Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Ohio

Certified Local Governments in Ohio can receive matching grants for historic preservation projects, including surveying, nominating, rehabilitating, or planning for historic resources. Ohio History Connection administers these funds, with some priority projects eligible for 100% funding, to support local efforts that align with the State Historic Preservation Plan.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups in Northeast Ohio seeking support for community events or educational programs can request in-kind donations that may complement historic preservation efforts. With a mission to enhance conservation and outdoor education, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo provides tickets, passes, or experiences to eligible groups in Cuyahoga and Medina Counties that align with its priorities.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies partnering with a 501(c)(3) can seek $5,000 - $50,000 for Historic Structure Reports on nationally or statewide significant sites in Ohio and other eligible Midwestern states. Grants from Jeffris Family Foundation help cover up to 50% of report costs and require a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

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.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief can apply for support from Semnani Family Foundation, which serves marginalized communities in Ohio and worldwide. Grants may benefit programs in healthcare access, women and children’s health, hunger, homelessness, literacy, and related human and social services in the U.S. and other eligible countries.

Nonprofit organizations and select government initiatives in Ohio working on education and economic mobility policy can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to advance research, policy development, advocacy, and implementation. Efforts that improve K–12 and post-secondary systems, educator pipelines, and college and career success for underserved youth in the Great Lakes region may be eligible.

Ohio historic preservation and community nonprofits can seek funding for arts, education, community development, and related projects in the Greater Cincinnati region. Fifth Third Foundation, through multiple trustee funds, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky, including initiatives in environmental and historical preservation and projects that strengthen local communities.

Local governments in Ohio can seek funding for transportation-related projects that include historic preservation of transportation facilities, rails-to-trails conversions, and community improvement activities through the Transportation Alternatives Program. With a mission to enhance transportation options, the Ohio Department of Transportation supports projects outside most MPO areas that are accessible to the general public and broadly improve non-motorized infrastructure.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in eligible Ohio counties can seek funding for community development, education, human services, cultural programs, health initiatives, and veteran and military support. Grants from Penn National Gaming help Ohio groups improve local infrastructure, preserve community assets, and serve residents, which may include projects involving historic community spaces and landmarks.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and some government agencies in Ohio focused on historic preservation and related community needs can access funding through Hudson Community Foundation. Grants support projects in Hudson that enhance quality of life, including historical and environmental preservation, arts and culture, social services, youth programs, and prevention and addiction initiatives.

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.

Grants from Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board help Ohio historical records repositories fund smaller projects that identify, preserve, and provide access to the state’s documentary heritage. Eligible Ohio archives and similar repositories can request US $500 - US $5,000 for preservation, access, or related historic records projects that may not fit larger historic preservation funding programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can seek funding to improve quality of life in Ohio communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates. With a mission to strengthen underserved individuals and families, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides project, general operating, and capital support to community-focused charities.

Ohio libraries seeking support to conserve or preserve unique, valuable collection items can access funding through the State Library of Ohio. Grants up to US $4,999 support conservation or preservation of a single item or small group of analog materials that reflect Ohio’s historic and artistic record, including books, papers, objects, and artworks.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in Ohio can seek funding for planning and education projects that preserve battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures. National Trust for Historic Preservation support can cover professional planning, feasibility studies, capacity building, and innovative public education or outreach to advance historic preservation efforts.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those in Ohio, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s international grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for social and humanitarian programs. Eligible applicants are typically smaller 501(c)(3) or qualifying foreign entities with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 operating in listed countries.

Ohio-based nonprofit organizations and public entities planning brick-and-mortar historic preservation projects in Ohio can apply for competitive matching grants of US $2,000 - US $20,000. Focused on preserving historic properties, archaeological sites, and collection facilities, Ohio History Connection supports projects that rehabilitate, restore, or protect eligible sites with a required 40% applicant match.

With a mission to strengthen history organizations, Ohio History Connection provides Ohio historic preservation and heritage nonprofits and public entities with matching funds for organizational development projects. Grants of US $1,000 - US $4,000 support board and staff training, governance improvements, strategic planning, and volunteer or membership program development for history-focused groups.

Ohio-based nonprofits and public entities preserving history can seek US $2,000 - US $20,000 for programs and collections projects in Ohio, including exhibits, digitization, surveys, and conservation of archives and artifacts. Focused on historical programs and collections, Ohio History Connection invites historic preservation and heritage organizations to fund community-engaged history initiatives.

Ohio community groups and organizations planning patriotic parades, military history programs, or preservation of veteran memorabilia can access funding through Hamilton Community Foundation’s Michael J. Colligan Fund. Support prioritizes bands in Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Fourth of July parades, as well as speakers and housing for historic veteran artifacts, which may benefit local preservation efforts.