Best Financial Assistance Grants in 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.

OPCC Cancer Coalition Coordination

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Medical Director, Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness announces the availability of grant funds.

Policy and Procedures: The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts: Program Updates(if applicable), Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and Other Required Attachments.

No grant award will be issued for less than $30,000. The minimum amount is 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.

Subrecipient: Franklin County Public Health

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Larry Hawkins Family Scholarship

A Sidney High School alumnus who is currently enrolled beyond the first year in an adult education school, trade school, or a 2-year or 4-year college or university, located within the state of Ohio. 

Selection based upon:

Financial need, academic ability, demonstrated community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $3,000 scholarship

The Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant (FEEEG) is designed to support Ohio firefighter employers in reducing exposure to hazardous environmental factors. Eligible applicants can receive up to $15,000 for purchasing qualified protective equipment such as diesel exhaust systems and turnout gear. This grant emphasizes maintaining workers' compensation coverage and adhering to safety regulations, ensuring that firefighters are equipped for optimal protection in their duties.

Ohio Partners for Cancer Control(OPCC) Cancer Coalition Coordination (CA27) Continuation Solicitation

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.

Funds may be used to support personnel, staff training, travel and supplies directly related to planning, organizing, and conducting the program activity. Itemize, in the Equipment Section, all equipment (minimum $1,000 unit cost value) to be purchased with grant funds.

Subrecipients will not receive payment from ODH grant funds used for prohibited purposes.ODH has the right to recover funds paid to subrecipients for purposes later discovered to be prohibited.

Goal

• Support partnerships for cancer control and prevention:
• Convene and maintain a multisectoral cancer control coalition that includes high value leaders from sectors such as business, labor, civic/social, urban planners, education, health services, housing, media, public safety, and members from the populations and communities that have as their focus cancer prevention, early detection, and improving quality of life for persons affected by cancer and those who care for them.

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

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.

MARCS Grant

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 for eligible recipients to purchase systems, equipment, and/or services that are a part of, integrated into, or otherwise interoperable with the Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) operated by the State of Ohio with respect to providing fire protection services. The State Fire Marshal is accepting online applications only. The MARCS Grant application packet is being provided as a worksheet guidance document. This will allow you to gather all of the necessary information prior to submitting the grant online.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

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 Joseph and Kate Cutinella Scholarship Fund

The Joseph and Kate Cutinella Scholarship Fund was established to assist students attending Kent State University pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in business. Personal interview may be required.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation's MHJF Open Grants support innovative projects that enhance student learning and teaching in Ohio's PK-12 schools. Eligible applicants include public school districts, non-religious private schools, and 501(c)(3) organizations. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $55,000, with a focus on deep learning and excellent teaching. Note that proposals from new applicants will not be accepted during the August and October 2025 cycles, as the foundation prepares for a new strategic vision in 2026.

Integration of Oral Health into Primary Care Settings for Children

The overarching goal of this contract is to improve oral health outcomes of children in the nine priority counties identified in section 1.6 by integrating oral health into non-dental settings. This will be achieved with the two objectives listed below:

Objective One:

• Increase the application of fluoride varnish by non-dental practitioners.

Objective Two:

• Increase the number of children aged five and under with a dental visit.

The Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund (DLEF) supports drug task forces in enforcing state drug laws by providing financial assistance. Managed by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, this fund allows agencies to prioritize their needs while ensuring a minimum match of 25% for project costs. This flexibility helps combat illegal drug activity effectively, enhancing local law enforcement efforts across Ohio.

The Ohio Work Ready Grant (OWRG) provides financial assistance to Ohio residents demonstrating significant financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Eligible students must be enrolled in approved programs at community colleges, technical colleges, or branch campuses. The grant offers up to $3,000 for full-time students and $2,000 for part-time students annually. Institutions will allocate funds based on their student populations, making this grant a vital resource for those pursuing in-demand careers.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

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 Equipment Grant

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is pleased to announce the availability of 2027 Fire Department Individual and Joint Equipment Grant for qualifying fire departments and local government entities. Allowable equipment grant requests include personal protective clothing, SCBA, communications equipment and other miscellaneous equipment. Eligible fire departments must serve a population of less than 25,000, be in compliance with the Volunteer Firefighters’ Dependents Fund outlined in Ohio Revised Code 146, and have submitted incident fire reports for the previous calendar year. The State Fire Marshal is accepting Individual and Joint Equipment Grant applications online only. The Fire Department Equipment Grant application packets are being provided as a worksheet guidance document (Individual and Joint) only. This will allow you to gather all of the necessary information prior to submitting the grants online. Grant award notifications up to $15,000 will be made in the spring.

The Division of State Fire Marshal offers the Fire Department Equipment Grant to qualifying fire departments to buy protective clothing, breathing apparatuses, communications gear, and other equipment. Applications open in winter.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Midwest Region Student Travel Award

Each year, CSA travel funding in an amount up to $750 is available for a Midwest Region Student Member to present at the National Symposium of The Costume Society of America. Awards may be distributed among multiple student members.

The Carol Ann and Ralph V Haile Jr Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Established by Carol and Ralph Haile, the foundation focuses on funding initiatives in arts and culture, civic engagement, education, and human services. It supports organizations that are tax-exempt and aligns with their mission across ten counties. By fostering collaboration, the foundation seeks to create a vibrant community and drive meaningful change.

The Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance to children of deceased or severely disabled veterans. Eligible students attending Ohio public institutions receive 79% of tuition and fees, while those in private colleges receive an annual award of $6,618. Students must be Ohio residents, enrolled full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00. This program supports those aged 16 to 24 pursuing higher education.

The RTP Storybook Trail Grant, offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, promotes outdoor exploration through children's literature. This federally funded reimbursement grant program provides up to 80% of project costs, with a total of $50,000 available specifically for Storybook Trails. Eligible projects include new trail construction, maintenance, and educational programs. Each applicant can request between $5,000 and $10,000, encouraging communities to create engaging reading experiences in natural settings.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Ohio State Bar Foundation's Racial Justice Initiative Grant, launched in 2020, has allocated $1 million to support impactful projects that confront systemic racism in Ohio. This initiative seeks proposals that identify and challenge biases, provide frameworks for change, educate stakeholders, and collaborate with legal systems. However, the OSBF discourages proposals focused on internal organizational improvements related to diversity and equity, as funding is intended for external, systemic change.

The NCR-SARE Graduate Student Grant Program funds up to $20,000 for graduate student projects addressing sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. Established in 2002, it supports Master's and Ph.D. students at accredited institutions. Projects can last up to 36 months, and applicants may receive only one grant during their academic career. The program aims to promote innovative solutions to agricultural challenges and enhance sustainability practices in the region.

The OAC Arts Learning: TeachArtsOhio Grant Program supports customizable artist residencies for PK-12 students in Ohio, enhancing arts education through collaboration with professional teaching artists. These residencies can range from brief introductions to comprehensive year-long programs, fostering creativity and cultural understanding. Grants typically cover teaching artist fees, which are set at $350 per residency day. The program aims to enrich students' learning experiences while maintaining schools' commitment to professional arts instruction.

The Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) provides Teacher Mini-Grants aimed at enhancing the educational experience of deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Established in 1997, D.E.A.F. supports educators in Ohio who implement innovative projects to empower these students. Grants are available to certified teachers who engage at least one deaf or hard-of-hearing student and are committed to evaluating their projects. This initiative helps bridge resource gaps in the community for this underserved population.