Best Grants for Museums in Ohio

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

27PP01FA27: Statewide Legislative Advocacy Training and Engagement (SLATE)

This project will be responsible for conducting an annual, large-scale grassroots advocacy event at the Ohio Statehouse during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to connect people with disabilities, their families, and stakeholders directly with legislators and staff.

The project will also be responsible for hosting regular legislative briefing sessions throughout the year to ensure lawmakers and staff have the knowledge and context to make informed policy decisions that benefit people with developmental disabilities.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Targeted Brownfield Assessment (TBA) Program offers essential property assessment services at no cost to local government entities. This program is designed to minimize contamination uncertainties for brownfield sites, facilitating cleanup and redevelopment efforts. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, and non-profit organizations. TBA services, such as Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and remedial action plans, support real estate transactions and funding applications, ultimately transforming blighted properties into valuable community assets.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Judge Thomas K. Jenkins ScholarshipIn 2009, the late Judge Thomas K. Jenkins (1937-2025) created this fund at Marion Community Foundation to provide resources in perpetuity for Marion area students pursuing degrees and careers in law. The Jenkins scholarship makes awards to graduates of Marion County high schools pursing a degree in law at any accredited college or university, with special consideration given to applicants attending Tom’s alma mater, Ohio Northern University School of Law.

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Teacher Awards recognize outstanding PK-12 teachers in Ohio, providing $7,500 awards to selected individuals nominated by their superintendents. Established in 1959, the foundation honors the legacy of Martha Holden Jennings by focusing on teachers and students often overlooked by philanthropic efforts. Winners are chosen by an educator committee and celebrated at an annual banquet, with additional nominees eligible for $1,000 Awards of Excellence.

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation offers the Superintendent Award to honor outstanding Ohio superintendents. Established in 1959, the award recognizes the commitment of educators and supports public school leadership in Ohio. With a $10,000 grant payable to the winner's district, the award aims to highlight the importance of effective educational leadership. Nominees must have a minimum of five years of experience as a superintendent and hold a Master’s Degree and state certification, ensuring a high standard of excellence.

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, established in 1959, is dedicated to supporting Ohio's public-school teachers and students. Through its Jennings - Fund for Teachers, the foundation offers grants up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for teams to foster innovative teaching solutions. The foundation emphasizes the importance of teachers addressing their own challenges and encourages proposals that empower students as changemakers in their communities, enhancing educational experiences and professional growth.

The Louie F. Cox Scholarship, established by the Middletown Community Foundation, honors Mr. Louie Cox, an influential civil rights advocate. This scholarship supports African American students graduating from high schools in Butler or Warren Counties, Ohio, recognizing their academic achievements as well as their community service and leadership. With a legacy rooted in community support, this scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering future leaders and fostering educational opportunities.

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Strengthening Advocacy in Ohio

Advocacy: People with I/DD, their family members and others will participate in and have information about a broad range of leadership and advocacy development opportunities

Annually, council will provide support to strengthen a state advocacy organization led by individuals with I/DD, opportunities for people with disabilities to provide other people with disabilities training and expand participation in cross-disability and culturally diverse leadership.

The DD Act, as reauthorized, includes a requirement that every Developmental Disabilities Council address these three areas:

(I) establish or strengthen a program for the direct funding of a State self-advocacy organization led by individuals with developmental disabilities;

(II) support opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities who are considered leaders to provide leadership training to individuals with developmental disabilities who may become leaders; and

(III) support and expand participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in cross-disability and culturally diverse leadership

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Untapped Potential

People with I/DD and their family members will have access to services and resources so they can participate fully in their communities.

Annually, key stakeholders will receive information on the benefits and resources to hire people with disabilities. This will allow employment and self-employment outcomes to improve for people with disabilities.

In Ohio, state policymakers are committed to ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities have greater opportunities for employment and advancement of their careers. Individuals with developmental disabilities can use their strengths and talents to increase their income, have a sense of accomplishment and create their own social identity. Employer engagement is essential to furthering this progress.

Hiring people with disabilities is good for business. However, many employers are not aware of this untapped resource or how to effectively recruit, retain and advance people with disabilities.

Business associations in Ohio promote the growth and prosperity of a specific community, region, sector or function of business, by supporting businesses, attracting new investment, and creating jobs. They offer various services like networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources to help businesses grow and thrive within the community. They act as a voice for the region or community and work to improve the local economy. These can include Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, safety councils, manufacturing associations, Ohio Means Jobs Centers etc.

Business associations could be a valuable resource in reaching employers who are not aware of this untapped resource. The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) will fund a project to reach business associations across Ohio to inform them of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

ODDC will support activities that build capacity and systemic change through outreach, training, research, technical assistance, supporting and educating communities, interagency collaboration and coordination, demonstration of new approaches, informing policymakers and eliminating barriers, and system design and redesign.

ODDC will provide funding as outlined below for each year of the project. Proposals should address each year of the project. Proposals should address, if necessary: transportation, accessibility, use of technology, replication, sustainability, if the project reaches entire state or a specific region, cross-disability, and cultural diversity.

The Ron Goellner Conservation Fund Award, administered by the Cryptobranchid Interest Group, offers grants up to $2,000 for projects focused on the conservation of giant salamanders. This initiative supports innovative research, field conservation, and educational initiatives that aim to protect these species and their habitats. Open to all applicants, the fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate broad conservation impact and partnerships. Applications are automatically considered for two separate grants of up to $1,000 each.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG)

OCJS and JAG

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and products, develops training, resources, and best practices for criminal justice professionals and communities. OCJS has been designated by Governor Mike DeWine to administer the FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant Program.

Proposed to streamline justice funding and grant administration, the JAG Program allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. JAG blends the previous Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant programs so that agencies can prioritize their funding needs and choose where to place justice funds.

In 2024, OCJS implemented its strategic plan (PDF). The action items included identifying priority areas for funding and encouraging projects to use evidence-based practices in their funded programs. The “Goals, Priorities and Requirements” section of this document outlines these priorities, and references evidence-based practices for OCJS funding areas. Fiscal year 2026 applicants must continue to follow these most recent guidelines.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation

Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio, serving nearly 245,000 public and private employers. With over 1,500 employees and assets of approximately $24 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States.

Safety Intervention Grant

The Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) Program is available to any Ohio private or public employer covered by the State Insurance Fund. This program allows employers to purchase equipment to significantly reduce or eliminate injuries and illnesses associated with a particular task or operation. Through this program, recipients are eligible for a 3-to-1 matching grant, up to a maximum grant award of $40,000 for each three-year eligibility cycle. This means we give you $3 for every $1 you contribute as the employer. In return, employers must submit a one-year case study one year after the implementation date of the intervention.

What to know before you apply

• BWC provides safety services at no cost to state fund employers.
• Applicants may seek equipment that significantly enhances employee safety.
• If you are not currently working with BWC safety field staff, someone will be assigned to you upon applying for a grant. This staff member will conduct a pre-review and offer effective intervention recommendations.
• Employers must consent to BWC safety field staff taking photos and videos of the operation before and after implementing the proposed intervention. This aids the grant review committee in better understanding the operation and facilitates staff training and employer education on safety practices.
• Reasons for non-approval may include low initial risk, insignificant risk reduction, incomplete answers, interventions meeting only minimum OSHA compliance, or interventions outside the program's scope. Rejected applicants remain eligible to reapply for other items.

The Tree Fund: Ohio Chapter ISA Education Grant Program, established in 2012, supports arboricultural education initiatives across Ohio. This annual $5,000 grant aims to enhance public awareness and knowledge in arboriculture and urban forestry, benefiting communities and the environment. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and educational institutions that serve individuals aged 16 and older, with projects needing hands-on components and solid evaluation metrics to measure impact.

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. 

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides funding for projects to enhance the competitiveness of crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and nursery crops. Grant Proposals must enhance the competitiveness of Ohio specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets by leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops, assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops, expanding availability of and access to specialty crops, and addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers. Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). 

The Josephine Sebach Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Muskingum County high schools. Eligible students must have a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5 and be pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree at an accredited institution. This scholarship emphasizes motivation and clear career goals, making it accessible to a diverse range of students, including those who may not traditionally qualify for financial aid.

The NCR-SARE Youth Educator Grant Program supports educators in the North Central Region to innovate ways of teaching sustainable agriculture. With funding up to $6,000, this program encourages educators to engage youth and promote sustainable practices. By sharing their experiences, grantees can create a ripple effect among peers, enhancing the reach and impact of sustainable agriculture education. This initiative aims to foster creativity and collaboration in teaching sustainable practices to the next generation.

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

The NCR-SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports agricultural educators through competitive grants aimed at enhancing training in sustainable agriculture. This initiative promotes cross-agency collaboration, utilizing farmers as educators to address pressing issues within the farming community. Projects funded are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes, fostering knowledge and behavioral changes that lead to sustainable practices in agriculture and food systems. The program encourages diverse participation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to professional development.

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

The NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program provides critical funding for farmers and ranchers seeking sustainable agricultural solutions. Launched in 1992, this competitive program supports innovative on-farm research and education projects, allowing individuals to apply for grants up to $15,000 or collaborate for up to $30,000. By empowering farmers with resources, NCR-SARE encourages practices that enhance livelihoods while promoting environmental stewardship.

The Peoples Bank Foundation Grant aims to create a significant impact in local communities by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of service, the foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants and scholarships across several states. It prioritizes initiatives that assist low to moderate-income individuals and families, encouraging organizations within its footprint to apply for funding to enhance their community-focused programs.

The Ruth & Ralph Sharrer Scholarship, provided by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support current high school seniors in Muskingum County who have participated in athletics. Eligible students must major in education or school counseling, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and plan to attend a college in Ohio. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing the community's quality of life by investing in the education of its youth.

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.