Best Grants for Museums in Ohio

The Rural Business Development Grants in Ohio aim to support small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. Eligible businesses, defined as having fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue, can apply for grants with no maximum limit, although smaller requests receive priority. Fund usage includes project planning, equipment acquisition, and business training, helping foster economic development in rural communities.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Ohio support local organizations in assisting low-income families to construct their own homes in rural areas. Grant recipients provide essential technical and supervisory assistance, enabling families to engage in the building process. This program fosters community development and empowers participants through self-help housing initiatives, ensuring they gain valuable skills while improving their living conditions.

The REALTOR® Care Day Grant, offered by the Columbus REALTORS® Foundation, supports local realty associations with up to $500 in matching funds for service projects. Since its inception in 2005, this initiative has mobilized hundreds of volunteers, contributing over $676,000 towards community improvements in central Ohio. With a mission to enhance the real estate landscape and advocate for affordable housing, the foundation plays a vital role in fostering healthy communities through dedicated service and collaboration.

The Ohio Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) supports agricultural producers in enhancing their conservation practices while improving their operations. It offers technical and financial assistance tailored to meet specific goals such as improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. With year-round application acceptance and annual payments for implementing conservation practices, CSP encourages participation through flexible contract options. This program is vital for achieving sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in Ohio.

The Cribs for Kids Program, funded by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, aims to enhance safe sleep practices among caregivers in Ohio. By distributing Safe Sleep Kits and providing education, the program seeks to prevent infant deaths associated with unsafe sleep environments. With Ohio's infant mortality rate exceeding state targets, this initiative addresses critical health disparities. The program focuses on equipping vulnerable caregivers with essential resources and knowledge to ensure safer sleep for infants, ultimately improving health outcomes across the state.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research. 

Distinguished Contribution Award

The purpose of the Distinguished Contribution Award is to recognize the scientific contribution of a member who has conducted or promoted research, which has enhanced the science and practice of nursing in the MNRS region.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Ohio provides essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas, benefiting populations under 20,000. Eligible projects include health care, public safety, and educational services. Grant assistance is tiered, offering up to 75% funding for low-income communities. This program supports public bodies, non-profits, and federally recognized tribes, ensuring crucial services are accessible to rural residents. The application process is open year-round, promoting ongoing community development.

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is seeking qualified hospital systems in rural counties to participate in the MATernity Journey: Integrated Maternal Wellness Framework. This initiative aims to enhance integrated care and expand comprehensive health services for pregnant and parenting women in Northwestern and Western Ohio. By partnering with local programs, this project seeks to improve health outcomes and accessibility for this vulnerable population, fostering a supportive environment for maternal wellness.

The W. & H. Bender Memorial Fund Grant supports charitable organizations in Ohio, focusing on those located in Youngstown and Columbus. This grant is dedicated to enhancing community welfare and providing essential resources to nonprofits that serve these areas. Organizations seeking funding should demonstrate a clear impact on local communities and align with the foundation's mission to foster positive change. For more information, please visit the foundation's website.

The Health Information Outreach Award, funded by the National Library of Medicine, aims to enhance access to essential health information for underrepresented populations and healthcare professionals. This initiative focuses on improving health literacy and equity through diverse projects, including training, technology access, and community outreach. Eligible organizations from select Midwestern states can apply, prioritizing innovative solutions that address health disparities and promote informed health decisions among vulnerable communities.

The Ohio AmeriCorps Formula Grants, administered by ServeOhio, engage over 80,000 Americans annually in meaningful service across various sectors. These grants support local nonprofits and community organizations in addressing critical needs in education, health, and the environment. By participating in AmeriCorps, members gain valuable skills and experience while earning educational scholarships, fostering stronger communities through civic engagement and volunteerism.

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. 

The Big Yellow School Bus program, offered by the Ohio Arts Council, supports school field trips to arts and cultural activities by covering transportation costs. It is designed for public, private, charter, and parochial schools, as well as home-schooled student groups. With grants of up to $500 available, this initiative fosters early arts exposure, enhancing students' educational experiences and creating vital connections with Ohio's creative sector. Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the event.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The OAC Arts Learning: TeachArtsOhio Grant Program supports customizable artist residencies for PK-12 students in Ohio, enhancing arts education through collaboration with professional teaching artists. These residencies can range from brief introductions to comprehensive year-long programs, fostering creativity and cultural understanding. Grants typically cover teaching artist fees, which are set at $350 per residency day. The program aims to enrich students' learning experiences while maintaining schools' commitment to professional arts instruction.

The M. & A. Seasongood Good Government Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations and professional associations in the Greater Cincinnati area. Focused on promoting good governance, the foundation prioritizes engagement in democracy, public service professionalism, and combating political polarization. These grants aim to enhance accountability, transparency, and civic reform, providing essential funding to initiatives that foster equitable access to voting and encourage civic participation.

The OAC Arts Learning: Arts Partnership program, funded by the Ohio Arts Council, supports innovative arts education projects that cater to the unique needs of learners and their communities. By fostering collaboration among partners, this initiative emphasizes comprehensive arts study and leverages arts learning outcomes to enhance educational practices. This grant encourages creativity and community engagement through the arts, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented in educational settings.

The Ohio Arts Council's ArtsNEXT program offers competitive funding for innovative and experimental projects aimed at enhancing the arts in Ohio. With awards typically up to $25,000, this grant supports bold ideas that push artistic boundaries, improve accessibility, and encourage diversity in arts experiences. Projects may include collaborations, new programming strategies, or technology advancements that foster community engagement. Organizations must demonstrate a commitment to artistic evolution and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Larry Hawkins Family Scholarship

A Sidney High School alumnus who is currently enrolled beyond the first year in an adult education school, trade school, or a 2-year or 4-year college or university, located within the state of Ohio. 

Selection based upon:

Financial need, academic ability, demonstrated community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $3,000 scholarship

Submission of the continuation application constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of ODH Grants Administration Policies and Procedures (OGAPP) Manual rules, policy and procedure updates posted on the GMIS Bulletin Board, and any other program-specific requirements as outlined in the competitive Solicitation. The competitive solicitation for this grant program can be found here. 

website atPolicy and Procedures: The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts:

• Program Updates (if applicable),
• Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and
• Other Required Attachments.

Number of Grants and Funds Available: Genetics Services grants are comprised of funds generated from a portion of the state newborn screening fee. Only the previously awarded applicants during the State Fiscal Year 2025 competitive application may apply for continuation funding for this initiative. These are: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Dayton Children’s Hospital; Toledo Hospital; The Research Institute of Nationwide Children’s Hospital; MetroHealth System; University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center; Cleveland Clinic Foundation; and Children’s Hospital Medical Center – Akron. The total grant funding for the SFY2027 budget period (07/01/2026 – 06/30/2027) is anticipated to be approximately $2,320.043.

No grant award will be issued for less than $30,000. Theminimumamountis exclusive of any requiredmatching amounts and represents only ODH funds granted. Applications submitted for less than the minimum amount will not be considered for review.

The OAC Project Support: ArtSTART program, managed by the Ohio Arts Council, offers flexible funding up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations in Ohio. This initiative supports short-term projects that enhance community arts programming, including performances, exhibitions, and educational activities. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and educational institutions committed to arts initiatives. Notably, funds cannot be used for fundraising or hospitality expenses, ensuring that financial support directly benefits artistic endeavors.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

The Ohio Arts Council's Capacity Building Grants support organizations in enhancing their internal capabilities through external expertise. The program funds projects focused on improving business practices, staff development, and organizational skills. Eligible applicants include arts organizations, educational institutions, and other entities providing arts programming. A 1:1 cash match is required, and grants can cover fees for consultants, training, and registration costs for professional development events. This initiative aims to strengthen Ohio's arts community.

The OAC: Sustainability Grants provide essential operational support for large and mid-sized nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Ohio. The program aims to enhance the state's cultural ecosystem by ensuring high-quality artistic experiences are accessible to all. Grants are awarded based on a formula considering panel evaluations and organizational income, with a requirement for a 1:1 cash match. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to arts programming and meet specific financial criteria to qualify.