Best Grants for Youth Programs in Ohio

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.

Focused on youth services, Republic Bank Foundation Inc invites Ohio organizations to apply for funding that supports education, youth programs, family and community welfare, and recreation. Nonprofits serving young people in Ohio may benefit from grants and occasional in-kind donations of equipment to help strengthen local communities.

Ohio youth organizations can access funding through Reynolds and Reynolds Company Foundation, which supports programs for at-risk youth, health, hunger, animal welfare, and more in eight counties around Dayton. Nonprofits serving young people in these regions may be eligible for support, especially if they deliver hands-on community services.

Grants from EQT Foundation help Ohio youth programs that focus on STEM education, teacher training, and community enrichment. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Belmont County may benefit from support for educational initiatives, public art, and environmental stewardship. Youth-serving nonprofits working to enhance local opportunities are encouraged to apply.

Focused on youth services, Fifth Third Foundation invites Ohio organizations to apply for funding that supports children and youth in areas such as education, health, community development, and the arts. Nonprofits serving youth in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky may benefit from this opportunity to strengthen programs for young people across the region.

Focused on youth wellness and community support, CNX Foundation invites Ohio youth programs to apply for funding that addresses children’s health, food security, sports, and digital access. Grants may benefit organizations serving youth through health education, sports, technology, or basic needs, with an emphasis on making a measurable, local impact in Ohio communities.

Nord Family Foundation supports youth services in Ohio by funding programs that engage children and youth, particularly those with limited access to the arts, education, and basic needs. Organizations serving young people through education, arts, health care, and family support may be eligible for grants to strengthen youth programming and community development.

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.

Ohio youth programs can access funding through Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley for initiatives focused on leadership development, structured mentoring, and youth recreation. Grants support organizations providing measurable outcomes in youth growth or economic mobility. Eligible nonprofits serving Ohio counties may benefit from these flexible funds for impactful youth services.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

Grants from Gpd Group Employees Foundation Inc. help Ohio youth programs by supporting K-12 public schools and nonprofits focused on children, including those at-risk or with special needs. Eligible initiatives include STEAM, literacy, therapy, and life skills programs. Organizations serving Ohio youth may benefit from this annual funding opportunity.

Focused on youth services, Greater Cincinnati Foundation invites Ohio organizations to apply for grants supporting education, health, cultural experiences, and social welfare for children and young adults with disabilities or economic barriers. Nonprofits serving youth in the Greater Cincinnati area of Ohio may be eligible for funding to enhance their programs and impact.

Ohio youth programs can access funding through Toledo Community Foundation’s traditional grants, which support nonprofit organizations serving youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Projects that benefit disadvantaged youth or have a positive impact in the City of Toledo or Northwest Ohio are especially encouraged to apply for support.

The Middletown Community Foundation offers grants for recreation, arts, festivals, events, and sponsorships to enhance community engagement. Established in 1976, the foundation supports collaborative projects that meet specific community needs, aiming for efficient use of philanthropic funds. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and local organizations, while individuals and for-profit entities are ineligible. The foundation encourages initiatives that foster the development of responsible youth and safe living environments.

Cox Communications Inc supports youth STEAM education in Ohio by providing grants to nonprofit organizations focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math programming. Youth-serving organizations with innovative educational initiatives may be eligible for annual awards between $5,000 and $12,000 to enhance youth learning and community impact.

The PACF Community Action Grants support nonprofits in West Virginia through a competitive grant process twice a year. Grants up to $20,000 are available for diverse fields such as Arts, Education, and Community Development. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities serving the Foundation's 11-county area. Projects addressing community needs and enhancing organizational capacity are prioritized, especially in areas with limited support options. Interested applicants should ensure project eligibility before applying.

With a mission to enhance opportunities for children and families, Sam J Frankino Foundation provides Ohio youth programs with funding for education, youth services, and community initiatives. Organizations supporting youth development—including those addressing homelessness, foster care, physical fitness, and mental health—may be eligible for grants to improve the lives of young people across the state.

The Hudson Community Foundation offers competitive community grants to enhance the quality of life in Hudson, Ohio. Since 2000, over $500,000 has been awarded to support nonprofit organizations in various areas, including art, culture, historical preservation, social services, and youth education. The foundation aims to address current community needs while anticipating future challenges, making strategic investments for lasting impact.

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce provides Ohio youth services organizations with funding to deliver high-quality after-school, summer, and expanded learning programs for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Eligible applicants include school districts, community-based organizations, and other public or private entities. Programs focusing on academic enrichment, youth development, and family engagement may be supported.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation provides Ohio youth services organizations with grants to support educational programs, scholarships, and initiatives for underprivileged children and families. Funding focuses on launching innovative projects, especially for primary, secondary, and adult education. Youth programs in Ohio aiming to improve opportunities for underserved communities may be eligible.

The IC25 Injury Prevention-Child Injury Prevention Solicitation by the Ohio Department of Health aims to fund programs that reduce child injuries and fatalities in Ohio. Through evidence-based strategies, this grant addresses issues like traumatic brain injuries, youth violence, and transportation safety. With a total funding of $220,000 over four years, eligible agencies can apply for up to $110,000, ensuring comprehensive support for local initiatives focused on enhancing child safety.

Springfield Foundation supports youth services in Ohio by funding programs that serve children and young people in Clark County. Nonprofits focused on youth development, education, health, and related services may be eligible for support. Initiatives that enhance skills, engagement, and well-being for local youth are encouraged to apply.

Grants from Stark Community Foundation help Ohio organizations advance mental health, wellness, and community health education in Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne counties. Youth-focused programs that promote healthier lifestyles or address health-related issues may be eligible for support. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies serving these areas.

The Fall Community Action Grants Program, initiated by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations and public institutions within an 11-county area in West Virginia and Washington County, Ohio. Grants up to $20,000 are awarded for projects in arts, education, health, and community development. Special consideration is given to initiatives fostering inclusive communities and addressing social issues. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or public agencies, with a focus on collaborative projects that benefit local residents.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

Ohio youth services organizations can access funding through AES Ohio Foundation for innovative programs that build skills for youth, support after-school education, and promote employment readiness. Programs addressing basic needs, health, arts, and diversity are also considered. Youth-focused nonprofits in AES Ohio’s 24-county service area may be eligible for these impactful grants.

Cavaliers Youth Foundation supports youth services in Ohio by funding nonprofit organizations that provide programs for children, families, and young adults. Grants focus on areas such as education, health, recreation, food security, and life skills, with priority for at-risk youth. Youth programs in Ohio may benefit from this funding opportunity.