Best Grants for Preschools in Ohio

The HortScholar Program offers students in horticulture an immersive experience at Cultivate'25, connecting them with industry leaders and trends. Participants will gain hands-on experience, network, and explore job opportunities while receiving mentorship and an all-access pass to the event. With complimentary lodging and meals, this program is designed to advance careers in horticulture and expand horizons for future professionals.

State Library of Ohio

The State Library of Ohio is a state agency that serves Ohio’s state government, public and academic libraries, and residents statewide. Its vision is to create a “Smarter Ohio” where people of all ages have access to the resources they need to be informed and engaged citizens, succeed in the workforce, expand their knowledge, and pursue their personal and professional interests. The State Library’s mission is to inspire and support literacy and lifelong learning for all Ohioans by expanding access to information, strengthening communities, and advancing high-quality library services. Through partnerships, funding, and statewide initiatives, the agency works to enhance library capacity and promote equitable access to educational and informational resources across Ohio.improve population health outcomes.

Summer Library Program Grant (OH)

The purpose of the 2026 Summer Library Program (SLP) grant program is to empower libraries to enhance their 2026 summer programs with library-led activities that spark creativity and learning, engage individuals of all ages, and benefit their communities. Libraries may apply for federal LSTA funds to support summer programs for children, teens, and/or adults. Grant funds may be used to purchase program materials, supplies, and/or contractual services for presenters and programs offered to the community during the 2026 summer. Please refer to the FAQ page for specific guidelines on the use of awarded funds. Applying libraries are encouraged to submit proposals that address specific needs, including targeted programming for adults, new populations, or underserved community members. Applying libraries are also encouraged to identify ways they might collaborate with other community entities, organizations, or agencies. For this grant a local cash match of 25% is required. This means federal funds cannot exceed 75% of the total project cost. 

The OSGC Mini-Grant Program supports innovative STEM projects for Ohio K-12 teachers, offering up to $1,000 in funding with a required 1:1 cost share. This initiative encourages proposals that promote STEM education, have a lasting impact, and are replicable. Eligible projects may include purchasing materials or supporting field trips, provided they feature structured STEM programming. Applications are particularly welcomed from schools in urban and rural areas, with all awards contingent on available funding.

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.

The Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship honors arts leaders in Minnesota who demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen. With a $2,500 grant, the award celebrates individuals whose innovative approaches fuel the creative sector. Nominees should have at least 10 years of experience and a proven history of community engagement. This award aims to recognize diverse perspectives and encourage initiatives that enhance access to the arts for all Minnesotans.

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) in Ohio, administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, allocates crucial funds to combat family violence. These funds support essential services such as immediate shelter and counseling for victims. The program emphasizes community-based projects led by nonprofit organizations, ensuring that at least 70% of the funds are dedicated to providing urgent shelter and supportive services. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders are vital for enhancing project effectiveness.

The ST26 Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Continuation Solicitation, administered by the Ohio Department of Health, focuses on reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The program utilizes a data-driven public health approach, emphasizing surveillance, routine screening, and community education. By providing no-cost medications and enhancing partner services, ODH aims to improve health outcomes for high-risk populations and mitigate the impact of STIs across Ohio.

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 HY27 Services for Homeless Youth and Homeless Pregnant Youth Grant, administered by the Ohio Department of Health, aims to combat youth homelessness in Ohio. This program emphasizes innovative solutions for supporting pregnant and homeless youth, providing essential direct services and interventions. Funded through the Ohio General Revenue Fund, the initiative collaborates with the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio to ensure effective implementation, continuous improvement, and robust support for the organizations involved, ultimately enhancing community health outcomes.

The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) aims to enhance oral health access and equity through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives. Established in 1980, the DDF focuses on underserved populations, promoting education, and addressing health disparities. The foundation prioritizes grants that align with its strategic plan, emphasizing oral health equity for people with disabilities. With a commitment to improving overall health, the DDF supports innovative programs and initiatives that ensure everyone has access to quality dental care.

VOCA/SVAA Grants for Advocates

The Crime Victims Services section is responsible for the administration of the State Victims Assistance Act (SVAA) and the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant programs. The funds are provided to eligible crime victims assistance programs operating in public and non-profit agencies throughout the state of Ohio.

The State Victims Assistance Advisory Board and Ohio Attorney General staff make funding recommendations, which are submitted to the Attorney General for final consideration.

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.

Ohio Housing Trust Fund Special Projects Grant Program

The Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF) consists of fees collected by county recorders that may be used to make grants, loans, loan guarantees, and loan subsidies to counties, municipal corporations, townships, local housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations to assist in activities that provide housing and housing assistance for specifically targeted low- and moderate-income families and individuals.

Annually, a portion of the OHTF is set aside for the Special Projects Grant Program. This program, administered by the Community Services Division’s Office of Housing Support (OHS), provides funding for special projects and innovative proposals that will principally benefit persons or households with income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and meet the OHTF’s rules and regulations, as outlined in Ohio Revised Code 174.

1-1 match required for funds when applying.

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.

Fire Department Training Reimbursement Grant

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is pleased to announce we are now accepting electronic applications for the Fire Department Training Reimbursement Grant for eligible classes completed in calendar year.

Fire Departments that provide primary fire protection to an area with a permanent population of 25,000 or less qualify for the grant. Reimbursement is available for specific fire training classes, including the cost of training manuals and student workbooks up to the maximum amount that is authorized. Training grants awards are subject to availability of funds. Applications are available mid-December through mid-January annually.

The Fire Department Training Reimbursement grant application packet is being provided as a worksheet guidance document. This will allow you to gather all the necessary information prior to submitting the grants online.

Fire departments that provide primary fire protection to an area with a permanent population of 25,000 or fewer may qualify for training reimbursement. Reimbursement covers approved training classes and associated training manuals and student workbooks, up to the authorized maximum.

The Valerie Hickman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports Muskingum County high school graduates pursuing a Pre-BSN or BSN program at Ohio University Zanesville. This scholarship aims to enhance students' educational experiences by covering essential expenses like tuition and books. Preference is given to Zanesville High School graduates, honoring Valerie Hickman's legacy of kindness and community support.

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.

Fire Department Equipment Grant

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is pleased to announce the availability of 2027 Fire Department Individual and Joint Equipment Grant for qualifying fire departments and local government entities. Allowable equipment grant requests include personal protective clothing, SCBA, communications equipment and other miscellaneous equipment. Eligible fire departments must serve a population of less than 25,000, be in compliance with the Volunteer Firefighters’ Dependents Fund outlined in Ohio Revised Code 146, and have submitted incident fire reports for the previous calendar year. The State Fire Marshal is accepting Individual and Joint Equipment Grant applications online only. The Fire Department Equipment Grant application packets are being provided as a worksheet guidance document (Individual and Joint) only. This will allow you to gather all of the necessary information prior to submitting the grants online. Grant award notifications up to $15,000 will be made in the spring.

The Division of State Fire Marshal offers the Fire Department Equipment Grant to qualifying fire departments to buy protective clothing, breathing apparatuses, communications gear, and other equipment. Applications open in winter.

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council aims to enhance transportation opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities through funded projects. By expanding access to transportation, the council seeks to empower individuals with I/IDD to achieve independence and improve their quality of life. Two projects may receive $50,000 annually for five years, supporting diverse entities in Ohio. This initiative aligns with the council's mission to foster inclusion and community involvement for people with disabilities.

The Council Connect grant from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council aims to enhance public awareness of developmental disabilities. It will create resources and outreach initiatives to educate communities, especially underserved populations. The selected grantee will coordinate communication efforts to share stories, promote resources, and engage with community organizations. This initiative aligns with the Council's mission to improve independence and inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities, ultimately fostering a more informed and connected community.

About Us

The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.

All In Play: Empowering Inclusive Sports in K-12 Schools

This grant will support the development and expansion of inclusive K–12 athletic programs that increase access to meaningful participation for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including those with significant support needs. The goal is to build school and community capacity, not to deliver direct services.

Grantees will implement a train‑the‑trainer model that equips school staff, coaches, and university partners with practical strategies for inclusive sports program design, adaptive coaching, and peer‑to‑peer engagement. Projects must include approaches that prepare trainers to support students across the full spectrum of abilities and to train student peers in disability awareness, communication, and inclusive teamwork.

Funded activities may include developing training materials, delivering trainer sessions, providing technical assistance to schools, building partnerships with university PT/OT programs, and collecting best practices. Projects should emphasize sustainability, replication, and long‑term systems change.

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:

• Build capacity within schools to design and sustain inclusive athletic programs.
• Train educators, coaches, and university partners to support students with all levels of disability.
• Incorporate structured peer‑engagement models (e.g., buddy systems, mentorship).
• Provide technical assistance that helps schools implement inclusive practices effectively.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and share outcomes.

This grant aligns with ODDC priorities by promoting community inclusion, strengthening local capacity, supporting cross‑disability participation, and fostering collaborative partnerships that lead to lasting systemic change.

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) seeks to enrich the culture and protect the rights of Ohioans by fostering activities that identify, preserve and provide access to the State’s documentary heritage. It accomplishes these goals by advocating for issues that enhance the collection, preservation and public use of historical records, encouraging organizations to seek funding for appropriate projects, and providing guidance to those organizations. To further its mission OHRAB has created a grant program to help Ohio historical records repositories obtain funds for smaller projects that may not qualify for funding under larger grant making agencies.

The Katharine M. Grosscup Scholarships in Horticulture, established by the Garden Club of Allegheny County in 1981, honors the legacy of passionate gardener Katharine MacConnell Grosscup. These scholarships, aimed at supporting students in horticulture and related fields, provide awards of up to $3,500 for education and research. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in specific states with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This initiative promotes a love for gardening and conservation.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

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.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program in Ohio, facilitated by the National Arbor Day Foundation, aims to enhance college campuses through sustainable tree management and community engagement. By meeting five key standards, institutions can achieve annual recognition, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among students and faculty. This initiative not only beautifies campuses but also contributes to mental health and climate action. Participating schools receive support and resources to promote their commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Kiwanis Club Grants, administered by the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation, focus on projects that promote Safe and Healthy Kids. They support community initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of children and families. Eligible applicants include Kiwanis organizations in Ohio, with priority for projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and substantial community impact. Grants can provide up to $3,000, and the foundation operates without discrimination, emphasizing inclusivity in its funding efforts.

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

UPWARD for Youth: Unlocking Potential with Advocacy, Resources and Development for Youth

(K) (i) DEMONSTRATION OF NEW APPROACHES TO SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. The Council may support and conduct, on a time-limited basis, activities to demonstrate new approaches to serving individuals with developmental disabilities that are a part of an overall strategy for systemic change. The strategy may involve the education of policymakers and the public about how to deliver effectively, to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, services, supports, and assistance that contribute to the achievement of the purpose of this subtitle.

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

People with I/DD will learn self-advocacy and leadership skills each year and put the skills into practice