Best Health Care Grants 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.

PrimaryOne Health Community Scholarship

The Healthcare Justice Scholarship benefits racial, ethnic, and cultural underrepresented populations pursuing careers in healthcare. The scholarship fund will increase opportunities; educate, train, and employ more individuals of a diverse background; and allow for more diverse perspectives in the healthcare field. The goal is to grow a diverse healthcare pipeline to improve health outcomes.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Community Fund Ohio - Individual Grant provides financial support to Ohio residents with disabilities and nonprofits serving them. This program offers two types of grants: the Special Needs Grant with Financial Hardship, which assists those receiving SSI or Medicaid, and the Special Needs Grant for those not receiving these benefits. Applications are accepted year-round, with quarterly deadlines for review, aimed at enhancing community access and addressing specific disability-related needs.

Integration of Oral Health into Primary Care Settings for Children

The overarching goal of this contract is to improve oral health outcomes of children in the nine priority counties identified in section 1.6 by integrating oral health into non-dental settings. This will be achieved with the two objectives listed below:

Objective One:

• Increase the application of fluoride varnish by non-dental practitioners.

Objective Two:

• Increase the number of children aged five and under with a dental visit.

The Community Fund Ohio grant program provides financial support to individuals with disabilities living in Ohio and to nonprofit organizations serving this community. Applications can be submitted anytime, with biannual reviews culminating on June 30 and December 15. Grants are designated to meet specific needs related to disabilities and enhance community access. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, especially during the first quarter for summer camp funding, with decisions made within 45 days after submission.

The KeyBank Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities through education, workforce development, and affordable housing. Founded in 1969, the Foundation prioritizes diversity, financial capability, and sustainability. Their grants aim to empower individuals for success by improving access to resources, fostering economic inclusion, and creating safe environments. By partnering with community organizations, KeyBank Foundation seeks to make a measurable impact and ensure lasting positive change for families and small businesses.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

The Ohio Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant provides crucial funding for out-of-school time programs aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Administered by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, this grant supports educational initiatives that enhance academic performance and personal development. Eligible applicants include schools, community organizations, and local agencies, with a focus on services for low-income areas. The program emphasizes a range of enrichment activities, promoting holistic growth for children in need.

The John E. Foster Engineering Scholarship Fund, established by engineering firms to honor John E. Foster, supports Columbus City Schools seniors pursuing engineering degrees at The Ohio State University or Columbus State Community College. Applicants must be graduating seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, reflecting a commitment to diversity and excellence in engineering. This fund aims to empower future engineers and enhance representation in the field.

The Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on education, health, arts, and community welfare. Established in 2004, the foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community well-being, ensuring grants are awarded to nonprofits with operating budgets under $10 million. Organizations must apply annually and adhere to specific eligibility criteria, including geographical and operational restrictions. The foundation aims to empower local initiatives that promote positive societal impact.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

MNRS Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an MNRS member who has significantly advanced the profession of nursing either through an extensive program of research or creation of environments where research can flourish, and whose sustained leadership and distinguished career yielded outstanding and noteworthy accomplishments. 

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

The Excellence in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award

The purpose of the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award is to recognize the contribution of a member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to advance equitable health outcomes and reduce health disparities through research, which has enhanced the science and practice of nursing in the MNRS region.  

Erwin & Katherine Geis Scholarship Fund

Established by the Geis family to provide scholarships for Geis Companies employees and their children, as well as the children of the company's subcontractors and vendors. Wild Eagle and Metropolitan at The 9 employees and their children are also eligible.

Amount:

• $5,000 per year each for seven college students (up to $5,000/$2,000 based on financial need); $2,000 per year each for two private or tuition-based high school students.

Number of awards:

• 9

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

The Ritton Family Foundation, along with Par Mar Stores, offers the Par Mar Stores Scholarship Program to support students pursuing higher education. This initiative awards multiple scholarships annually to eligible high school seniors and undergraduate students residing in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, or Kentucky. Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need, with opportunities for reapplication each year.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Grant RFP aims to support Ohio residents affected by SLE through in-person education programs. This initiative will focus on providing essential lupus programming for all Ohioans, prioritizing areas with the highest need. Eligible projects will enhance public awareness and education about lupus, ensuring equitable access to resources regardless of race, ethnicity, or income. The Ohio Commission on Minority Health champions this effort to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities.

Summit County Master Gardeners Scholarship Fund

Established by Summit County Master Gardeners to provide scholarships to Summit County students or residents who are interested in attending an Ohio university to pursue a two- or four-year degree in horticulture, agriculture, environmental studies or closely related field. A non-traditional student currently employed in a green industry is eligible to apply as well as members and relatives of SCMG.

Amount: Varies

• $1,000 minimum

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

The Hope For Our Future Scholarships, offered by the Adena Health Foundation, support students pursuing careers in healthcare-related fields. Eligible applicants include those studying medicine, nursing, or allied health professions, particularly from the Chillicothe and Ross County areas. With a focus on inclusivity, scholarships are available to individuals with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative aims to enhance career opportunities in a sector poised for growth, benefiting both students and the community.

The Delta Dental Foundation's Community Mini Grants provide up to $10,000 to local nonprofits promoting oral health care in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. These grants focus on enhancing access to dental care for at-risk populations, educating communities about oral health, and supporting innovative programs. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with strategic aims and the ability to achieve impactful results. This initiative seeks to improve community health through dedicated funding and support for effective oral health programs.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The John Henry and Nancy May Bell Allensworth Scholarship Fund

The John Henry and Nancy May Bell Allensworth Scholarship Fund assists graduates and seniors of Carrollton or Edison High School in Carroll or Jefferson Counties. Must attend a public college or university which is part of the University System of Ohio. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The EGLS Howard Maxwell Award recognizes outstanding service to the Eastern Great Lakes Section of the American Physical Society (APS). Established in 1938, the section fosters collaboration among physicists and scientists from various fields through biannual symposia. Named after Howard Maxwell, this award honors dedicated contributions to the APS community, encouraging participation from students and educators in the greater Ohio region.

The EGLS Doc Brown Young Investigator Award, presented by the American Physical Society, recognizes exceptional young faculty in physics. Awardees receive a cash prize and commendation at the annual spring meeting. Eligible nominees include PhD lecturers and tenure-track faculty who are APS members in the EGLS region and within six years of their appointment. Nomination requires endorsement from a tenured faculty member and attendance at the meeting where the award is presented.