Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Ohio

The Shubert Foundation is the largest funder in the U.S. providing unrestricted grants to not-for-profit theatres and dance companies. It focuses on supporting professional dance organizations that demonstrate artistic activity, community service, and fiscal responsibility. The foundation emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its grant-making process, with a commitment to evaluating organizations based on their impact and contributions to the field. Funding is limited to U.S. organizations with established track records.

The AGA Research Scholar Award offers $100,000 per year for three years to early-career faculty in digestive disease research. Applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be in a full-time faculty position in North America. The award fosters scientific independence by requiring a minimum of 50% research effort. AGA membership is mandatory, and applicants are encouraged to self-assign their proposals to specific research categories. This award aims to support promising junior researchers in their pursuit of independent research careers.

The AGA Fellow Abstract Award, offered by the American Gastroenterological Association, provides a $500 travel award to MD, PhD, or equivalent fellows who present their abstracts at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW). The award encourages the participation of active trainee members and emphasizes diversity by inviting applications from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. The top abstract will earn an additional $1,000 award, highlighting excellence in gastroenterology research.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Terry Adler Memorial Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduating senior in Hardin County.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Women at Microsoft Scholarship

This scholarship supports high school seniors or graduates or current college undergraduates who self-identify as female or as non-binary (a spectrum of gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine). This scholarship is a $5,000 award with up to seven (7) scholarships granted.

The AGA Pilot Research Award offers $40,000 for one year to independent investigators at any career stage, focusing on innovative research in gastroenterology or hepatology. Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree, and AGA membership is required at the time of application. This award encourages early career researchers and supports projects with new directions, emphasizing mentorship for those in the early stages of their careers.

The Shubert Foundation offers grants to not-for-profit professional theatre and dance companies in the U.S., focusing on general operating support rather than project-specific funding. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and a proven track record in artistic and administrative excellence. Evaluations consider artistic achievement, community service, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring support reaches those making significant contributions to the arts community.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research aims to enhance public health through funding innovative research in physical therapy. With a mission to optimize movement and improve societal health, it supports both emerging and established researchers. By offering grants, scholarships, and fellowships, the Foundation has created a robust pipeline of skilled researchers. Their efforts also focus on addressing health disparities and advancing evidence-based practices, ensuring a brighter future for the profession and its impact on patient care.

About CKCF

Our Mission

Central Kentucky Community Foundation is the philanthropic focal point in the region, serving as a resource, leader and catalyst to people who wish to improve life in their community.

Available Scholarships

2026 Rylee Marie Razon Memorial Equine Scholarship

The Magistro Family Foundation Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance health through physical therapy research. With a commitment to funding innovative projects, this grant provides $200,000 for one or two years to support emerging and established researchers. The foundation focuses on addressing health disparities and advancing evidence-based practices in physical therapy, ultimately improving the quality of life for diverse communities.

The J. Thomas Dutro Jr. Student Award, presented by the Paleontological Research Institution, recognizes the significance of systematic research in paleontology. This $500 award is open to graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) engaged in systematic paleontology research. Eligible expenses include research supplies, bench fees, and travel for fieldwork or conferences, supporting the academic growth of promising paleontologists.

The AGA Fellowship-to-Faculty Transition Award offers $65,000 per year for two years, totaling $130,000, to clinical and postdoctoral fellows. This funding is intended to support their transition to independent research careers focused on inflammatory bowel disease in gastroenterology. Applicants must hold an MD or equivalent, be in a fellowship position in North America, and demonstrate a commitment to clinical or translational research. AGA membership is required, and applicants should have a mentor who is also an AGA member.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Illinois Mutual Employees’ Children Scholarship Fund 

The Illinois Mutual Employees’ Children Scholarship Fund was established by Illinois Mutual Life Insurance Company to provide scholarship support for the children of employees who are graduating from high school or are undergraduate college or vocational students who will be enrolled full time.

For general scholarship questions, please contact Illinois Mutual’s Community Relations Department. For questions about the application process or required materials, contact the Community Foundation of Central Illinois at 309-674-8730 or amanda@communityfoundationci.org.

The AANA Research Grants support clinical and basic science research in arthroscopic surgery, with a funding pool for 2024 reaching $350,000. One project may receive $50,000, while six others can be awarded $25,000 each. Applications are evaluated based on scientific validity, feasibility, clinical relevance, and completion ability. Special consideration is given to innovative surgical techniques and patient-reported outcomes. Travel expenses for study participants may also be considered during grant reviews.

The James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Grant, provided by the James McKeen Cattell Fund, offers supplementary financial support for psychologists' sabbaticals. This grant is designed for faculty members at U.S. and Canadian institutions who meet specific eligibility criteria, including tenure status and recent leave history. The maximum award is capped at $40,000 or half the recipient's salary, ensuring that recipients can extend their research time effectively.

Big 30 Athletic Fund

This scholarship is for four graduating high school seniors from Big 30 participant schools. One award overall from any Big 30 school, one for a student from Cattaraugus County, one for a student from Allegany County, and one for a student from Pennsylvania. Students must have participated in at least two sports for all four years of high school. Emphasis will be placed on involvement in sports, but academic achievement will also be considered. Financial need may be considered.

Carroll Swanson Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts

This fund was established to provide a scholarship for a student at the following schools: Allegany-Limestone, Olean and Portville who has participated in a school music program (band or choral).

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

The Shelley Pillman Memorial Scholarship

The Shelley Pillman Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, honoring the legacy of Shelley, a beloved rescue dog whose gentle spirit and unwavering compassion touched the lives of all who knew her. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of compassionate veterinarians who will continue to care for animals with the same kindness and dedication that Shelley embodied.

The Community Partnership Grant, administered by the Sons of Norway Foundation, offers up to $5,000 for projects that promote and preserve Norwegian culture and heritage. Open to individuals and groups from Norway and the U.S., the grant encourages initiatives that reflect the foundation's core values such as lifelong learning and community generosity. Applications must be submitted online in English and should demonstrate a commitment to celebrating Norwegian cultural traditions.

The Myocarditis Foundation offers research grants aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of myocarditis, a rare but serious disease. These grants provide $40,000 in seed funding for promising physician-scientists within ten years of their MD or PhD. Recipients are expected to conduct research in the U.S. or Canada, culminating in a final report. The goal is to support innovative research that can lead to significant breakthroughs and ultimately, a cure for myocarditis.

The McDonough Foundation Grant aims to enhance communities in West Virginia by providing funding to nonprofits focused on social welfare. Prioritizing tax-exempt organizations under IRS Code 501(c)(3), the foundation supports initiatives that address basic human needs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with applicants limited to one grant per calendar year. This commitment helps local organizations overcome resource limitations and fosters community growth through targeted financial support.

Ryan Lesher Student Athlete Memorial Scholarship (NCF)

Provides scholarships to Council Rock South and North High Schools for students who participated in multiple sports and maintained a GPA over 3.0.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is committed to transforming health in our lifetime and to paving the way to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. To achieve that vision, RWJF supports health equity research that “increases opportunities for everyone to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who we are, where we live, or how much money we make.” Achieving health equity requires identifying solutions to the historical and contemporary root causes of inequities.

From Insight to Action: Health Equity Research that Meets This Moment

Purpose

The current challenging political environment underscores the value of timely, credible research that is grounded in real‑world conditions—the type of research that has propelled the progress toward health equity our society has made. That is why RWJF is launching this CFP as part of a new research funding program, Health Equity Research for Action (HERA). HERA will support community-rooted, action-oriented health equity research that reflects lived realities and responds to immediate and long-term needs. The research will help maintain access to evidence, support accountability, and inform efforts to build more equitable systems. HERA is being developed and will be administered by three national coordinating centers (NCCs) based at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and the Morehouse School of Medicine.

RWJF and the NCCs are interested in research that identifies the root causes of structural discrimination, challenges harmful narratives that undermine individual and community health and wellbeing, and disrupts growing mis- and disinformation. While HERA is still in its early stages, we are hoping this first CFP will sustain and advance health equity research during this critical time, while generating insights that can help shape HERA’s future funding priorities and strategies. Proposals submitted under this first CFP must include research that is conducted in equitable community partnership; focuses on at least one of RWJF’s seven Prioritized Systems; informs systems change; and leads to actionable solutions.

The Tyndale House Foundation Grant supports faith-driven organizations that align with their mission to serve both Word and Deed. Focused on high-kingdom impact, this grant funds a variety of projects in areas like literature, training, education, compassion, and discipleship. Eligible applicants must be U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations or have a fiscal sponsor if based internationally. Grants are not available for individuals, scholarships, or political projects.

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Grant supports innovative visual arts projects through a diverse grantmaking program. It funds artists and organizations that challenge the status quo and promote inclusivity in the contemporary art landscape. Grants are available for curatorial research, exhibitions, and public programs, encouraging creativity and exploration. The foundation prioritizes projects that reflect the diverse population of the United States and reject bigotry, fostering an environment of free expression and artistic growth.

Success Scholarship (NCF)

Provides scholarships to students in Council Rock School District who have received Emotional Support services during their school years.