Best Grants for Preschools in Ohio

The Bertha and David Wiggins Scholarship, offered by the Erie County Community Foundation, supports high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds in Erie County, Ohio. This scholarship aims to assist those with family incomes exceeding $100,000 who are graduating high school and planning to attend college or university in Ohio. Since its inception in 1995, the scholarship has aimed to uplift the community by fostering educational opportunities and ensuring a lasting impact on students' futures.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Ohio Athletic Committee Scholarship, established in 1995, supports graduating seniors from Ohio who have demonstrated outstanding community service, leadership, and academic performance. Eligible applicants must have participated in at least one Ohio Athletic Committee wrestling event or been members of a high school football team or cheerleading squad for four years, with a minimum ACT score of 25. This initiative aims to uplift the community by fostering future leaders.

The Mildred P. McCrystal Memorial Scholarship, established by the Erie County Community Foundation, supports graduates from Erie County high schools pursuing Fine Arts with a focus on Music Performance or Education. Eligible candidates must have completed two years at an accredited university or community college. This scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, providing vital financial assistance to continue their educational journey and contribute to the artistic community.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

Mary Elizabeth Betts Beattey Scholarship

Mary Elizabeth Betts Beattey graduated from high school at 17 in 1937, when the shadow of the Great Depression still darkened her home in Appalachian Ohio, so she put aside her desire to attend college and, for the next three decades, relied on her Gregg shorthand, typing, language arts, and general abilities in various secretarial positions. When her husband died just short of her 50th birthday, she found herself with the time and resources to pursue her dream of a college education. Within three years, she had a degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University, graduating cum laude.

For most of the next two decades, she taught fifth grade, reveling in finding the student who, with a little special service, extra attention, encouragement, or cajoling could and would do better academically. The goal of the scholarship is to support a student who has been helped, motivated, or cajoled into doing better and to continue on that path through their high school career.

Award Amount:

• $5,000, payable over four years as 10% awarded year one, 20% awarded year two, 30% awarded year three, and 40% year four.

The GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

The WGPF: Ohio Historical Markers Grant Program, initiated by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in collaboration with Ohio History Connection, offers grants for historical markers that commemorate significant people, places, and events in Ohio's history from 1800 to 1900. Open to municipalities and nonprofit organizations, the program provides a total of 20 grants across various counties, fostering a deeper appreciation and recognition of Ohio's rich historical heritage.

The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship offers unique research opportunities for graduate students from member universities. Eligible candidates can conduct research at the Smithsonian in diverse fields such as anthropology, ecology, and history of science. The fellowship provides a stipend of $45,000 per year, with additional research allowances, and supports both U.S. and international students. This initiative fosters collaboration among leading academic institutions to advance knowledge and innovation.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The Ohio State Bar Foundation's Racial Justice Initiative Grant, launched in 2020, has allocated $1 million to support impactful projects that confront systemic racism in Ohio. This initiative seeks proposals that identify and challenge biases, provide frameworks for change, educate stakeholders, and collaborate with legal systems. However, the OSBF discourages proposals focused on internal organizational improvements related to diversity and equity, as funding is intended for external, systemic change.

The Celebrating Ohio Book Awards and Authors Grant provides Ohio libraries with up to $2,000 to enhance collections featuring Ohio authors and award-winning titles. This LSTA grant aims to support community literacy by connecting readers with local literary talent. Libraries can apply for funds to purchase books recognized by Ohio-based award programs. No matching funds are required, making this a valuable opportunity for libraries to enrich their offerings and promote Ohio's literary heritage.

The Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund (DLEF) supports drug task forces in enforcing state drug laws by providing financial assistance. Managed by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, this fund allows agencies to prioritize their needs while ensuring a minimum match of 25% for project costs. This flexibility helps combat illegal drug activity effectively, enhancing local law enforcement efforts across Ohio.

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.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The OneOhio Recovery Foundation's Regional Grant Cycle 2 aims to fund organizations addressing substance use disorders in Ohio. This initiative supports local efforts in prevention, treatment, and recovery, utilizing a portion of funds from the pharmaceutical industry due to the opioid crisis. Eligible applicants must align their proposed services with the foundation's approved purposes, ensuring a direct benefit to individuals with substance use disorders and their families.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

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.

Carol Jenkins Nursing Scholarship

The scholarship was established to support nurses with an RN who seek to further their education and deepen their knowledge of the profession.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The First Financial Foundation, established in 2017, aims to enhance local communities through targeted grants. With a focus on neighborhood development, workforce education, and cultural initiatives, the foundation supports organizations creating affordable housing, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting the arts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving specific counties and must align with the foundation's mission. The foundation seeks to foster community growth and diversity while ensuring impactful contributions.

The Appalachian Region Healthcare Support Program aims to enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas by providing technical assistance to organizations such as critical access hospitals and rural health clinics. By focusing on planning and implementing healthcare service improvements, the program seeks to strengthen the operational performance and quality of care within these communities, ultimately benefiting the residents served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.