. This scholarship emphasizes motivation and clear career goals, making it accessible to a diverse range of students, including those who may not traditionally qualify for financial aid.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Roy B. Craver Scholarship Endowment

Roy B. Craver was a veteran of World War I. He established a scholarship for residents of Wabash County and graduates of a Wabash County high school who like himself are willing to serve in the armed forces even if they do not intend to enlist.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Expand Energy STEM Education Fund, managed by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, supports K-12 STEM education in Belmont, Guernsey, and Monroe counties. This fund, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities, invites public school districts and educators to apply for grants of up to $1,000 for innovative STEM projects. Priority is given to local organizations, but those outside the region serving these counties can also apply. The initiative fosters a collaborative environment for improving educational outcomes in Appalachian Ohio.

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

Save Our Sight (SV27) Continuation Solicitation

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Child and Family Health announces the availability of grant funds.

Number of Grants and Funds Available

State funds for the Save Our Sight Program are generated by donations. Motor vehicle owners in Ohio are asked to donate to the Save Our Sight Fund when they register their vehicles and/or renew license plates. This program is completely funded by the Save Our Sight Fund (State funds). Only the previously awarded applicant during the competitive application may apply for continuation funding for the awarded component.

No grant award will be issued for less than $30,000. The minimum amount is exclusive of any required matching amounts and represents only ODH funds granted. Applications submitted for less than the minimum amount will not be considered for review.

The Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program aims to enhance law enforcement transparency and accountability by providing funding for agencies to establish or upgrade their body-worn camera programs. With a budget of $10 million, the program prioritizes agencies without existing camera systems. In 2023, the average award was approximately $43,482, addressing crucial needs for improved evidence collection and officer training, ultimately fostering better community relations and public trust.

The Governor’s Merit Scholarship (GMS) aims to retain Ohio's top high school graduates by providing financial support for higher education. Funded at $20 million annually, it awards up to $5,000 per year for four years to eligible students attending qualifying institutions in Ohio. The program encourages academic excellence and aims to reduce financial barriers, ensuring that outstanding students can pursue their education in-state, thereby contributing to the state's workforce and economy.

The Darryl R. Smith Medical Technical Scholarship, established by the Parkview Health Foundation, honors Dr. Smith, a former Medical Director. This scholarship offers two $1,000 awards to Parkview Med-Tech students: one for the highest GPA and another for the greatest financial need. This initiative supports students in learning vital medical technician skills, ensuring they contribute effectively to patient diagnoses and treatment plans, ultimately enhancing healthcare in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

The Hope For Our Future Scholarships, offered by the Adena Health Foundation, support students pursuing careers in healthcare-related fields. Eligible applicants include those studying medicine, nursing, or allied health professions, particularly from the Chillicothe and Ross County areas. With a focus on inclusivity, scholarships are available to individuals with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative aims to enhance career opportunities in a sector poised for growth, benefiting both students and the community.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Ohio provide vital funding to help rural communities prepare for or recover from emergencies threatening safe drinking water access. Eligible disasters include droughts, floods, and chemical spills. Grants can fund water transmission improvements up to $150,000, or source construction up to $1 million. This initiative, led by USDA Rural Development, aims to restore and enhance access to clean water, benefiting households and businesses in affected areas.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Lt. Colonel Robert G. Moreland Vocational/Technical Fund

The Lt. Col. Robert G. Moreland Vocational/Technical Fund assists students pursuing vocational or technical education or training in a school or college within the State of Ohio with training or education which will lead to an associate degree, certificate or diploma but not to a baccalaureate degree. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is designed to assist Ohio residents with significant financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. Eligible individuals include those pursuing associate degrees or first bachelor's degrees at recognized institutions, with a maximum household income of $96,000. The grant adapts based on tuition costs, ensuring support for students in various programs, including foster youth and veterans at community colleges. This initiative fosters access to higher education across Ohio.

The Cathy E. Harris Good Samaritan Scholarship, established by the Parkview Health Foundation, honors Cathy Harris, a dedicated former Director of Parkview Samaritan. This scholarship supports Parkview co-workers pursuing Basic EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic certification, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to enhancing healthcare education and community service. With a legacy of charitable giving since 1878, the foundation plays a crucial role in improving patient care and experiences in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Margaret S. Gilbert Scholarship Fund

The Margaret S. Gilbert Scholarship Fund was established to assist Stark County public high school female graduates, who attend or will attend, Oberlin College and major in one of the sciences, mathematics or history.

This scholarship is renewable.