Best Financial Assistance Grants in Ohio

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) by the Ohio Department of Transportation funds projects enhancing non-motorized travel, historic preservation, and environmental efforts. It supports local governments in implementing initiatives that improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Eligible projects include shared paths, bike lanes, and upgrades for ADA compliance. The program prioritizes connections to activity centers, ensuring public accessibility and engagement in transportation planning.

Lilly Foundation

To extend Lilly’s charitable reach and impact, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) was established in 1968 and is supported by donations from Eli Lilly and Company.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation supporting programs that align with its philanthropic priorities.

Grantmaking Approach

The Lilly Foundation’s work is guided by a charitable vision of a world where every person has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. Through grantmaking focused on Lilly Foundation’s charitable vision, grants can serve as a catalyst for closing gaps and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

All proposals should demonstrate clear alignment with at least one focus area and include charitable outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the Foundation’s long-term charitable goals.

Global Health, K-12 STEM Education and Economic Mobility Grant

Focus Areas

Global Health

Lilly Foundation, through its charitable grants, aims to support permissible charitable efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for resource-limited communities in low- and lower-middleincome countries (L/LMICs) and in the United States. Strengthening access to care is essential for enhancing community well-being and supporting economic stability in resource-limited settings.

The Global Health focus area aims to close gaps in quality healthcare by supporting charitable solutions that improve access, bring care closer to where people live, and address the high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited settings. To the extent permissible, the Foundation prioritizes charitable efforts related to cardiometabolic health in resource-limited settings.

K-12 STEM Education

The K-12 STEM Education focus area aims to close the gaps for students from low-income communities by supporting programs that foster new pathways and pipelines to STEM education through focused K-12 efforts, concentrating on the critical middle school years. The Foundation’s K-12 STEM Education grants are focused on initiatives that benefit Marion County, Indiana.

Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility focus area supports charitable and educational programs that strengthen workforce readiness, postsecondary and skills-based educational pathways, and housing stability to promote long-term prosperity. This support is focused on Marion County, Indiana, with the goal of improving economic opportunity for low-income communities and advancing community well-being.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council aims to enhance transportation opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities through funded projects. By expanding access to transportation, the council seeks to empower individuals with I/IDD to achieve independence and improve their quality of life. Two projects may receive $50,000 annually for five years, supporting diverse entities in Ohio. This initiative aligns with the council's mission to foster inclusion and community involvement for people with disabilities.

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.

Ohio Rural Health Workforce Pipeline; Pathways, Upskilling, and Retention

Summary

Ohio recognizes the need to develop long-lasting pipelines that engage students at the earliest stages of career planning to educate them about the numerous opportunities that exist in healthcare. This is vitally important in rural areas where the need for workforce is great and we have the opportunity to create pathways for Ohio’s students in K-12 education settings to explore rural health careers, initiate learning in high school, continue training close to home (in technical/trade schools, community colleges, or universities with significant rural engagement), and secure careers in health provider settings within the rural communities that are most familiar to them. Our activities in this initiative will place high priority on integrating pipelines, recruitment and retention activities for 5-year work commitments, and upskilling and workforce development in RHTP sites. Projects will be implemented in partnership with academic institutions, other training facilities, and professional and paraprofessional associations to:

• In conjunction with the ODH and other state agencies, identify and prioritize rural healthcare workforce needs in Ohio’s 73 identified rural counties.
• Coordinate workforce pipeline activities between high schools, universities, community colleges, career technical schools, and healthcare employers. Activities include career awareness/exploration, pathways education awareness, and career awareness programs in K-12 education, secondary education programs, rural work-based learning/apprenticeships, career placement agreements with employers, and coordinating all Federal and State workforce development and financial resources. This could also include a multi-state approach for educational and healthcare systems that transcend state lines. A focus is placed on placements in RHTP facilities and partner programs funded through Ohio’s RHTP
• Provide rural recruitment and retention incentives and 6-month housing stipends for those who relocate to serve in rural communities for a minimum of 5-year commitments. This project will support filling workforce needs for various healthcare capacities, e.g., MD/DO, nurses, pharmacists, therapy providers, dietitians, behavioral health, oral health, optometry, audiology, Community Healthcare Workers (CHW)/navigators, etc. This could also include a multi-state approach for educational and healthcare systems that transcend state lines.
• Identify and promote continuing education opportunities for Ohio’s healthcare workforce.
• Collaborate with ODH, other state agencies, and vendors who are operationalizing RHT initiatives to support the workforce needs of those projects.

The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tuition Scholarships for American students of Polish descent pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Scholarships can provide up to $12,000 for full-time studies, including master's and Ph.D. programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with Polish heritage and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Poland, supporting various fields of study.

The Delaware County Foundation's Community Grants program aims to strengthen communities through charitable giving. Since its inception in 1995, the foundation has provided over $18 million in funding to support various nonprofit organizations in Delaware County, focusing on areas such as animal welfare, arts and culture, basic needs, education, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability. Organizations addressing these critical areas are encouraged to apply for funding to enhance community well-being.

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.

Rural Health Transformation Pharmacy Initiative

Summary

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71403 of Public Law 119-21) and empowers the state to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality and outcomes by transforming the current system. Five key strategic goals of the program, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) are:

• Make rural America healthy again
• Sustainable access
• Workforce development
• Innovative Care
• Technology Innovation

Ohio’s plan aligns with federal priorities to improve the health of rural residents through sustainable access, workforce development, innovative care, and tech advancement. As part of Ohio's Rural Health Transformation Program, the selected vendor will engage in activities to maximize the role that pharmacists and pharmacies play in ensuring access to healthcare in rural Ohio and Support systems and policy changes to allow pharmacists and pharmacies in rural Ohio to operate under an expanded scope of practice and provide training these professionals need to do so successfully. This work with pharmacists supports the RHTP objective of improving the health of rural Ohioans through chronic disease management, care coordination, and reducing drug related adverse events

The George Gund Foundation provides grants to support various program areas including climate and environmental justice, creative culture and arts, public education, thriving families and social justice, and vibrant neighborhoods and inclusive economy in Cleveland. The foundation prioritizes projects that advocate for underrepresented communities and work towards sustainability and equity. By fostering collaboration and policy change, it aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents while addressing systemic barriers to opportunity.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation supports charitable organizations focused on basic provisions for underserved populations, humane care of animals, health care services, public media, and environmental initiatives. The foundation prioritizes organizations in Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick, and encourages requests for general operating support, program support, and capital projects, while maintaining a focus on the impact of their services.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

The Japan – U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program aims to foster collaborative projects addressing global issues through partnerships between Japanese and American organizations. It focuses on policy-oriented research and dialogue among diverse professionals, including academia and grassroots practitioners. Key thematic areas include resilience, inclusivity, and advancements in science and technology. Projects outside these themes may also be eligible if aligned with grant goals, covering topics like climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

About Us

The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.

All In Play: Empowering Inclusive Sports in K-12 Schools

This grant will support the development and expansion of inclusive K–12 athletic programs that increase access to meaningful participation for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including those with significant support needs. The goal is to build school and community capacity, not to deliver direct services.

Grantees will implement a train‑the‑trainer model that equips school staff, coaches, and university partners with practical strategies for inclusive sports program design, adaptive coaching, and peer‑to‑peer engagement. Projects must include approaches that prepare trainers to support students across the full spectrum of abilities and to train student peers in disability awareness, communication, and inclusive teamwork.

Funded activities may include developing training materials, delivering trainer sessions, providing technical assistance to schools, building partnerships with university PT/OT programs, and collecting best practices. Projects should emphasize sustainability, replication, and long‑term systems change.

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:

• Build capacity within schools to design and sustain inclusive athletic programs.
• Train educators, coaches, and university partners to support students with all levels of disability.
• Incorporate structured peer‑engagement models (e.g., buddy systems, mentorship).
• Provide technical assistance that helps schools implement inclusive practices effectively.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and share outcomes.

This grant aligns with ODDC priorities by promoting community inclusion, strengthening local capacity, supporting cross‑disability participation, and fostering collaborative partnerships that lead to lasting systemic change.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Opportunity Youth Grants

Funds recreational programs benefiting youth and ensure that all young people enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well.

In 2015, The Columbus Foundation commissioned a research report from Jobs for the Future to better understand the challenges youth and young adults in Franklin County ages 18 to 24 were facing. At that time, it was found that 20,500 young people, referred to as opportunity youth, were not on track to graduate and/or were disconnected from society. This presented an opportunity for our community to reach out to them, intensify our efforts to reconnect, and facilitate pathways to success and self-sufficiency.

A cross-sector group of community stakeholders, including The Columbus Foundation, worked in collaboration to arrive at the theory of change that all youth should be able to enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well. Six focus areas were identified: Civic Engagement, Education, Health and Wellness, Housing, Support Systems, and Workforce.

This Opportunity Youth coalition continues to work together to create a continuum of support that both engages youth who are currently disconnected while working upstream to ensure all youth enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well.

The Global Health and Wellbeing Grantmaking program by Coefficient Giving focuses on addressing critical health and welfare issues worldwide. With an emphasis on proactive engagement and evidence-based solutions, the initiative supports projects that improve health outcomes and wellbeing. The program prioritizes funding for organizations tackling neglected global health challenges, advocating for effective philanthropy, and enhancing the lives of both humans and animals in vulnerable communities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Request for Proposals: Launchpad Funds

Background

Coefficient Giving is increasing its giving, primarily to prepare for the billions of dollars in new philanthropic capital that may become available in the coming years. Our increased giving in global health and wellbeing is a temporary surge, with two objectives: to smooth funding and pull forward initiatives we expect to be cost-effective, and to help create an ecosystem of regrantors and implementers with the capacity to allocate this new money as cost-effectively as possible. Additional context on our scaling is provided in this blog post. 

With new potential capital on the way, we want to increase the supply of actionable and fundable plans to address some of the world’s hardest problems. We’re looking for specific, credible strategies to convert funding into measurable progress. Our ideal funds are:

However, we are also open to funds that are thematic and don’t have a quantified goal — for example, a fund organized around a promising type of intervention. Such funds still need to be led by a single, identifiable person who is accountable for the fund’s direction.

Through this request for EOIs, we aim to seed or scale Launchpad Funds that can grow to $100m+ over the next few years. We don’t seek scale for its own sake; it is a proxy for the ambition of the fund, and a signal that the problem is large and tractable enough to justify deploying significantly more capital over time.

What we will fund

• We expect to support established ideas that have either not yet secured anchor support or could significantly scale beyond their existing level of funding.
• This funding can cover operating expenses, but we expect most of it to be used for activities that make progress on the fund’s goals — whether through regranting or direct implementation.
• For exceptional proposals, we may consider funding levels beyond $50m. We anticipate higher funding levels will involve more thought partnership from our team.
• While we don’t expect to make grants longer than 36 months, funded proposals may later be considered for additional funding beyond the initial period.

The Lake Erie Environmental Justice Grant, awarded by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, aims to support restoration projects in historically underserved communities within Ohio's Lake Erie watershed. Funded through the U.S. EPA’s Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Program, this initiative focuses on enhancing stormwater management, strengthening coastal resilience, and advancing environmental justice. With a significant grant of up to $750,000, OLEC collaborates with partners like Black Environmental Leaders and Rural Action to ensure equitable resource distribution and impactful outcomes.

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

UPWARD for Youth: Unlocking Potential with Advocacy, Resources and Development for Youth

(K) (i) DEMONSTRATION OF NEW APPROACHES TO SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. The Council may support and conduct, on a time-limited basis, activities to demonstrate new approaches to serving individuals with developmental disabilities that are a part of an overall strategy for systemic change. The strategy may involve the education of policymakers and the public about how to deliver effectively, to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, services, supports, and assistance that contribute to the achievement of the purpose of this subtitle.

Advocacy: People with I/DD, their family members and others will participate in and have information about a broad range of leadership and advocacy development opportunities

People with I/DD will learn self-advocacy and leadership skills each year and put the skills into practice

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

The Excellence in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award

The purpose of the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award is to recognize the contribution of a member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to advance equitable health outcomes and reduce health disparities through research, which has enhanced the science and practice of nursing in the MNRS region.  

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

MNRS Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an MNRS member who has significantly advanced the profession of nursing either through an extensive program of research or creation of environments where research can flourish, and whose sustained leadership and distinguished career yielded outstanding and noteworthy accomplishments. 

The Tree Fund: Ohio Chapter ISA Education Grant Program, established in 2012, supports arboricultural education initiatives across Ohio. This annual $5,000 grant aims to enhance public awareness and knowledge in arboriculture and urban forestry, benefiting communities and the environment. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and educational institutions that serve individuals aged 16 and older, with projects needing hands-on components and solid evaluation metrics to measure impact.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

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.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Project

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

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.

**THIS GRANT IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED APPLICATIONS FOR THE MARCH 2024 DEADLINE**

Our Mission

To fund crucial efforts today that help every child in Cuyahoga County grow into adulthood with health, wellness and dignity.

Our Focus

Because every child is a partner in the future of our city.

The Bruening Foundation aims to improve quality of life in Cuyahoga County by investing proactively in early childhood development.

We know that economic adversity experienced early in life compromises brain development, health and earnings over a lifetime. The ages between 0-3 are the critical years. This short window of time is our opportunity to disrupt the consequences of poverty, both for the potential of the child and the continued success of our city. We support efforts targeted to young children with the understanding that the benefits of social and educational interventions are strongest in the earliest years.

Inspired by a compassionate civic vision. Informed by our legacy.

Our focus is a modern interpretation of our founding couple’s vision and voice.

With no children of their own, Eva and Joseph Bruening viewed the children of Cleveland as their legacy and felt they had a responsibility to care for those in need. They strongly believed in the importance of building hope in their community by alleviating the roots of poverty.

That mission continues to influence the Bruening Foundation’s focus today. We invest in efforts to improve overall quality of life by empowering economically disadvantaged individuals to navigate through life with dignity and to gain greater personal and economic security and self sufficiency. Our grantmaking priorities reflect an interest in helping families out of poverty through improved education, access to long-term benefits and connections to employment

Thinking. Learning. Changing. Doing. Bruening.

At the Bruening Foundation, we are thinking about how to address poverty in our community. We are part of the community conversation and learning about best practices to lift families out of poverty. We support grantees that are doing important programming and changing the course for families living in poverty. That is the Bruening way.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.