Best Grants for Preschools in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program, providing up to 50% reimbursement for eligible local government subdivisions. This funding supports the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational areas. Since its inception, Ohio has received over $165 million, with a significant portion allocated to local parks. Applicants must adhere to the state's SCORP priorities and own the property involved in the project.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

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

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.

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

Planning for a Successful Future 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.

Development of a method to support people with developmental disabilities and their family members in the Future Planning process.

The Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program aims to enhance law enforcement transparency and accountability by providing funding for agencies to establish or upgrade their body-worn camera programs. With a budget of $10 million, the program prioritizes agencies without existing camera systems. In 2023, the average award was approximately $43,482, addressing crucial needs for improved evidence collection and officer training, ultimately fostering better community relations and public trust.

The Governor’s Merit Scholarship (GMS) aims to retain Ohio's top high school graduates by providing financial support for higher education. Funded at $20 million annually, it awards up to $5,000 per year for four years to eligible students attending qualifying institutions in Ohio. The program encourages academic excellence and aims to reduce financial barriers, ensuring that outstanding students can pursue their education in-state, thereby contributing to the state's workforce and economy.

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is designed to assist Ohio residents with significant financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. Eligible individuals include those pursuing associate degrees or first bachelor's degrees at recognized institutions, with a maximum household income of $96,000. The grant adapts based on tuition costs, ensuring support for students in various programs, including foster youth and veterans at community colleges. This initiative fosters access to higher education across Ohio.

Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a 501(c)(3) regional community foundation – the first and only community foundation serving all 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. But even more, we serve as the home for a community of givers – donors and doers working together to create opportunities for the people and communities of our region. In partnership with our community of givers, we are working to create a Flourishing Appalachian Ohio.

Association of Ohio Commodores Foundation Fund grants

The Association of Ohio Commodores Foundation Fund supports the charitable, educational and public purposes of the Association of Ohio Commodores.

The Association of Ohio Commodores Foundation Fund, in partnership with FAO, is accepting requests for proposals from organizations across all 88 Ohio counties to support existing high-impact training programs to prepare individuals quickly for in-demand occupations and career pathways.

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.

Youth and young adults with developmental disabilities often experience a loss of services and support as they move from school-based systems into adult life. This transition can be especially difficult for individuals in underserved communities, where access to services is limited and navigation is complex. Families may not know where to turn, and many individuals fall through the cracks.

This project addresses these challenges by funding community-based organizations that are committed to outreach, equity, and inclusion. Programs will be expected to identify individuals who are not currently connected to services and help them access individualized supports and adapted community resources. Services must be designed to meet the needs of diverse populations and delivered in partnership with local systems, including County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. 

The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BigP) Tier II provides funding for the construction of facilities that support non-trailerable recreational boats, primarily when these vessels are in transient status. This program focuses on transient mooring facilities for large vessels, defined as 26 feet or longer, allowing stays of 10 days or fewer. The program has two tiers, requiring a 25% match, with Tier II offering up to $1,500,000 for nationwide competitive projects.

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.

The Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant (FEEEG) is designed to support Ohio firefighter employers in reducing exposure to hazardous environmental factors. Eligible applicants can receive up to $15,000 for purchasing qualified protective equipment such as diesel exhaust systems and turnout gear. This grant emphasizes maintaining workers' compensation coverage and adhering to safety regulations, ensuring that firefighters are equipped for optimal protection in their duties.

The Advanced Energy Fund Grant, provided by the Ohio Department of Development, supports eligible projects aimed at reducing energy usage, costs, and fossil fuel emissions while creating or retaining jobs. This grant is available to various entities in Ohio, including businesses and non-profits, to implement energy efficiency projects. Matching funds may be required and will be evaluated based on the project's scope. Note that the application period is currently closed.

The Ohio History Fund offers competitive matching grants for history-related projects, supporting nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Ohio. With a focus on organizational development, grants range from $1,000 to $4,000 and require a 60/40 match. Since 2013, the fund has awarded over $1 million to enhance community history initiatives, demonstrating a significant demand for support in preserving Ohio's rich heritage.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

The Volstead Holdings Scholarship, offered by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support residents of central and northeast Ohio pursuing technical post-secondary education in fields such as design, construction, manufacturing, and logistics. This scholarship emphasizes skilled trades and technical career pathways, prioritizing non-traditional students to enhance access to education. By connecting applicants with vital educational resources, the scholarship seeks to strengthen Ohio's workforce and manufacturing legacy, ensuring meaningful opportunities for future generations.

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 Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Opportunity Youth Grants

Funds recreational programs benefiting youth and ensure that all young people enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well.

In 2015, The Columbus Foundation commissioned a research report from Jobs for the Future to better understand the challenges youth and young adults in Franklin County ages 18 to 24 were facing. At that time, it was found that 20,500 young people, referred to as opportunity youth, were not on track to graduate and/or were disconnected from society. This presented an opportunity for our community to reach out to them, intensify our efforts to reconnect, and facilitate pathways to success and self-sufficiency.

A cross-sector group of community stakeholders, including The Columbus Foundation, worked in collaboration to arrive at the theory of change that all youth should be able to enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well. Six focus areas were identified: Civic Engagement, Education, Health and Wellness, Housing, Support Systems, and Workforce.

This Opportunity Youth coalition continues to work together to create a continuum of support that both engages youth who are currently disconnected while working upstream to ensure all youth enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well.

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

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Floyd E. and Mary Irene Younkin Scholarship Fund of the Pickaway County Community Foundation

Floyd Edwin Younkin (1916) and Mary Irene Pontius (1920) were born and raised in Pickaway County. The struggles involved in working family farms during the Depression established a strong work ethic and determination that they carried throughout their lives. They instilled that same principle in their three children as well as Irene’s twin sister’s three children whom they raised after her untimely death.

Following Floyd’s death in 1997, Irene continued her active role in the businesses they built until her death in 2015. She paid forward to the communities they loved and educating youth with her contribution to form the Floyd E. Younkin branch library in Ashville and the Younkin Success Center at The Ohio State University. Although they never had the opportunity to attend college, both strongly believed in the rewards that education brings. To continue the legacy that they started, Floyd and Irene’s family established this scholarship.

Mission

The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

The Ohio Arts Council was created in 1965 to foster and encourage the development of the arts and assist the preservation of Ohio's cultural heritage. With funds from the Ohio Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, the OAC provides financial assistance to artists and arts organizations. The Council accomplishes this charge in two primary methods; first, through the various grant funding programs that the Council operates to provide support to artists and to make arts activities available to a broad segment of Ohio's public; and secondly, by providing services that help to enhance the growth of the arts.

Artists with Disabilities Access Program

Professional Development Support for Artists with Disabilities

The Artists with Disabilities Access Program (ADAP) provides funding that gives individual artists with disabilities the resources they need to further their artistic development. Creative expression by artists of all abilities is essential to building dynamic and diverse communities throughout Ohio. ADAP awards help artists with disabilities advance their artistic practices, making Ohio a more accessible and inclusive place to build an artistic career.

Grant Awards

Grants are awarded to individual artists at both the emerging artist level and professional artist level, with no cash match required. Applicants may receive only one ADAP award per year. Artists with Disabilities Access Program grantees generally receive their full request.

How the Program Works

The Artists with Disabilities Access Program provides support to individual artists with disabilities to:

• introduce their work to new audiences and to raise their artistic profile, through exhibitions, performances, publications, or screenings.
• develop a new artistic skill through participation in activities such as conferences, artist residencies, workshops, fellowships, master classes, or apprenticeships.
• advance their career through activities like production of marketing materials, website development, equipment purchases (not to exceed $1,500), materials, services, or rental fees for equipment or facilities. 

The Marie and August LoPresti, Sr. Faculty Development Award, provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, honors the LoPrestis' contributions to foodservice and dietetics. This award offers continuing education funding specifically for faculty members at Ohio universities and colleges, encouraging professional development and excellence in education within the field.

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.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Amos H. and Geraldine A. Lynch, Sr. Fund

This scholarship, established to honor Amos and Geraldine Lynch, is available to graduating high school seniors within the Columbus City School system.

Award Amount:

Minimum $500

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Adam Johnston Memorial Scholarship

The Adam Johnston Memorial Scholarship honors the young life of its namesake, son of Tom and Ruth Johnston of Marion. Adam passed away a few weeks prior to his 8th birthday, while a second grader at Ridgedale. He died following a surgical attempt to correct his congenital heart defect.

This scholarship was created in 2000 to preserve the memory of this cheerful, gregarious, and unflappable little boy who made everyone around him smile. It is his parents’ intent that the scholarship will help his former classmates and others remember their son.

Adam’s scholarship makes awards to Ridgedale High School graduating seniors scoring in the upper 50th percentile of the ACT or SAT. Recipients must have, at a minimum, attended Ridgedale their entire senior year.