Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Ohio

The Music Family Scholarship, funded by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music appreciation and accessibility for children and communities. Established in 1948, the MPTF provides free live music programs across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on underserved populations. Eligible applicants must have a parent in good standing with a Local AFM and be enrolled in higher education for fall 2025. This scholarship encourages artistic expression and community unity through music, fostering enriching experiences for all.

The Cody and Zach Skilled Trades Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports graduates from Merrill High School and the Great Lakes Bay Region pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE). With an emphasis on practical skills in various trades, this scholarship helps bridge the gap in financial assistance for students aiming for lucrative careers in fields like welding, carpentry, and more. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, promoting a skilled workforce in the community.

The AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program aims to promote inclusion within the optometric profession. This program offers $1,500 grants to under-represented minority students who are applying to optometry school. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who meet specific academic criteria. The initiative seeks to enhance diversity in the field and expand access to primary eye care, supporting the next generation of optometrists.

The Music's Future Scholarship, provided by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music education by offering financial support to students enrolled in music degree programs. The scholarship requires applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, submit a letter of reference, a resume, a personal statement, and a prior semester transcript. This initiative not only encourages academic excellence but also addresses the importance of music in education, fostering opportunities for students to discuss improvements in music education.

Presser Foundation

Passionate about music, Theodore Presser wanted to give back to it. When he died in 1925, he had been widowed twice without any children. The bulk of his fortune was left to The Presser Foundation, which was formally established 14 years after his death. From 1995 to June 2021, The Presser Foundation gave more than $80 million to music organizations, undergraduate and graduate music students, and retired music teachers.

Originally, the Foundation sought to promote the causes of musical education and musical philanthropy by providing scholarships for promising students, supporting the construction of buildings for music organizations, and directing aid to retired music teachers. Over time, the Foundation has evolved to support a broad array of music genres, expand its grantmaking areas, convene its nonprofit partners at special events, and collaborate with fellow funders, while continuing to follow the original intent and wishes of Theodore Presser.

Assistance to Music Teachers

Theodore Presser, mindful of his own early struggles in the profession, was committed to the support of music teachers. He also felt a sense of gratitude for the thousands of teachers who were the primary customers of his music publication business. In 1906, he established the Presser Home for Retired Music Teachers in Philadelphia. When it was no longer practical to maintain an independent facility, the Foundation created the Assistance to Music Teachers Committee to carry on its basic mission of financial support for retired teachers with financial need.

Typically, the Foundation provides modest financial assistance and/or help with the cost of medical insurance. Awards are made to individuals living in the United States whose primary occupation was as a teacher of music. To be considered for Assistance, applicants must be nominated by a music institution for consideration. 

The Next Generation Undergraduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, aims to support diverse students pursuing architecture degrees. With a total award of up to $20,000, the scholarship is available to US citizens or permanent residents who are seniors in high school or second-year college students enrolled in NAAB-accredited programs. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in the architectural profession, empowering future leaders to shape the built environment.

The Next Generation Graduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, supports aspiring architects from diverse backgrounds. With an award of up to $20,000 over five years, it aims to enhance education accessibility in architecture. This initiative honors Whitney Young Jr.'s call for a more responsible profession, inviting students from technical schools, community colleges, and non-NAAB programs to apply. The scholarship not only aids in educational pursuits but also fosters a network of future leaders in architecture.

The Undergraduate Development Program Advisor Travel Award, hosted by the Society of Toxicology, enables faculty advisors to attend the Undergraduate Development Program from March 21-23, 2026. This initiative aims to familiarize advisors with toxicology and encourage them to guide students toward careers in biomedical sciences. Recipients of the award will participate in educational sessions, networking opportunities, and receive support for travel-related expenses, fostering diversity and innovation within the field.

The Donald Stuart Corsaut Memorial Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors a dedicated man who believed in helping others succeed. This scholarship supports residents of Saginaw County pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) or undergraduate degrees, with awards ranging from $500 to $4,000. Applicants must maintain a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 and demonstrate commitment to skilled trades, reflecting the growing demand for skilled workers in various fields.

Michelle M. Vasenda Fund

Established in memory of Michelle M. Vasenda, a career nurse who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2009. It was her vision to create a scholarship to help those committed to helping others.

Amount: Varies

• $1,000-$2,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

The Rotary Club of Hagerstown Sunrise Foundation Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating high school students and non-traditional learners pursuing a degree or certificate in various fields. This initiative, supported by the Community Foundation of Washington County, aims to honor local contributions and foster educational opportunities. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to community service and leadership. Scholarships open annually in January and close on April 1st, benefiting the community for generations.

The Frederick Douglass Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial support to deserving students of African-American descent graduating from Erie High School or NW PA Collegiate Academy. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to help more than 500 students pursue their post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to empower young individuals in their educational journeys and promote diversity in higher education.

The Yass Prize & STOP Awards Initiative aims to revolutionize education by recognizing and supporting exceptional education providers focused on Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education. Established in 2021, the initiative awards funds to organizations serving Pre-K to 12th grade students across the United States, fostering impactful partnerships and innovative practices. With a commitment to transforming educational experiences, the initiative celebrates the vital work of educators in response to contemporary challenges.

The Donald & Janice Svehla Family Endowed Scholarship, established in 2022 by their sons, supports students from Lincoln Northeast High School pursuing higher education. This initiative, backed by the Lincoln Community Foundation, honors Donald and Janice's dedication to education and community involvement. In 2025, the scholarship contributed to over $606,000 awarded to 299 recipients. It emphasizes the importance of academic excellence alongside financial need, continuing a legacy of support for local students.

The African-American Community Foundation - Yokley-Gamblin Family Scholarship, established in 2019, aims to support underrepresented ethnic minority students from Montgomery County in their educational journeys. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, excel in community involvement, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or below. Recipients can use the funds for tuition at accredited institutions, including technical schools and colleges, fostering educational opportunities for deserving candidates.

The Emma Jean Frierson Memorial Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Michigan residents pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational training in nursing. This scholarship honors Emma Jean Frierson, a dedicated LPN and nursing program graduate who positively impacted her community. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, the scholarship aims to help students in financial need access quality education in nursing, a vital field with growing demand.

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship offers $5,000 merit-based scholarships to New Jersey residents pursuing degrees in nursing or health sciences. Applicants must be juniors or seniors enrolled at accredited UNCF Member Institutions or other four-year institutions, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative supports the mission of UNCF, which has raised over $6 billion to help minority students thrive in higher education, advocating for the importance of education and community engagement.

The Stephen Francis McNally Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships up to $4,250 for undergraduate students at UNCF-member institutions or accredited HBCUs. Established in honor of Steve McNally, this fund aims to support students facing financial challenges that hinder their college completion. With over 70% graduation rates for recipients, the scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also empowers students to thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits.

The Flegenheimer Family Scholarship, established in 1998 by Marjorie and Ernest Flegenheimer, aims to support Saginaw County students in furthering their education. With a strong belief in the value of higher education, the scholarship encourages students to pursue careers in various fields, especially those in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, and eligibility includes a minimum 2.0 GPA and residency in Saginaw County.

The Samuel Hunter Agricultural Education Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, aims to support students graduating from WCPS high schools, especially those from Smithsburg High School. This scholarship is designed for students pursuing post-secondary education in agricultural fields, with a preference for FFA/4-H participants. With its commitment to enhancing local education, this scholarship not only honors community contributions but also promotes vital career paths in agriculture.

The Do it Best Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on community needs, particularly in health and wellness, youth enrichment, the arts, and community development. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with no strict limits based on quarterly applications. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and be located near specific areas. This initiative aims to enhance community resources and foster connections among residents.

The Abbvie Parkinson’s Disease Grant aims to enhance the understanding and management of subcutaneous infusion therapies for advanced Parkinson’s disease. As these therapies become more prevalent, it is crucial for Movement Disorder Specialists and General Neurologists to develop confidence in identifying, mitigating, and managing infusion site events. This grant seeks to provide essential education and resources to support safe and effective treatment options for patients experiencing motor fluctuations.

The NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD Summer Research Education Program supports the recruitment of early-stage investigators and aims to provide hands-on research experiences in Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. Targeting high school students, undergraduates, and science teachers, the program enhances STEM education through authentic research opportunities and educational activities. By fostering early exposure to research, it aims to stimulate interest in AD/ADRD careers and address workforce shortages in this critical field.

The NIDCD Research Fellowship for Audiologists provides clinical audiologists enrolled in Ph.D. programs with essential research training. This initiative encourages the integration of clinical and translational research, fostering strong research foundations vital for advancing audiology and hearing healthcare. Although applications are not currently being solicited, the program aims to prepare potential candidates for meaningful collaborations and impactful research projects in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences.

The Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program aims to enhance the lives of U.S. veterans by funding the construction or rehabilitation of supportive housing. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience in veteran housing. Since 2011, the Foundation has committed over $550 million to veteran causes and seeks to invest an additional $750 million by 2030, focusing on projects in major cities across the U.S.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Richard and Helen Daron Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington Area School District, which established the Richard and Helen Daron Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This scholarship is presented to graduating seniors of Ludington High School. Award recipients must pursue a degree or certification at any two- or four-year accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school. Award recipients are eligible to receive up to three renewals.