Best Grants for Youth Programs in Ohio

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.

The AdvoCare Foundation, established in 1993, aims to promote health and wellness for children through its grant program. Focused on year-round initiatives, the foundation supports local communities where AdvoCare distributors operate. Grants typically last one year with an average funding of $25,000, although multi-year support may be available. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster positive health changes and encourages collaborative efforts with previous grantees.

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.

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.

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.

AH27 Adolescent Health Resiliency Competitive Solicitation

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health announce the availability of funds for the Adolescent Health Resiliency (AH) grant. The Adolescent Health Resiliency and Youth Engagement Initiative seek to strengthen youth resilience and promote trauma-informed communities by building the capacity of adults who work with youth while elevating youth voices in community health planning. This project will expand the existing Adolescent Health Resiliency (AH) train-the-trainer model by equipping youth-serving adults with trauma-informed care knowledge and skills to become trusted adults for adolescents.

In addition, the project will establish youth Engagement Groups (YEGs) that empower youth to actively participate in community decision-making processes. Through collaboration with local health departments and community partners, youth perspectives will be incorporated into Community health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIP). The initiative will foster meaningful youth participation, strengthen protective factors for adolescents, and promote community health improvements. 

The grant program will fund up to 11 local community agencies or health departments to implement community-based grants.

Priority will be given to local health departments.

Service Area: Applicants must apply for funds to cover a minimum of one county in the state of Ohio. Counties with smaller population sizes may combine efforts to create an application for two or more counties.

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.

YS27 Youth Suicide Prevention Continuation Solicitation

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness, Violence and Injury Prevention Section, announces the availability of grant funds.

Policy and Procedures

The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts: Program Updates(if applicable), Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and Other Required Attachments.

Number of Grants and Funds Available 

The federal Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant supports this grant. Up to six (6) grants may be awarded for a total of $532,200. Only funded applicants in year 3 (YS26) will be eligible to apply. This funding is for year 4 of this grant project, which will run Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 - Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2027. The entire project period is Friday, March 1, 2024 - Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2027. If the Ohio Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not funded in the federal fiscal budget, ODH may be unable to fund the YS27 youth suicide prevention subrecipients. The funding for year 4 will be up to $76,300, with the option for up to two applicants to apply for Supplemental #1 to lead the state’s Youth Suicide Prevention coalition for $7,500 each, and all applicants to apply for Supplemental #2 funding to support local Suicide Fatality Review committees for up to $10,000 each.

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

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.