Best Grants for Churches in Ohio

Churches and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Ohio serving children’s health, education, and welfare can seek grants from the Dan Paul Foundation. Funding up to US $15,000 supports youth development, early childhood programs, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, and refugee enrichment; faith-based organizations with qualifying youth programs may be eligible.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first, mission-driven for-profits in Ohio tackling urgent social or environmental challenges can receive up to US $300,000 over three years to scale proven solutions. With a mission to improve underserved communities, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides support for scalable, systems-focused models, and churches with qualifying social impact programs may be eligible.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in charitable, educational, scientific, or medical fields can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, making this a potential fit for church-affiliated nonprofits with qualifying activities.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions can seek funding for projects advancing healthy eating, active living, thriving neighborhoods, or mental health and addiction in eligible Mid-Ohio Valley counties. Grants from Sisters Health Foundation help churches and faith-based organizations in these areas with program, capacity building, equipment, small capital, or general operating support, with awards more than US $5,000.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches and other charitable, educational, scientific, literary, religious, and civic groups, can apply for the Mylander Foundation’s grants, with awards of more than US $1,000 for one-year projects serving Ohio residents. Faith-based organizations in Erie County and the surrounding region may be especially competitive.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing year-round, direct-service community programs can seek one-time project funding through the Mary Jane Ritson Charitable Trust, designated for Jefferson County and Steubenville. Established churches and other Christian organizations that meet these IRS classifications and impact local community needs may be eligible if they demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainability.

Churches and 501(c)(3) Christian ministries in the Southern region can seek support for programs in poverty relief, education, disaster response, family and youth services, medical assistance, and spiritual endeavors. Grants from Robinson Foundation help faith-based organizations with at least three years of activity deliver tangible, meaningful impact; capital projects are not funded.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services, programs, or fundraising events can apply for grants or event sponsorships; funding is limited to Franklin and Hamilton counties. Insperity provides philanthropic contributions to organizations connected to its employees, clients, or local communities, with eligible charities able to request either a grant or sponsorship once per year.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits and church-based groups with tax-exempt umbrella organizations can seek up to US $500 for specific family, safety, or community enhancement projects. Focused on grassroots initiatives, Baltimore Life Foundation invites programs like child safety education, community clean-ups, and neighborhood watch activities that already have strong volunteer support.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Ohio churches and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky region can seek funding for education, arts, community development, and human services programs. Fifth Third Foundation, through multiple trustee funds, also supports religious outreach, poverty relief, youth and women’s services, disability support, and other charitable initiatives in Greater Cincinnati and surrounding counties.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including churches, schools, and government entities serving Erie County residents, can apply for Erie County Community Foundation’s Access to Recreation Fund; awards support projects expanding recreational access and facilities for people of all abilities. Operational costs such as salaries may be included when aligned with community grant priorities.

Ohio 501(c)(3) health care providers seeking funding to purchase health care equipment for Erie County residents may be eligible for this program. Erie County Community Foundation’s Buckeye Broadband Fund supports qualifying nonprofits, including churches and other entities with group exemptions, that provide health services and aim to strengthen community health care access and delivery.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including churches, schools, and governmental entities, can seek grants to provide medical services, educational rehabilitation, and emotional support for children in Erie County. Erie County Community Foundation funding can cover program costs and some operational expenses for organizations serving local children’s health and developmental needs.

Ohio churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations offering performing arts or theater programs for Erie County residents can apply for the Huron Playhouse Fund for the Arts. Focused on creative performing arts, Erie County Community Foundation invites proposals that build capacity, encourage collaboration, and sustain theatrical projects that benefit the local community.

Ohio churches, schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and public entities serving Erie County can seek funding for environmental education projects, including workshops, field trips, and programs on local issues. Focused on environmental education, Erie County Community Foundation invites eligible organizations to propose collaborative, sustainable initiatives that benefit Erie County residents and may include certain operational costs.

Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries in Ohio can seek support for staff or volunteer spiritual renewal, education, sabbaticals, and retreats. Focused on ministry development and Catholic identity, the Catholic Community Foundation’s Tabor Fund offers up to US $1,500 per grant for conferences, respite periods, and organized retreats that strengthen Christian service and leadership.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can seek project, operating, or capital support that benefits local communities. With a mission to strengthen underserved individuals and families, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to U.S.-based charities in areas such as hunger, homelessness, literacy, and health access; faith-based groups organized for religious purposes are ineligible.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental conservation, mental health, youth leadership, or services for seniors, people with developmental disabilities, or hospice care can seek project support through these Focused Funds Grants. With a mission to strengthen the community, The Columbus Foundation provides competitive awards up to US $25,000, which may benefit church-affiliated nonprofits meeting these priorities.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and government units in Ohio serving Clark County can seek Springfield Foundation’s competitive grants to support community programs in arts and culture, civic affairs, education, environment, health, and human services. With a mission to strengthen local quality of life, Springfield Foundation provides funding for projects that address current community needs.