Best Grants for Children in Ohio

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.

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.

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.

Grants from Jack in the Box Foundation help Ohio youth services and children’s nonprofits that feed, educate, and empower young people. 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities within 50 miles of a Jack in the Box restaurant can apply for US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support local youth-focused programs, with letters from franchisees or employees strengthening applications.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation Community Support Grants aim to enhance community welfare by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With a commitment to 'people helping people' since 1908, the foundation focuses on areas like youth programming, homelessness, and civic support. In 2023 alone, they donated over $200,000 to 190 organizations, reflecting their dedication to improving lives in New Hampshire. They prioritize funding for nonprofits within their service areas, ensuring impactful contributions to local communities.

The St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation 1908 Funds Grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire, focusing on community development and services. Established to uphold St. Mary’s Bank's commitment to social responsibility, these grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, aim to foster financial independence and address issues like homelessness, youth support, and civic engagement. The Foundation prioritizes projects that benefit local communities and promote long-term sustainability.

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.

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.

The AED Grant, offered by USA Football, supports youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in acquiring essential Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative ensures that lifesaving equipment is readily available during emergencies. Recipients receive specific AED models, comprehensive training, and certification to guarantee proper usage. Eligible applicants must be non-profits in good standing with USA Football, promoting safety and preparedness on the field.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

The W.R. & Floy A. Sauey Family Foundation, established in 1998, aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropy. It prioritizes local charities that support child and family issues, particularly in areas where Nordic Group Member Companies operate. The foundation seeks to create lasting impacts by funding initiatives that directly benefit the families associated with these companies, fostering a stronger quality of life in the communities served.