Best Grants for Children in Ohio

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation grants to support youth services and related community programs. Eligible organizations must be within the bank’s service footprint and request funds for non-payroll needs that benefit low- to moderate-income individuals and families.

Ohio youth-serving Kiwanis clubs can receive US $500 mini grants for new service projects that promote safe and healthy kids, including bike, water, internet, and fire safety, nutrition, mental health, bullying prevention, and drug addiction programs. Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation provides this matching-fund support to help clubs launch impactful children’s initiatives.

Nonprofit and community organizations providing direct services to homeless youth and homeless pregnant youth in Ohio can seek funding to implement approaches that prevent and end youth homelessness. The Ohio Department of Health and Human Services offers awards of more than US $30,000 for youth-focused homelessness services, with technical assistance and data support provided through COHHIO.

Ohio youth-serving community agencies and local health departments can receive funding to build adolescent resilience and trauma-informed supports in Ohio. Grants from the Ohio Department of Health support expanding a train-the-trainer model for trusted adults and creating Youth Engagement Groups that elevate youth voices in community health planning across at least one county, with awards up to US $100,000.

Ohio youth-serving organizations working on suicide prevention can access funding through Ohio Department of Health and Human Services to continue existing YS26 projects. Grants up to US $76,300 support year 4 activities, with optional supplemental funds for leading the state’s youth suicide prevention coalition and supporting local Suicide Fatality Review committees.

Ohio institutions of higher education and eligible nonprofit colleges can receive funding to expand youth-focused gambling harm prevention and early intervention on campuses in Ohio. Focused on youth services, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services invites one statewide partner to build campus capacity and coordinate a network reducing gambling-related harm among college students.

Ohio youth-serving organizations focused on developmental disabilities can seek funding to build self-advocacy and leadership skills among young people with I/DD. Ohio children and youth programs can access funding through Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council to demonstrate new approaches to services and supports and educate policymakers and the public about effective supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three active years that serve children and youth in Ohio can seek funding for programs in education, health, food security, recreation, youth wellness, and life skills. With a mission to support youth and families, Cavaliers Youth Foundation typically awards approximately US $10,000, prioritizing at-risk youth in Northeast Ohio.

School districts, LEAs, and community-based organizations in Ohio can use this grant for high-quality after-school, summer, and expanded learning time programs serving children from economically disadvantaged families in low-performing schools. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce supports youth services, academic enrichment, and family engagement initiatives that benefit children and youth across the state.

Ohio youth-serving nonprofits can seek project support for education, youth programs, and related community services that benefit children and families. Republic Bank Foundation supports initiatives such as education and youth programs, family and community welfare, recreation, and civic projects within its service area, which includes Ohio-based 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(19) organizations.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Ohio and other eligible regions can receive donated toys to distribute to the kids they serve. The Toy Foundation’s Toy Chest program channels industry toy donations through regional logistics partners, allowing approved member organizations to pick up toys quarterly from the nearest facility for their programs.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits in Ohio serving children battling illness can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 annually to build or expand gaming programs for pediatric patients. Joy in Childhood Foundation funds equipment, staffing, connectivity, and virtual programming, with a focus on engaging teens through bedside and remote play experiences.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities serving youth and families can access funding through the Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation for programs in arts and culture, education, health, housing, environment, and human services. Priority goes to organizations in Akron and Summit County working to enrich local children’s lives and communities.

501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio serving children or advancing environmental stewardship can apply for Sprague’s charitable contribution program, with awards ranging from US $250 - US $10,000. Funding supports impactful community programs, especially those where modest grants create significant results for youth services or environmental initiatives within Sprague’s operating areas.

Nonprofit agencies, organizations, and Kiwanis family clubs in Ohio can seek funding for youth and family projects that keep kids safe and healthy. With a mission to support impactful community service, Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation provides grants up to US $3,000, prioritizing innovative, outreach-focused programs involving Kiwanis volunteers and matching support.

Nonprofit organizations improving children’s physical activity, nutrition education, and access to healthy food in Ohio and other eligible states can apply for approximately US $25,000 to support year-round programs or select capital needs. Grants from Advocare Foundation prioritize long-term solutions that help children and families in high-risk communities lead happy, healthy, and safe lives.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Ohio communities can seek Huntington National Bank’s support for youth services and other community programs that improve self-sufficiency and quality of life. Focus areas include community services, affordable and supportive housing, economic and community development, and racial and social equity initiatives benefiting low- and moderate-income children and families.

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community organizations in Ohio that engage AmeriCorps members in youth and community service programs can apply for funding to run intensive service projects. ServeOhio administers AmeriCorps in Ohio, supporting evidence-based initiatives in areas like youth services, education, health, and economic opportunity that benefit children and families.

Children’s and general hospitals with pediatric departments in Ohio can apply for grants to host prom-like experiences for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. Joy in Childhood Foundation provides US $20,000 - US $50,000 to support event space, food, entertainment, formal wear, and related prom costs.

The Store-Based Giving Program by Ross Stores Foundation supports socioeconomically disadvantaged youth by providing gift cards for school or professional clothing. Organizations must be federal tax-exempt and serve at least 60% low-income youth. Eligible programs include academic achievement and life skills initiatives. Award amounts typically range from $300 to $500, depending on budget and mission alignment. Applications are not accepted from organizations that have received donations within the past 12 months.

Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant provides vital support to community-based non-profit organizations focused on Education, Domestic Violence, and Physical or Mental Health Challenges. With grants up to $25,000, the foundation aims to honor Mildred's commitment to improving lives and creating a better world. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits providing direct services in these areas. Notably, the foundation excludes funding for certain institutions, ensuring resources are directed to those genuinely in need.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Earth Rising Foundation Grants provide financial support ranging from $200 to $20,000 for grassroots climate initiatives. The foundation emphasizes empowering Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing social justice issues linked to climate change. By fostering youth involvement and supporting innovative projects, the foundation aims to create a vision for a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet. Applications must be submitted through a US-based nonprofit organization.

The Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

USA Football’s Flag Equipment Grant supports youth organizations and schools in need of flag belts and footballs for girls flag football programs. Eligible applicants include legally designated non-profits in good standing with USA Football. The grant provides USA Football-branded equipment, with quantities determined by the application responses. Organizations are unable to select items from a catalog, as awards are issued directly from warehouse partners, ensuring accessibility for participants.