Best Financial Assistance Grants in Ohio

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) provides grants focused on HIV/AIDS care, advocacy, and education. Grants are awarded annually based on a review process, emphasizing projects that align with Ms. Taylor’s vision. Eligible organizations must have at least three years of experience in HIV/AIDS programs and can apply only once per year. ETAF prioritizes funding for direct care and prevention initiatives, while restricting support for multi-year proposals and non-HIV specific projects.

The Senator Harold "Potch" Wheeler Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Whitley County, honors the legacy of a dedicated public servant. This competitive scholarship is available annually to high school seniors from Whitley County who plan to pursue college education in public service or within the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Recipients are chosen based on their embodiment of the ideals and character traits exemplified by Senator Wheeler.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Integrated HIV/AIDS Planning Resource Allocation Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance the effectiveness of HIV prevention and care planning for RWHAP Parts A and B recipients. Through the provision of training, tools, and technical assistance, this initiative seeks to optimize resource allocation and strengthen the overall system of HIV care and treatment, ultimately improving health outcomes for those affected by HIV.

The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Emergency Relief Funds aim to provide essential funding to states and territories. This initiative focuses on preventing, reducing, or eliminating waiting lists for ADAP services, ensuring timely access to necessary medications and support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This program addresses critical funding shortfalls, enhancing the healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes in affected communities.

The Specialized Transportation Program (5310) aims to enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities through federally funded projects. This program supports various initiatives, including vehicle funding, preventive maintenance, and contracted transportation services. With an 80% federal cost coverage, local funding must cover the remaining 20%. The Ohio Department of Transportation oversees this program, ensuring accessible transportation options in urban and rural areas, thereby addressing the unique needs of transit-dependent populations.

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding

Operating Assistance

The objective of the 5310 operating assistance project is to provide financial support to subrecipients in the day-to-day transportation operations for seniors and persons with disabilities. Operating assistance funding is explicitly intended to be spent on operations. ODOT will reimburse 50% of the operating cost and the subrecipient is required to provide the 50% local match. All of the local match must be provided from sources other than U.S. Department of Transportation funds. To be eligible for Section 5310 operating funds, an applicant must provide open-door services. FTA defines open door as regular, continuing shared ride surface transportation services that is open to the public or open to a segment of the public defined by age or disability.

The OREF/MTF Biologics Research Grant encourages innovative research in biologics, focusing on reconstruction, bone regeneration, and transplantation, including stem cells. It is open to licensed U.S. orthopaedic surgeons and PhD researchers with faculty appointments. The grant seeks clinically relevant projects that demonstrate practical applications and multidisciplinary collaboration, promoting excellence in research. New investigators are especially encouraged to apply, ensuring a commitment to advancing orthopaedic science.

The NHLBI SBIR Phase IIB Small Market Awards aim to bridge the funding gap for small businesses developing technologies for heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders. This initiative supports later-stage research and development for projects addressing rare diseases or pediatric populations. By promoting partnerships with investors and advocacy organizations, the program seeks to facilitate regulatory approval and commercialization of innovative biomedical solutions, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Capacity Development Program aims to enhance the capabilities of community-based organizations, focusing on improving health outcomes and decreasing HIV transmission. This initiative supports individuals who have not yet accessed regular HIV care, emphasizing innovative care solutions and infrastructure development to address these critical needs.

The Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) Planning Awards in Ohio, managed by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), aim to enhance transportation systems through funding planning studies. Eligible projects include transportation plans, complete streets implementation, and traffic calming efforts, with a total budget of $2 million. Communities with legal authority can apply, focusing on sustainable development and multimodal transportation, while projects promoting single occupancy vehicle travel are ineligible.

The CCRP Initiative invites applications for basic research on chemical threats affecting the nervous system, including chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. This funding aims to elucidate toxicity mechanisms, explore new toxic exposure manifestations, and identify targets for therapeutic development. Proposals should generate data relevant to understanding these toxic threats, with applications due by 5 PM local time. Optional Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the proposal deadline.

The Alcohol Research-Related Resource Award (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) aims to support investigator-initiated resources that enhance biomedical research on a national level. Through this non-hypothesis-driven grant, essential data, materials, and services will be provided to facilitate progress in the alcohol research community. The resources must be available to qualified investigators and should not replicate existing commercial offerings, ensuring high-quality and cost-efficient support for diverse research activities.

The Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) in Ohio offers funding for projects enhancing transportation infrastructure, focusing on safety and environmental sustainability. Administered by NOACA, the program supports community-led improvements based on planning studies. Implementation awards start at $100,000, with flexibility for smaller projects that align with TLCI goals. The total funding available is $2 million, aiming to enhance multimodal transportation and community engagement across Northeast Ohio.

Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher educational scholarship assistance to deserving students.

Amount

• $1,000+
• non-renewable

Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows

Catalyzing Innovation through Partnerships

At its core, Grand Challenges catalyzes bold innovation through partnership - bringing together funders, researchers, implementers, and public health leaders to solve complex global challenges. This multi-partner initiative reflects the Grand Challenges ethos, leveraging complementary expertise and investments to accelerate accessible genomic sequencing solutions for low- and middle-income Countries.

About this Challenge

This Grand Challenge is co-funded by the Gates Foundation, and the Temasek Foundation, and will be managed by the United Nations Foundation. This Grand Challenge is implemented in collaboration with a network of global and regional partners, including International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), and the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) as regional technical and public-health partners. This RFP aims to accelerate the development of affordable, scalable, and operationally simple sequencing solutions, enabling routine use of genomics for public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Award Structure and Funding Level

To accommodate different stages of innovation maturity, this RFP supports a tiered award structure, with funding levels and expectations aligned to the readiness and scope of the proposed work. Indicative award categories are:

For more mature concepts aimed at workflow refinement, performance optimization, and generation of proof-of-concept and validation data in relevant public-health use cases in LMICs.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

For EdTA Members

Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.

Production Grants

Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs

Fiddler on the Roof Grant

The Fiddler on the Roof Grant covers performance royalties and support resources for middle or high school Thespian troupes to perform Fiddler on the Roof or Fiddler on the Roof JR. through Music Theatre International. Funders Helene and Edward Cole created the grant to help educate students and communities about Jewish heritage and culture.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund supports local events and initiatives that promote health and well-being in the community. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the event date. The fund prioritizes non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies that align with the Health System’s Community Health Improvement Plan. Event sponsorships, local memberships, and partnerships are encouraged to enhance community engagement and address social needs, ultimately fostering a healthier community.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Marion Community Foundation's Community Grants Program aims to address pressing needs in Marion County, Ohio, by providing funding to local nonprofits. This initiative supports projects that enhance food security, health, education, and community development while encouraging innovative solutions to local challenges. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 nonprofits, public schools, and governmental entities. The foundation seeks to empower nonprofits to propose transformative ideas that foster positive change and collaboration in the community.

The National Institute of Mental Health is inviting research applications for the AIDS Research Center program, which includes Developmental Centers and full Research Centers. This initiative aims to enhance interdisciplinary HIV/AIDS research through collaboration and innovative approaches across various scientific domains. The program emphasizes alignment with national strategies and encourages applications from teams skilled in fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Although applications are currently not being solicited, this notice allows potential applicants time to prepare strong proposals.

Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows

Catalyzing Innovation through Partnerships

At its core, Grand Challenges catalyzes bold innovation through partnership - bringing together funders, researchers, implementers, and public health leaders to solve complex global challenges. This multi-partner initiative reflects the Grand Challenges ethos, leveraging complementary expertise and investments to accelerate accessible genomic sequencing solutions for low- and middle-income Countries.

About this Challenge

This Grand Challenge is co-funded by the Gates Foundation, and the Temasek Foundation, and will be managed by the United Nations Foundation. This Grand Challenge is implemented in collaboration with a network of global and regional partners, including International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), and the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) as regional technical and public-health partners. This RFP aims to accelerate the development of affordable, scalable, and operationally simple sequencing solutions, enabling routine use of genomics for public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Award Structure and Funding Level

To accommodate different stages of innovation maturity, this RFP supports a tiered award structure, with funding levels and expectations aligned to the readiness and scope of the proposed work. Indicative award categories are:

For concepts with preliminary feasibility evidence that are ready to advance from prototype toward an integrated workflow—optimizing performance, broadening assay or pathogen coverage, and generating more robust cost-reduction and performance data.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Food as Medicine Grant aims to enhance access to nutritious foods and improve health outcomes for individuals facing diet-related conditions. This initiative invites qualified nonprofits to submit proposals focused on scalable solutions that address food insecurity and promote health equity. The foundation prioritizes programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and support whole-person health, particularly for populations at high social risk. Grants will be awarded for a term of 1-3 years, with funding based on program needs.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is funding research to enhance drug susceptibility testing (DST) for mycobacteria. This initiative aims to improve testing for tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, which are on the rise. Current methods are slow and ineffective against drug-resistant strains, making rapid DSTs essential for effective treatment and reducing transmission rates. Innovative approaches, including rapid genotypic and phenotypic methods, will be supported to address these challenges.

The NANFA Conservation Research Grant, offered by the North American Native Fishes Association, supports research focused on conserving North America's indigenous fish species, particularly those that are threatened or endangered. With a maximum funding of $1,000 per proposal, this grant is open to academia, conservation groups, and independent researchers. Since 2001, NANFA has aimed to enhance knowledge about native fishes and promote their conservation through scientific research and community engagement.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

The Melanoma Career Development Award (CDA) is offered by the Melanoma Research Foundation to support researchers dedicated to melanoma and its prevention. This award is designed for postdoctoral fellows with under five years of experience, research associates, scientists, staff scientists, assistant professors, and those focusing on melanoma prevention. The initiative promotes innovative research to advance understanding and treatment of melanoma, ultimately aiming to reduce its impact.

The Hope For Our Future Scholarships, funded by Adena Health System, support high school students in their pursuit of careers in healthcare fields such as nursing and radiology. Eligible applicants must reside in the service area and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. These scholarships aim to enhance educational opportunities for students while addressing workforce needs in the healthcare sector across southern Ohio.