Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Ohio

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that may benefit grassroots organizations. Focused on community impact, Costco Foundation invites applicants to demonstrate clear local need, evidence-based outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support; applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Ohio can seek funding to develop or expand their work. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are testing new approaches to persistent or emerging social issues.

Ohio grassroots and community-based nonprofits, tribes, local governments, and educational institutions can apply for Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, offering up to US $150,000 for environmental justice assessment and engagement projects. Funding supports work in disadvantaged communities on issues like environmental health, pollution, climate resilience, and disaster preparedness across EPA Region 5’s Great Lakes states.

Grassroots and other nonprofit organizations in Ohio using technology to tackle education, economic empowerment, crisis response, or climate resilience challenges for primarily underserved communities can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help fund innovative, tech-enabled programs rather than general operations, with applications accepted year-round via an LOI process.

Grassroots nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Ohio can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects from State Farm Companies Foundation. Focus areas include auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, neighborhood revitalization, food insecurity, financial literacy, and K–12 and higher education initiatives.

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.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio and across the U.S. can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support health, education, and community initiatives. Funding may assist food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programs, or healthy lifestyle and screening efforts, with requests reviewed in March and September.

Ohio grassroots nonprofits working on humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts initiatives can access funding through La Roche for high-quality, sustainable development projects. Managed by accredited charities, eligible projects may include youth science education, primary health care, disaster relief, community development, or contemporary arts and culture, provided they engage local partners and align with Roche’s philanthropic focus areas.

Semnani Family Foundation provides Ohio grassroots organizations and other nonprofits with funding for health, education, and humanitarian programs serving marginalized communities. Organizations working on healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women and girls’ services, food security, or related social services may be eligible, alongside groups in many other countries and across the U.S.

Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations working on charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, as long as funds are used in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, and demonstrate broad, meaningful impact on their target populations.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, workforce development, housing, arts, environment, or inclusion can seek sponsorship support for community-focused programs. Bank of America Charitable Foundation offers regional U.S. sponsorships that back initiatives preserving neighborhoods, addressing hunger and shelter, and enhancing the economic, social, and cultural life of local communities.

Nonprofits and research or advocacy organizations working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention that impact the Great Lakes region, including Ohio, can apply for support from the Joyce Foundation. With a mission to build safe and just communities, it funds research, policy development, advocacy, and related initiatives that advance racial equity.

Grassroots and community-based organizations improving rural health and social determinants in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky can apply for Interact for Health’s Rural Changemaker RFP, with awards of US $10,000 - US $70,000. With a mission to promote health and well-being, Interact for Health provides rural groups with 12–18 months of support for vital conditions for health.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in Ohio can seek storytelling support to showcase their impact across preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant funds projects that highlight efforts like wildlife conservation, historic preservation, mental health, education, and outdoor access, with awards of more than US $50,000 available nationally.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations addressing poverty relief, families, education, health, disaster relief, or related hardships can apply for Robinson Foundation support; funding is limited to the Southern U.S. below the Mason-Dixon line. Grants from Robinson Foundation help community-focused groups create tangible, meaningful impact for people and animals in need.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, environment, or community enrichment in Ohio communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities may be eligible for this funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects that align with its mission and positively impact the long-term well-being and sustainability of these communities.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio and across the U.S. can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs and facilities. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help grassroots groups fund cultural and performing arts, education and youth services, disability and senior programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, and local health or social service initiatives.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits and selected public sector programs can seek funding for arts and culture, education, civic affairs, and health and social services projects that strengthen communities and serve under-resourced residents. Nord Family Foundation prioritizes Lorain County and nearby areas, supporting program work, some capital needs, and grassroots community development efforts.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Ohio advancing BIPOC-led democracy, civic engagement, and racial justice can apply for Scherman Foundation’s Democracy Program grants of US $40,000 - US $200,000. Funding supports state-level organizing, voter engagement, structural reform, and arts-based culture-shift strategies that build long-term political power for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

U.S. nonprofit organizations leading strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize impactful collaborations. Ohio grassroots organizations that work with public, private, or social sector partners as equals to address significant social issues may be eligible for this national competition.

Nonprofit and public organizations promoting health and wellness in eight Southeast Ohio counties can apply for community grants supporting activities for residents of all ages. Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s Southeast Ohio Health and Wellness Foundation Fund prioritizes community-based and grassroots groups serving Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, and Tuscarawas counties outside hospital settings.