Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Ohio

Ohio 501(c)(3) education nonprofits and public agencies with budgets under $10 million can seek more than US $20,000 to run programs serving communities within 60 miles of downtown Cincinnati. The Elsa Heisel Sule Charitable Trust favors program and project support, including embedded operating costs, across education and related community-focused areas.

Ohio education and youth-focused 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(19) nonprofits can seek project support for programs such as education, youth services, and family and community welfare. Republic Bank Foundation also considers civic, healthcare, recreation, and cultural initiatives that benefit people within its Ohio service area, plus occasional in-kind equipment donations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in Ohio within Aqua or Peoples service areas can apply for Essential Foundation grants to support environmental initiatives, education, human services, emergency services, and community economic growth. Funding may benefit education-focused nonprofits addressing quality of life, food insecurity, or other essential community needs in these utility-served regions.

Education and community-focused nonprofits in Ohio can seek support for programs serving children, the elderly, the arts, nature, and underprivileged populations. With a mission to compassionately assist the underprivileged and elderly and promote community service and education, Andrea Rose Teodosio Memorial Found provides flexible funding that may benefit education-focused organizations.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Ohio can seek funding for programs that build skills, including STEM, prepare a ready workforce, and expand employment opportunities. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation also back initiatives that improve the environment and foster healthy, vibrant communities in areas where the company operates, including Ohio.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Ohio can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation grants to support programs serving low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Funding may also benefit organizations working in youth services, human and social services, economic development, arts and culture, and environmental initiatives within the bank’s multistate service footprint.

Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations with educational, charitable, scientific, literary, religious, or civic projects can seek more than US $1,000 for one-year initiatives serving Ohio residents, preferably Erie County. Ohio education nonprofits can access funding via the Mylander Foundation, which considers community impact, ability to move a project toward completion, and other available funding sources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three active years that run youth-focused programs in education, health, food security, recreation, or life skills in Ohio can apply for grants of approximately US $10,000. With a mission to support children, families, and young adults, Cavaliers Youth Foundation prioritizes initiatives serving at-risk youth in Northeast Ohio.

Ohio high school seniors who participated in athletics and plan to major in education or school counseling can receive scholarship support for college in Ohio. The Muskingum County Community Foundation’s Ruth & Ralph Sharrer Scholarship assists students with at least a 3.0 GPA who intend to work in schools, which may interest education-focused organizations supporting local youth.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio seeking support for education and related community programs may be eligible for grants from the W. & H. Bender Memorial Fund. Grants from W. & H. Bender Memorial Fund help Ohio education and human services organizations, especially in Youngstown and Columbus, alongside work in arts, health, environment, animal welfare, religion, and civic affairs.

Education and community nonprofits and schools in Ohio working on mobility, education, environment, or traffic safety programs for marginalized communities near Honda locations can seek funding for mobility-related initiatives. Grants from Honda USA Foundation help eligible U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts with therapeutic or adaptive programs, comprehensive care, and mobility modifications, awarding US $25,000 - US $100,000.

Ohio education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing education, hunger, or community servants can access funding through Casey's General Stores if they operate in a Casey’s community. Support is available for programs meeting these focus areas, with priority for organizations not yet funded in the current giving year and rolling review of requests.

The Drexel Fund Founders Program is a one-year paid fellowship that helps outstanding leaders already on the path to launching a school continue to plan and open an innovative and effective private school in one of The Drexel Fund’s target states: Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The tenth cohort of the Founders Program is designed for entrepreneurs who will begin the fellowship in Summer 2027 and be ready to launch a new private school in Fall 2028.Through the fellowship, school founders will develop their school’s education model and finalize the nuts and bolts of their school launch, including board and budget development, market analysis, facility location, student recruitment and staff hiring. Founders will create a plan that will make it possible for their school to achieve top-tier results for children while maintaining a sustainable financial model.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities can seek funding for education, youth, arts, environment, healthcare, housing, and human services projects that benefit Akron and Summit County residents. The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation prioritizes locally based organizations and local chapters of national charities serving these communities.

Ohio education nonprofits can access funding through the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust to support educational opportunities for deserving and needy students. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities in Ohio and other select U.S. locations may also propose projects in environmental protection, medical research and care, and assistance for underprivileged and vulnerable populations.

The James Madison Graduate Fellowship supports U.S. citizens pursuing master's degrees focused on the Constitution, enhancing their constitutional knowledge for teaching. Fellows are required to teach American history, government, or civics at the secondary level for one year per funding year. Financially, the fellowship awards up to $24,000, covering tuition and fees, and must be repaid if fellowship conditions are unmet. This program ensures future educators embody constitutional principles in their teaching.

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.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Zyne Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance and support Catholic faith-based organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to education, medical research, and family values. The foundation's mission focuses on making a direct impact on individuals' daily lives, ensuring that these initiatives can thrive both now and in the future, promoting community well-being and development.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation Grants support nonprofits that align with five key focus areas: The Arts, Community Empowerment, Conservation, Education, and Urban Design. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations that improve education, strengthen communities, promote the arts, and advocate for environmental stewardship. Grants are available exclusively to 501(c)(3) organizations, and unsolicited proposals are not accepted. The foundation emphasizes measurable outcomes and strong leadership in the nonprofits it supports.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

IBMA  Foundation Project Grants

The IBMA Foundation awards project grants each year, usually in amounts between $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2024. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in one of the following areas

• Arts & culture
• Education
• Literary or academic programs
• History preservation

The Howe Foundation, established by Thomas E. Howe in Clark County, Nevada, supports U.S. charitable organizations focused on education, medical advancements, and game hunters associations. Grants are administered by Wells Fargo Bank, with applications reviewed annually in September. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt under the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for meaningful community initiatives.

The Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and focuses on charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. With grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 and an annual budget of approximately $55,000, the trust primarily serves Alabama organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, but must meet specific deadlines for review. This grant offers opportunities across diverse areas such as arts, education, health, and human services.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The Greenpoint Foundation Grant aims to enhance community life by supporting organizations that focus on agriculture, food security, education, and community enhancement. Established in 2022, the Foundation accepts grant applications year-round for both general operating budgets and specific projects. Priority is given to 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities, while faith-based programs are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grant recipients must submit impact reports to ensure continued support.

The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation Grant supports a range of subjects including education, children's welfare, medical care, medical research, and Jewish philanthropic endeavors. Established in honor of Cindy Silvian, the foundation has awarded over $30 million since 2008. Applications are by invitation only, and organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for funding. This year, the foundation allocated over $2.4 million to more than 110 organizations, highlighting its commitment to impactful philanthropy.