Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Ohio

NOTE: For nonprofit organizations new to U.S. Bank Foundation, a Letter of Interest is available. Community Affairs Managers will review Letter of Interest submissions periodically to learn about new and innovative programs and organizations in their regions and markets. After reviewing a Letter of Interest, a Community Affairs Manager may reach out with a request for a full application. You can access the Letter of Interest by clicking the “Submit a letter of interest” link at the bottom of this page. Letters of Interest may be submitted at any time during the year.

Community Possible Grant

Through U.S. Bank’s Community Possible® grant program, we invest in efforts to create stable jobs, safe homes and communities.

Funding Types

Within these general guidelines, we consider the following funding request types:

Operating grants

An operating grant is given to cover an organization’s day-to-day, ongoing expenses, such as salaries, utilities, office supplies and more. We consider operating support requests from organizations where the entire mission of the organization fits a Community Possible grant focus area.

Program or project grants

A program or project grant is given to support a specific, connected set of activities, with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives and a predetermined cost. We consider highly effective and innovative programs that meet our Community Possible grant focus areas.

Capital grants

A capital grant is given to finance fixed assets. The U.S. Bank Foundation considers a small number of requests for capital support from organizations that meet all other funding criteria, whose entire mission statement fits a Community Possible grant focus area, and with which the Foundation has a funding history. All organizations requesting capital funding must also have a U.S. Bank employee on the board of directors. U.S. Bank does not fund more than 1% of the non-endowment total capital campaign fundraising goal. All capital grant requests are reviewed and approved by the national U.S. Bank Foundation Board or by the U.S. Bank Foundation President.

Focus Area: PLAY

Creating vibrant communities through play.

Play brings joy, and it’s just as necessary for adults as it is for kids. But in low-income areas there are often limited spaces for play and fewer people attending arts and cultural events. That’s why we invest in community programming that supports ways for children and adults to play and create.

Access to artistic and cultural programming and arts education

Our investments ensure economic vitality and accessibility to the arts in local communities, as well as support for arts education. Examples of grant support include:

• Programs that provide access to cultural activities, visual and performing arts, zoos and aquariums and botanic gardens for individuals and families living in underserved communities
• Funding for local arts organizations that enhance the economic vitality of the community
• Programs that provide funding for arts-focused nonprofit organizations that bring visual and performing arts programming to low- and moderate-income K-12 schools and youth centers

Supporting learning through play.

Many young people across the country do not have the resources or access to enjoy the benefits of active play. Supporting active play-based programs and projects for K-12 students located in or serving low- and moderate-income communities fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration and impacts the overall vitality of the communities we serve. Funding support includes:

• Support for organizations that build or expand access to active play spaces and places that help K-12 students learn through play and improves the health, safety and unification of neighborhoods in low- and moderate-income communities
• Programs that focus on using active play to help young people develop cognitive, social and emotional learning skills to become vibrant and productive citizens in low- and moderate-income communities

Focus Area: WORK

Supporting workforce education and prosperity.

We know that a strong small business environment and an educated workforce ensure the prosperity of our communities and reducing the expanding wealth gap for communities of color. We provide grant support to programs and organizations that help small businesses thrive, allow people to succeed in the workforce, provide pathways to higher education and gain greater financial literacy.

Investing in the workforce.

We fund organizations that provide training for small business development, as well as programs that support individuals across all skill and experience levels, to ensure they have the capability to gain employment that supports individuals and their families. Examples of grant support include:

Small business technical assistance programs

Job-skills, career readiness training programs with comprehensive placement services for low- and moderate-income individuals entering or reentering the labor force

Providing pathways for educational success.

To address the growing requirements for post-secondary education in securing competitive jobs in the workplace, we support:

• Organizations and programs that help low- and moderate-income and at-risk middle and high school students prepare for post-secondary education at a community college, university, trade or technical school and career readiness
• Programs and initiatives at post-secondary institutions that support access to career and educational opportunities for low- and moderate-income and diverse students

Teaching financial well-being for work and life.

Financial well-being is not only critical for financial stability, it’s crucial in helping individuals be successful in the workplace. Examples of grant support include programs that positively impact:

• K-12 and college student financial literacy
• Adult and workforce financial literacy
• Senior financial fraud prevention
• Military service member and veteran financial literacy

Focus Area: HOME

Working to revitalize communities one neighborhood at a time.

Children and families are better positioned to thrive and succeed in a home that is safe and permanent. Access to sustainable low-income housing is increasingly challenges for low-moderate income families. In response, our giving supports efforts that connect individuals and families with sustainable housing opportunities.

Access to safe, affordable housing

We provide financial support to assist people in developing stability in their lives through access to safe, sustainable and accessible homes. Examples of grant support include:

• Organizations that preserve, rehabilitate, renovate or construct affordable housing developments for low- and moderate-income families, individuals, seniors, veterans, and special-needs populations
• Organizations that provide transitional housing as a direct steppingstone to permanent housing
• Organizations that focus on Veterans housing and homeownership
• Construction of green homes for low- and moderate-income communities
• Energy retrofit programs for low- and moderate-income housing developments

Home ownership education

Owning and maintaining a home requires significant financial knowledge, tools, and resources. We support programs that assist low- and moderate-income homebuyers and existing homeowners. Examples of grant support include:

• Homebuyer education
• Pre- and post-purchase counseling and coaching
• Homeownership-retention programs designed to provide foreclosure counseling

Who We Are

Licking County Foundation is a public charitable organization made up of a diverse collection of funds given by caring individuals, businesses and organizations that have a common concern for the well-being of the people of Licking County.

To that end, the Licking County Foundation:

• Builds permanent charitable assets to use on behalf of the whole community.
• Invests and manages funds wisely and distributes grants in a timely and equitable manner in keeping with the needs of the community and the intent of donors.
• Maintains and enhances the educational, social, cultural, health and civic resources of the community through support of qualified charitable organizations.
• Provides philanthropic leadership that inspires citizens, stimulates change and supports efforts to improve the quality of life in the community.

The Cecil L. Mauger Charitable Trust Grant

The Cecil L. Mauger Charitable Trust was established under the will of Cecil L. Mauger, a Newark businessman, to provide funds for charitable organizations. The Cecil L. Mauger Charitable Trust accepts proposals from tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations serving Licking County throughout the year as part of a competitive grant making process. As a small, local foundation, The Cecil L. Mauger Charitable Trust has limited resources and cannot respond favorably to all worthwhile causes.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation

The Pfau Foundation was established in 1994 in Cincinnati by Daniel A. Pfau and Susan Laufer Pfau.

Mrs. Pfau, a community volunteer, and Mr. Pfau, a local businessman, have been actively involved in programs serving disabled and disadvantaged youth, and in organizations promoting the Greater Cincinnati area. The Foundation complements the Pfaus’ personal charitable efforts and will continue their support into the future.

Purpose of the Pfau Foundation

The Pfau Foundation’s primary focus is on the education, health, cultural experience and social welfare of children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30) with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities and their families. A secondary focus is on children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30) who face significant economic barriers to success and their families. There is a particular interest in programs that help clients realize their full potential. The Foundation also advocates and supports large regional arts and cultural organizations. Small and mid-size organizations that use the arts as a vehicle for achieving impact with successful shared outcomes will be considered. (These outcomes must be aligned with the first two priorities of the Foundation.) The fourth area of interest is recreation areas.

Background

Awarded through unrestricted, donor advised and field of interest funds, these grants carry out the wishes of fund donors and help nonprofits meet the ever-changing needs of our community. The Foundation accepts proposals from tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations serving Pickaway County as part of a competitive grant making process to respond to new programs, emerging needs, and innovative services that might not be started or continue were it not for PCCF’s support.

Priorities: Policy Statement for Grantmaking

The mission of the Pickaway County Community Foundation is to provide charitable resources and expertise that improve the quality of life in Pickaway County. PCCF will work to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in our area, now and for generations to come, by building community endowment; addressing needs through grant making; and serving as a leader, catalyst, and a resource for charitable giving. Pickaway County Community Foundation grants are made for public charitable purposes that enrich the quality of life of citizens of the Pickaway County, Ohio area

Interest Areas & Community Need

PCCF is particularly interested in proposals that help address areas of need in the community as follows:

Arts & Culture

• Programs and activities that reach out to underserved populations, and strengthen and support local arts organizations

Community & Economic Development

• Programs and activities that enhance and improve the economic vitality of the community

Education

• Early education and care; language and reading readiness; keeping children in school; family literacy/adult education; and professional development for teachers

Environment

• Community-focused parks and greenspaces; recreational trails; stewardship of natural resources

Health

• Access to care; early screening and referral; mental/physical disabilities; teen pregnancy, prenatal care and education; fitness and nutrition

Human Services/Strengthening Families & Supporting Youth

• Services for children and families living in poverty; services to elderly in need; prevention of child abuse and neglect; parenting resources; access to quality child care; prevention of substance abuse

Supportive Communities: Safer, livable communities; advocacy for the poor and underserved; shelter/housing; transportation; access to emergency assistance for basic needs; citizen involvement

Agriculture

• Exploration of the possibilities of incentives for farmers to develop their produces, support for the new creation of new value-added agriculture enterprises; development of funding sources for entrepreneurs to incubate startups and growth phases; definition and focus on the emerging concept of community development venture capital.

Workforce Development

• Preparation for workforce skills, job readiness training, or program that develop skills that lead to in demand occupations.

Leadership

• Develop programs that enhance leadership skills, and opportunities to link leaders throughout the county.

Grant Opportunities

The Springfield Foundation awards competitive grants from a variety of funds created by our donors.

Please note that first consideration is given to applicants whose programs, projects and services are closely aligned with the Foundation’s grantmaking goals presented on the Funding Initiatives page of the website.

For those unfamiliar with the Foundation’s application process, you are encouraged to attend one of the Grant Information Sessions that are held in the spring. These workshops offer an overview of the grant application process. View Workshops & Deadlines for specific dates.

Through our competitive grants program, we invest in nonprofits that are working to meet current community needs in the fields of Arts & Culture, Civic Affairs, Education, Environment, Conservation & Animals, Health, and Human Services. 

We also provide field of interest funding from endowments created by donors directed to a broad area reflecting their personal interests. All grants are evaluated for their relevance to these areas which include:

• Animal Causes.
• Arts including performing arts in the schools.
• Children and Youth.
• Conservation and Preservation.
• Construction Trades (Training and Education).
• Environmental Activities.
• Education.
• Health (Cardiac & Respiratory Ailments, Cancer Care, Prenatal and Postpartum programs, Dental).
• Homeless Shelters.
• People with Disabilities (Blind & Vision Impaired, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Physical, Developmental).

Mission

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is an independent family foundation dedicated to creating opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for children and families in need.

Vision

Through this foundation, the Frankino family desires to share God’s blessing by a commitment to philanthropic excellence.

The Foundation awards monetary grants to qualifying institutions and agencies for initiatives designed to improve the quality of life along with the advancement of medical research. We are a family foundation guided by the enduring business philosophy and personal values of Mr. Sam Frankino. His approach to business and community participation were the groundwork for the foundation’s philanthropic direction overall. As Executive Director of the foundation, Lorraine Frankino-Dodero guides the foundation by seeking out and researching charitable organizations that are best able to make a meaningful impact. Building on the legacy of our founder, we believe that the leadership of our grantees will make a profound impact and create lasting change within our community.

About the Foundation

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation (SJFF) supports excellence in education as well as other avenues for child development and personal growth. We seek to partner with organizations or groups to satisfy basic human needs — whether that takes the form of economic assistance for the homeless, local food banks, safe shelters for children and families that fall victim to domestic violence, etc.

SJFF supports community and culture, particularly the Italian-American community. We desire to facilitate pioneering discoveries in medical and surgical research; construction of health care facilities that support the complex healing process; creation and support of the arts; initiatives that strive to protect our environment; and other special projects that affect the lives of children and families in need, primarily within Northeast Ohio

Programs

Child & Family

Education is the cornerstone within the life and development of a child. The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is committed to supporting schools and other academic institutions. Future generations of Newtons, Monets, Einsteins, Hemingways, Goodalls, and Jobses will certainly bring amazing discoveries and creations in science, the arts, literature, technology, and more to our world. It begins by providing them with the tools necessary to see beyond their walls.

The Foundation welcomes opportunities to partner with nonprofit organizations that reach out to youth — particularly children who are homeless or within foster care — and that offer physical education programs, thereby encouraging physical as well as mental health.

SJFF also supports programs that seek to help victims of child abuse and domestic violence, whether through women’s shelters, law enforcement programs or judicial avenues. We offer grants for programs and services that empower children and families to overcome poverty or other adversities, thereby fostering hope and inspiring change.

Community

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation welcomes opportunities to support our community and culture, particularly the Italian-American community. We contribute to social, educational, recreational and other creative initiatives for all ages that strengthen community and are dedicated to preserving and enriching our heritage and traditions.

Health & Human Services

It is a mission of the Sam J. Frankino Foundation to help those in need to get the proper care and support to lead productive, rewarding lives.

The SJFF gives high priority to support health care initiatives and organizations that deliver care to the poor, sick and disabled in our community as well as institutions that advance the knowledge of medicine and surgery in maintaining one’s overall health.

SJFF seeks to help the poor, homeless, and broken, primarily within our community, through grants that support programs and services that reach these fragile groups. We also want to help when tragedy strikes – whether a home fire, tornado, or other natural disaster.

Our Foundation continues to support organizations that care for children and adults challenged with physical and developmental disabilities as well as mental health issues. We also honor our valiant, courageous veterans. Sam J. Frankino served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, and like all veterans, fought to protect the freedoms we hold so dear. We are proud to be able to give back to those who served.

Arts & Culture

The creative spirit and imagination are central to healthy communities. Artistic expression nourishes the soul and breaks down boundaries among races, classes, religions, and cultures. The arts also bring attention to inequalities and celebrate individuality.

Our region is rich with ambitious artists who should be nurtured through support of their creative endeavors. Our Foundation supports professional organizations that create excellent, innovative art and protect art treasures throughout the world.

Beyond the paint, canvas or stage, SJFF supports such worthwhile organizations and programs as zoos, botanical gardens, theaters, museums, symposiums and cultural exhibitions.

Science & Medical

Supporting pioneering discoveries in science, medical research and bioengineering is achieved not only through The Sam J. Frankino Foundation’s generous undergraduate and graduate scholarships but through our financial support of regional health care institutions.

SJFF supports scholastic endeavors and organizations that strive to enrich the lives of those residing primarily in northeast Ohio. We applaud state-of-the art breakthroughs in medical research as well as the delivery of innovative health care solutions.

SJFF demonstrates a history of supporting research and improvements in the areas of:

• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Parkinson’s
• Leukemia
• Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Lupus
• Arthritis

Our Foundation will provide grants to further the understanding of diseases and advance the capabilities of medicine and surgery that may one day bring cures.

Environment

Clean air, clean water, land conservation, a sustainable environment–The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is committed to supporting such “green” initiatives. A clean, healthy environment is vital for future generations. All must step up and invest to make this goal achievable.

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation supports partnerships that bring together people who value, nurture and protect the natural environment. The SJF Foundation is specifically interested in increasing the understanding of the environment and our relationship to it and its activities.

About the Community Health Foundation

Community Hospital Health Services Foundation (CHF) d.b.a as Community Health Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that is a 50% corporate owner of Community Mercy Health Partners (CMHP).

We began in 1986 as the parent company of The Community Hospital of Springfield and Clark County, and we are the surviving entity of the merger of CHF and Community Hospital Independent Endowment Fund in 2009.

We fill a unique role in the regional healthcare delivery system.

Purpose

The mission of Community Health Foundation (CHF) is to preserve reproductive services, to promote health and wellness, and to advocate for quality healthcare through grant making and education in Clark and Champaign Counties, Ohio. Grants to area non-profit organizations help fulfill this mission. Responsive grants are awarded annually for programs that support health and wellbeing in the region.

Types of Funding

• Program grants support new programs, continuing programs, or expansion of successful ongoing programs.
• Project grants are for short-term activities, usually lasting less than one year.
• Operating support contributes to an organization’s day-to-day, ongoing expenses such as salaries, utilities, office supplies, etc.
• Capital support is related to building improvements, infrastructure (i.e., wiring, roofing), fixtures or equipment for a specific program or project.

Health Priorities

Children’s Health

• Early life is a critical time to ensure healthy development, address health risks and prevent future problems.

 Chronic Disease Prevention & Management

• Many existing programs promote health and wellness, providing support for all people to receive the full range of health services.
• The outcome of such programs will ultimately lead to reduced cancer incidence; improved oral health; reduced rates of heart disease; reduced rates of diabetes; reduction in lower respiratory disease; and reduction in rates of addiction.

Maternal/Infant Health

• Inclusive and comprehensive approaches help people prepare for healthy births and parenting.
• The community benefits from such programs that contribute to longterm outcomes such as:
  • fewer preterm births;
  • more patients receiving prenatal care;
  • reduced rates of sexually transmitted infections; and
  • reduced rates of teen pregnancies.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

• When people in our community struggle with mental health and substance use disorders, the overall wellbeing of the area suffers.
• Programs that provide services in these areas will ultimately result in reduced rates of suicide; and reduction in overall overdoses.

Sexual Health

• Reduce rates of sexually transmitted infections and reduce rates of teen pregnancies. Reproductive health education programs must be evidence-based and comprehensive.

Health Equity

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation defines health equity as giving everyone a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Health Equity encompasses factors that, when addressed, decrease disparities.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI)

Community Health Foundation’s DEI statement reads (in part):

Community Health Foundation embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We seek to understand each other and to work collaboratively to improve the health and wellness of everyone in our community. CHF draws on the skills, talents and perspectives of a broad and diverse range of people in a collaborative manner to improve the health and wellness of the entire community. The diversity of viewpoints which comes from different life experiences and cultural backgrounds strengthens decisionmaking and supports the organization’s and the community’s success.

An awareness of how systemic inequities have affected our society and those we serve creates opportunities to deepen CHF’s impact, relevance and advancement of its mission. CHF works toward creating a healthy community where everyone is valued, regardless of race, age, gender, religion, income, sexual orientation or abilities. Health inequities and social injustices are acknowledged and resources are provided to decrease disparities and to improve health outcomes for all people in our community.

CHF works to build a culture of trust, civility and respect and to create a safe place for individual perspectives, identity and life experiences to be shared. An inclusive board culture welcomes and celebrates differences and ensures all board members are equally engaged and invested, sharing power and responsibility for Community Health Foundation’s mission and the board’s work.

Cross-Cutting Factors

Cross-cutting factors impact all priority areas and move our community closer to health equity. Cross-cutting factors include the following:

• Social Determinants of Health include access to affordable, safe and healthy housing; highquality education; and improved economic structures such as income equality, employment opportunities and reduced poverty.
• Access to Care helps people get needed health services through transportation that is reliable and available to all; and sufficient health resources including dental care, mental health and primary care.
• Health Behaviors and Prevention includes promotion of physical activity; availability and knowledge of healthy food; reduction in tobacco use; and reducing health risks through prevention of injuries and addressing unsafe environments.

Toledo Community Foundation, Inc. is a public charitable organization created by citizens of our community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our service area. 

Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth

The Waterville Community Foundation is a charitable organization, affiliated with the Toledo Community Foundation, dedicated to the enrichment of community life in Waterville and the surrounding area.

The Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth of the Waterville Community Foundation requests proposals from nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio whose programs enhance the lives of young people under the age of 18. Projects and organizations that benefit children with developmental disabilities or abused children are a particular priority of these funds.

The Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth seeks proposals for projects that can demonstrate impact over the course of a project period, and therefore will only consider requests that exceed $3,000. It is anticipated that approximately $40,000 will be available annually for distribution through this request for proposals.

Funds should not be depended upon as an annual source of support. 

Grants – 2023

The Disability Foundation, a supporting organization of The Dayton Foundation, is pleased to offer a Request for Proposal for FY 2023 seeking competitive grants for organizations that provide direct services to people living with disabilities.

Grants will be awarded to vetted community-based nonprofits and 501(c)(3) charitable organizations individuals living with disabilities in the state of Ohio, with preference to southwest Ohio that are focused on:

• Direct services to individuals living with disabilities
• Expansion of Services
• Purchase of equipment for accessibility
• Housing
• Remodeling to enhance accessibility
• Lasting Equipment
• Other needs directly related to services

An organization may only submit one grant request. The value of grant(s) awarded to the same organization may not exceed $10,000 in a grant-cycle year.