Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Ohio

The AdvoCare Foundation, established in 1993, aims to promote health and wellness for children through its grant program. Focused on year-round initiatives, the foundation supports local communities where AdvoCare distributors operate. Grants typically last one year with an average funding of $25,000, although multi-year support may be available. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster positive health changes and encourages collaborative efforts with previous grantees.

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.

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

RightFit Resources: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access Initiative

(7) (4) ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE.—The term ‘‘assistive technology service’’ means any service that directly assists an individual with a developmental disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes— (E) providing training or technical assistance for an individual with a developmental disability, or, where appropriate, a family member, guardian, advocate, or authorized representative of an individual with a developmental disability;

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

Increase the availability of and access to essential resources and services annually for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Ohio Environmental Education Fund General Grant, administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, provides funding to support innovative projects that enhance public awareness of environmental issues in Ohio. Grants range from $500 to $50,000, aimed at various audiences including students and the general public. Priority areas include environmental careers, ecological restoration, and reducing pollution. This initiative encourages informed decision-making and promotes sustainable practices, with approximately $500,000 available annually.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

Women's Residential ASAM Pilot Grant

DBH is seeking information in providing funding opportunities to non-profit organizations serving ASAM level of cares 3.5 and 3.7, interested in providing more information to DBH regarding the Women’s Residential ASAM Pilot Grant, to access funding for developing ASAM 4th edition co-occurring enhanced (COE) services and biomedically (BIO) enhanced services at the 3.5 and 3.7 levels of care. The target population for these funds are pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders.  Funds must be used for any expenses used to establish these services including, hiring appropriately credentialled staff for COE and BIO enhanced services, purchasing medical equipment necessary for BIO enhanced services, and providing housing for women and their children.

The State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG) provides funding to nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, chartered nonpublic schools, and licensed preschools for security improvements. Authorized by House Bill 33, eligible organizations can apply for funding up to $125,000 per site, with a maximum request of $250,000. This grant aims to enhance security measures against potential acts of terrorism, ensuring safety and preparedness in the community.

Notice of Availability of Funds: Innovations to Advance Breastfeeding and Health Equity Competitive Solicitation

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health announces the availability of competitive grant funds to comprehensively address breastfeeding and health equity. Up to $465,926 in funding is available. Multiple grants may be awarded. Funding levels for all applicants will depend on the number and scope of proposals received, recommendations from the review panel, quality of each application, justification for the amount of funding requested, need of the service area, and adherence to the goals and objectives outlined in this solicitation.

No applicant is guaranteed a certain percentage of the total funds available. ODH reserves the right to modify the number of grants awarded or amount of funding based on the applications, geographic representation, and funds available. No grant award will be issued for less than $30,000.

Qualified applicants include local public or non-profit organizations that have the capacity to accept an electronic funds transfer (EFT).

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.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The Creating Healthy Communities Continuation (CC26) Solicitation seeks to fund local health initiatives with a minimum grant amount of $30,000. A total of $3,150,000 is available, with 31 grants potentially awarded to support ongoing projects. Applicants must comply with specific procedural requirements and budget justifications as outlined in the competitive solicitation. Funding decisions will consider proposal quality and alignment with program objectives, without guaranteed funding percentages for applicants.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in Ohio offers reimbursement grants covering up to 80% of project costs for eligible entities, including cities, counties, and non-profits. Funded projects can include new trail construction, maintenance, and facilities that promote accessibility and safety. This federally funded initiative aims to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities while fostering community engagement in trail development and maintenance.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

SS27 Sickle Cell Statewide Family Support Initiative

TheOhio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health announces the availability of grant funds.

Policy and Procedures

The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts: Program Updates (if applicable), Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and Other Required Attachments.

This Solicitation pertains to budget period: 07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027 of the total project period, 07/01/2024 and ending 06/30/2028.

Number of Grants and Funds Available

The ODH Sickle Cell Program grants are comprised of funds generated from a portion of the state Newborn Screening fee. Only the subrecipient agency funding during the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025 competitive application may apply for continuation funding. The total grant funding for the SFY 2027 budget period (07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027) is anticipated to be approximately $90,000.00. 

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

Qualified Applicants

The following criteria must be met for grant applications to be eligible for review:

• The Applicant does not owe funds to ODH and has repaid any funds due with 45 days of the invoice date.
• Applicant has not been certified to the Attorney General’s (AG’s) office.
• Applicant has submitted an application and all required attachments by the deadline.

TU27 Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Grant

Purpose:

The Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program (TUPCP) at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is a state-administered program that receives funding from the CDC, state general revenue funds, and other grant funding sources. Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program Main Goals:

• Prevent youth and young people from starting using tobacco and nicotine-containing products.
• Helping adults to stop using tobacco and nicotine products by focusing on populations with higher use rates.
• Policies to limit the availability of tobacco products and limit secondhand smoke exposure.
• Build sustainable statewide tobacco use prevention and cessation infrastructure through cross-sector partnerships and collaboration.
• Decrease tobacco-related disparities to ensure all Ohioans have the opportunity to live a tobacco and nicotine-free life.

Policy and Procedures:

The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts: Program Updates(if applicable), Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and Other Required Attachments. Submission ofthe continuation application constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance ofODHGrants Administration Policies and Procedures (OGAPP) manual rules, ODH policy and procedure updates posted on the GMIS bulletin board, federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, and any other program-specific requirements as outlined in the competitive solicitation. Thissolicitation pertainsto budget period: 07/01/2026-06/30/2027ofthe total project period, 07/01/2025-06/30/2030.

Number of Grants and Funds Available:

Funding for the Local Tobacco Prevention and Control grant is supported by state funds with an anticipated funding of $2,192,750. Applicants must apply for the required elements and the selected projects as selected in TU26.

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

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Administration Continuation Solicitation

Up to 74 grants may be awarded for a total amount of $58,129,373. The maximum funding that will be awarded to each designated service area listed in the FY2027 Local Project Funding and Caseload Plan, Appendix B, in the FY27 Total NOA column. Federal WIC funding may not cover all costs incurred by a Local Agency to administer or operate the WIC Program.

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

Women's Hub and Spoke Grant

DBH is seeking information in providing funding opportunities to non-profit organizations serving pregnant and postpartum women, interested in providing more information to DBH regarding the Women’s Hub and Spoke Grant, to access funding to strengthen and expand integrated, evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) and maternal behavioral health services. The program seeks to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by addressing SUD and co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions through comprehensive screening, treatment, recovery supports, and workforce development. This opportunity may provide up to $500,000 for facilities that are already appropriately licensed and certified by the DBH in Ohio communities. Funds must be used for any expenses in developing a hub-and-spoke maternal care model in areas with little maternal healthcare integration. Expenses may include, hiring appropriately credentialed staff to fulfill hub and spoke requirements, early identification of women through evidence-based screening tools, timely enrollment, care coordination, and MAT/MOUD workforce expansion to train and mentor healthcare professionals with prescribing authority for buprenorphine and naltrexone products. All grant recipients are expected to participate in a Six Sigma systems improvement process that will bring alignment among stakeholders around creating a safer, more coordinated, and more compassionate care journey for perinatal women.

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

Regional Self-Employment Teams

Access 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 June 2024 the Community Life Engagement Team at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities initiated the Self Employment Think Tank.

The Self-Employment Think Tank meets to explore self-employment opportunities to advance economic independence and competitive integrated employment options for people with disabilities in Ohio by bringing together entrepreneurs with and without disabilities, regional business development resources, cross system state agency representatives, and professionals and families supporting people with disabilities.  Through collaboration, participants share insights, business ownership pathways, identify gaps, explore funding opportunities, and key resources, as well as connect with existing networks that promote education and support self-employment.

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.

• Develop Regional Self-Employment teams in each of the DODD regions.
• Educate people with disabilities, those supporting them and other stakeholders of resources in the community.
• Support people with disabilities to progress in their self-employment.

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

Empowering Independent Living Grant

(F) providing training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of, an individual with developmental disabilities.

Independence: People with I/DD will have tools and skills needed to lead self-determined lives.

By expanding support and resources annually, people with I/IDD living alone for the first time and involved in future planning will have improved outcomes.

Develop methods to improve the support and resources for those living away from family for the first time.

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

DSP Workforce Expansion in Excellence Grant

(F) providing training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of, an individual with developmental disabilities.

Independence: People with I/DD will have tools and skills needed to lead self-determined lives.

By expanding pipelines into the DSP field and transportation options annually, people with I/IDD will have valuable support to live the life they want.

• Create new, and expand existing, pipelines into the field of I/DD.
• Development of methods to increase the number and training of DSPs.
• Determine methods to increase the retention of DSPs

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

Confidence in Action: Self-Defense Training for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have competencies, capabilities, and personal goals that should be recognized, supported, and encouraged, and any assistance to such individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities of such

People with I/DD will have tools and skills needed to lead self-determined lives.

By 2032, increase tools and skills available to people with I/DD to lead self-determined lives.

This initiative empowers individuals with developmental disabilities by providing a customized self-defense program that prioritizes safety, independence, and self-confidence. By equipping participants with practical, real-world skills, the program not only reduces vulnerability but also enhances personal agency and resilience.

Through a focus on inclusion and empowerment, the initiative strengthens community connections, supports physical and emotional well-being, and offers families a greater sense of security. Ultimately, it aims to establish a scalable, statewide model that fosters long-term safety, personal development, and meaningful community integration for people with developmental disabilities.

About Us

The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, based in Reynoldsburg, is the oldest office of its kind in the United States. Its mission is to protect people, property, and the environment from fire and related hazards through education, investigation, and enforcement.

MARCS Grant

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 for eligible recipients to purchase systems, equipment, and/or services that are a part of, integrated into, or otherwise interoperable with the Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) operated by the State of Ohio with respect to providing fire protection services. The State Fire Marshal is accepting online applications only. The MARCS Grant application packet is being provided as a worksheet guidance document. This will allow you to gather all of the necessary information prior to submitting the grant online.