Best Grants for Global Health in Ohio

The NRA Foundation: Ohio Grants provides funding to support charitable projects that promote firearms safety, education, and the shooting sports. Eligible organizations must hold a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and can include non-profits, educational institutions, and government entities. The foundation aims to further its mission by funding activities that benefit the public and align with IRS 501(c)(3) regulations. Ineligible projects include those that do not provide a clear public benefit or are related to fundraising.

The Western Reserve Health Foundation Grants aim to enhance the health and well-being of Mahoning County residents by addressing diverse health disparities. Grants support innovative projects aligned with the 2023-2025 Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on mental health, access to care, and community safety. Eligible not-for-profit organizations can apply for funding to implement solutions that directly benefit local populations, with a preference for those connected to the Healthy Community Partnership.

The Kiwanis Club Grants, administered by the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation, focus on projects that promote Safe and Healthy Kids. They support community initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of children and families. Eligible applicants include Kiwanis organizations in Ohio, with priority for projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and substantial community impact. Grants can provide up to $3,000, and the foundation operates without discrimination, emphasizing inclusivity in its funding efforts.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Harry D. Callahan Educational Trust Fund

The Harry D. Callahan Educational Trust Fund assists residents of Stark County who are graduates or current graduating seniors of a Stark County high school, and plan to attend a college or university in the state of Ohio or within a 150-mile radius of Canton, Ohio. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.6.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

OAC Individual Artists: Traditional Arts Apprenticeship

The Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program provides support for master artists to work with apprentices to build understanding and proficiency in folk and traditional art forms. By pairing exemplary practitioners of traditional art forms with dedicated apprentices, this program allows for concentrated study and cultural exchange. 

Traditional Arts Apprenticeship awards support the teaching and sharing of important cultural traditions, and enrich the lives of people throughout the state.

Grant Awards

Mentor artists may request up to $4,000 to work with one, and, if appropriate, two apprentices. At least 50 percent of the request must be used for mentor artist honoraria. No match is required. Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grantees generally receive a portion of their request relative to their application score.  

How The Program Works

Traditional arts are part of the cultural heritage of a group of people whose members share a common ethnic heritage, language, religion, occupation, or geographic region. Mentor artists and apprentices apply together to this program. Mentor artists should have achieved a high level of skill in a particular traditional art form, be regarded as experts by their peers, and have learned and developed their skills within a traditional context. Apprentices should demonstrate strong motivation to learn the nuances of the tradition, and a commitment to carry the tradition on in the future.

Applicants are eligible for only one award per year. Applications are accepted for apprenticeships in all forms of traditional arts, including traditional music and instrument making, sacred and secular crafts, occupational

traditions, folk and ethnic dance, and traditional arts associated with annual celebrations. The applying mentor must demonstrate that they are an active member of the culture or occupational group whose tradition they are sharing, and that the tradition is being shared within a culture or community of practitioners, not learned through an academic setting. The mentor and the apprentice work together in an intensive, yearlong, learning experience. Apprentices learn directly by observing, imitating, and refining their artistic work based on the guidance of the mentor artist. Skills are typically learned directly through observation and imitation, rather than through classes, books, or other means of instruction. The sharing of the cultural importance and history of the tradition is a key component to a successful apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship work plan should allow for in-depth learning that encompasses the context of the culture, the development of a mentoring relationship, and the acquisition of both techniques and artistry. The mentor artist is responsible for monitoring the apprentice’s progress as outlined in the application work plan. The apprenticeship must include a minimum of 50 hours of direct, one-on-one instruction, provided via in-person and/or virtual sessions (typically bi-weekly or monthly), conducted over the course of a year. During the yearlong apprenticeship period, a site visit may be made by OAC staff or a folklorist to document the teaching/learning process. Photographs of the session may be taken, and recorded interviews may be conducted. In addition, the mentor artist and apprentice are expected to give a joint community presentation near the end of the apprenticeship period (e.g., performing at a public event, offering a class, holding an open studio session, or exhibiting at a local library or gallery), which must occur in Ohio.

After accepting a grant award in ARTIE, grantees will automatically receive a partial payment of 50% of their total grant award. Final payment of the grant will be processed once a final report is received and approved. OAC staff may request additional information regarding grant activities prior to approving the final payment. 

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The YWCA of Massillon Scholarship FundThe YWCA of Massillon Scholarship Fund assists female residents of western Stark County enrolled at an Ohio college or trade school. Applicant must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need.Renewable Scholarship: Yes 

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

Ohio Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau is a grassroots membership organization that is committed to supporting our farm and food community. You can find us involved everywhere from events hosted by county Farm Bureaus to the halls of local, state, and federal government, advocating for policy that supports the future of farming. We care about helping our members achieve success in agriculture.

Scholarships

The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation annually awards scholarships to students planning to pursue careers in agriculture and to adults seeking continuing education in agriculture-related studies. To support the future of agriculture throughout Ohio, each county has a scholarship fund to allot to its local students. Other scholarships focus on specific issues such as women’s leadership in agriculture, livestock and crop sciences at the Agricultural Technical Institute, sheep production and management, and more.

Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassadors Scholarship

The Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassadors Scholarship is the foundation’s premier scholarship, honoring students who excel academically, serve their communities, and pursue careers that advance Ohio agriculture.

It supports students who embody hard work, perseverance, and stewardship; leaders who meet challenges, strengthen agricultural communities, and pay forward opportunities to sustain and grow Ohio agriculture. Recipients represent the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s values as ambassadors, upholding integrity, dedication, and a commitment to lasting impact.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassadors Scholarship provides one (1) renewable $10,000 scholarship to a deserving student seeking a degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Each scholarship is renewable for up to three years for a total of up to $40,000 per student.

The Volstead Holdings Scholarship, offered by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support residents of central and northeast Ohio pursuing technical post-secondary education in fields such as design, construction, manufacturing, and logistics. This scholarship emphasizes skilled trades and technical career pathways, prioritizing non-traditional students to enhance access to education. By connecting applicants with vital educational resources, the scholarship seeks to strengthen Ohio's workforce and manufacturing legacy, ensuring meaningful opportunities for future generations.

The WGPF: Ohio Historical Markers Grant Program, initiated by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in collaboration with Ohio History Connection, offers grants for historical markers that commemorate significant people, places, and events in Ohio's history from 1800 to 1900. Open to municipalities and nonprofit organizations, the program provides a total of 20 grants across various counties, fostering a deeper appreciation and recognition of Ohio's rich historical heritage.

The African-American Community Foundation - CJ McLin, Jr. Scholarship honors the legacy of C.J. McLin, Jr., a pivotal figure in Ohio's political landscape. This scholarship supports Montgomery County residents pursuing higher education, particularly at Ohio colleges or HBCUs, who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service. Recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Through this scholarship, McLin's dedication to community advancement continues to inspire today's students.

The Delta Dental Foundation offers Community Mini-Grants of up to $10,000 for organizations in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana that promote oral health initiatives. This program supports local nonprofits engaged in activities that enhance access to care, advocacy, education, and workforce development. Grants are evaluated based on their alignment with strategic aims and the potential impact on community health. Certain exclusions apply, including projects for building construction or political activities.

Youth and young adults with developmental disabilities often experience a loss of services and support as they move from school-based systems into adult life. This transition can be especially difficult for individuals in underserved communities, where access to services is limited and navigation is complex. Families may not know where to turn, and many individuals fall through the cracks.

This project addresses these challenges by funding community-based organizations that are committed to outreach, equity, and inclusion. Programs will be expected to identify individuals who are not currently connected to services and help them access individualized supports and adapted community resources. Services must be designed to meet the needs of diverse populations and delivered in partnership with local systems, including County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. 

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Area Auxiliary Scholarship

The eldest of the scholarship funds at Marion Community Foundation, the Marion Area Auxiliary Scholarship was created in 2000 to support careers in medicine, in keeping with the earliest goals of the Foundation.

Marion Community Foundation was created in 1998 from the Mary Elizabeth Smith Foundation and sale of the assets of the former MedCenter Hospital. Supporting health care access and services and careers in medicine are long-standing goals of the Foundation.

This scholarship makes awards to Marion County students who score in the upper 50 percent of the ACT or SAT and are pursuing an education in health care or medical sciences.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Ohio History Fund Grants: Bricks & Mortar Grant supports history-related projects through competitive matching funds. Eligible applicants include Ohio-based nonprofits and government entities, aiming to preserve historical properties and sites. Grants range from $2,000 to $20,000 with a 60/40 match requirement. Since 2013, over $1 million has been awarded across the state, highlighting significant community interest and need for historical preservation funding.

The Zack Smith MVL School Scholarship honors the legacy of Zack Smith, who was passionate about hunting and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others through law enforcement. This scholarship supports students who attended MVL schools, have athletic experience, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. It aims to empower individuals pursuing their dreams in higher education, reflecting Zack's commitment to community and personal growth.

Emerine Memorial Scholarship Fund

The scholarship honors the memory of Janet and Erin Emerine, lovers of learning. Janet dedicated her life to teaching people of all ages. Erin dedicated her life to improving the community around her through volunteerism. They valued education as a tool to succeed in life, and they would have wanted others to have the opportunity offered by a scholarship.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

The Community Fund Ohio - Individual Grant provides financial support to Ohio residents with disabilities and nonprofits serving them. This program offers two types of grants: the Special Needs Grant with Financial Hardship, which assists those receiving SSI or Medicaid, and the Special Needs Grant for those not receiving these benefits. Applications are accepted year-round, with quarterly deadlines for review, aimed at enhancing community access and addressing specific disability-related needs.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

W.A. and Margaret E. Buehler Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the Buehler family to assist students who have graduated from a high school in Franklin County to pursue a nursing degree.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The John Henry and Nancy May Bell Allensworth Scholarship Fund

The John Henry and Nancy May Bell Allensworth Scholarship Fund assists graduates and seniors of Carrollton or Edison High School in Carroll or Jefferson Counties. Must attend a public college or university which is part of the University System of Ohio. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes