Best Health Care Grants in Ohio

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Area Auxiliary Scholarship

The eldest of the scholarship funds at Marion Community Foundation, the Marion Area Auxiliary Scholarship was created in 2000 to support careers in medicine, in keeping with the earliest goals of the Foundation.

Marion Community Foundation was created in 1998 from the Mary Elizabeth Smith Foundation and sale of the assets of the former MedCenter Hospital. Supporting health care access and services and careers in medicine are long-standing goals of the Foundation.

This scholarship makes awards to Marion County students who score in the upper 50 percent of the ACT or SAT and are pursuing an education in health care or medical sciences.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Larry Hawkins Family Scholarship

A Sidney High School alumnus who is currently enrolled beyond the first year in an adult education school, trade school, or a 2-year or 4-year college or university, located within the state of Ohio. 

Selection based upon:

Financial need, academic ability, demonstrated community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $3,000 scholarship

About OFIC

he Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) was founded in 1950 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization representing higher education in Ohio.

OFIC believes all students who enroll at a member campus deserve the opportunity to complete their college education. Every day we connect and partner with corporations and foundations to make this dream possible by helping to keep education affordable through scholarships, internships and career opportunities. Our goal is to facilitate an exceptional appreciation of independent higher education and its impact on the state of Ohio’s citizens, economy, and culture. Through OFIC’s Scholarship Management Resources, we create national scholarship opportunities by partnering with organizations in Ohio and beyond.

Ohio Scholars Program

Welcome to The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) Ohio Scholars Program homepage! OFIC partners with private, liberal arts institutions around the state to offer scholarships to students like you, as well as to sponsor campus initiatives that together can make an impact in the great state of Ohio. The scholarships we offer students are funded by a variety of donors who earnestly desire to support students by enabling them to further their education. More information about OFIC can be found here. 

OFIC launched the OSP application in the 2023-2024 academic year as one way to practice good stewardship of the funds received by our donors to select students who meet complex criteria and to supplement established best practices gained from decades of scholarship experience. We are seeking to do the same for the 2027-2028 academic year to find the best qualified students for the available scholarships we have to offer. 

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation provides grants to recognize and support outstanding PK-12 teachers in Ohio's public schools. With a maximum grant size of $3,000, the foundation encourages innovative classroom projects that foster deep learning, critical thinking, and creativity. However, proposals from new applicants will not be accepted during the August and October 2025 grant cycles as the foundation prepares for a new strategic vision set to launch in January 2026.

Homeless Crisis Response Program

The goal of the HCRP is to prevent individuals and families from experiencing homelessness and, when homelessness does occur, to provide for emergency shelter operations and to rapidly move persons from emergency shelter into permanent housing.

The HCRP is divided into two components: 1) emergency shelter operations; and 2) homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing activities. Funding is a formula-based model that promotes service coverage throughout the state.

Homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing activities are limited to households below 30% area median income (AMI). Both components are awarded on an allocation basis, assuming grantees meet performance standards.

Grant funds are awarded on a regional basis, requiring collaboration of all providers within the region to develop a single shelter diversion strategy, moving individual programs toward systems-level coordination. Funds are distributed by an allocation to ensure at least minimal access to assistance statewide.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The Department of Commerce, Division of Financial Institutions is committed to supporting financial literacy for children, young adults, and adults within Ohio through the Financial Literacy Grant Program.  The fund will award grants to programs focused on providing the knowledge and skills needed to develop and integrate personal financial literacy whether virtually and/or in-person. 

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The ST26 Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Continuation Solicitation, administered by the Ohio Department of Health, focuses on reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The program utilizes a data-driven public health approach, emphasizing surveillance, routine screening, and community education. By providing no-cost medications and enhancing partner services, ODH aims to improve health outcomes for high-risk populations and mitigate the impact of STIs across Ohio.

The Extradition Reimbursement Program, administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, provides funding to local law enforcement for in-state and out-of-state extraditions of dangerous offenders. There is no maximum reimbursement limit per extradition, and agencies can apply without restrictions. This program aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that violent offenders face justice in Ohio, supporting law enforcement agencies effectively.

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, environmental protection, and community health in the regions it operates. As a leading steel manufacturer, Cleveland-Cliffs is committed to sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship. The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations that address key challenges in education, the environment, and community well-being, ensuring impactful investments that help communities thrive across North America.

About Us

We are a state agency that serves state government, all types of libraries, and residents. The vision of the State Library of Ohio is a Smarter Ohio where Ohioans of all ages access the necessary resources to be engaged residents, excel at their jobs, participate in the workforce, expand their knowledge, and pursue their passions and interests.

Our Mission

The State Library of Ohio inspires and supports literacy and lifelong learning for all Ohioans through access to information, strengthening of communities, and support of exceptional library services.

Guiding Ohio Online Grant

This grant provides federal funds for public libraries serving rural populations in Ohio to hire a dedicated technology trainer. The Guiding Ohio Online application is currently closed.

Guiding Ohio Online is a State Library of Ohio administered competitive Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant that allows public libraries serving rural populations in Ohio to hire a dedicated technology trainer. The technology trainer is hired as an independent contractor in a full- or part-time capacity, depending on the needs of the library. The grant period is July 1—June 30. Trainers can assist with computer instruction, technology-focused community outreach, one-on-one instruction, and other technology related duties.

LSTA funding covers 75% of the project costs; the remaining 25% must come from a local cash match. This cash match typically comes from the library but may come in whole or in part from a partner organization. Please be aware that the cash match cannot come from another federal funding source.

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 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 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 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.

TU27 Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Grant

Purpose:

The Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program (TUPCP) at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is a state-administered program that receives funding from the CDC, state general revenue funds, and other grant funding sources. Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program Main Goals:

• Prevent youth and young people from starting using tobacco and nicotine-containing products.
• Helping adults to stop using tobacco and nicotine products by focusing on populations with higher use rates.
• Policies to limit the availability of tobacco products and limit secondhand smoke exposure.
• Build sustainable statewide tobacco use prevention and cessation infrastructure through cross-sector partnerships and collaboration.
• Decrease tobacco-related disparities to ensure all Ohioans have the opportunity to live a tobacco and nicotine-free life.

Policy and Procedures:

The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts: Program Updates(if applicable), Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and Other Required Attachments. Submission ofthe continuation application constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance ofODHGrants Administration Policies and Procedures (OGAPP) manual rules, ODH policy and procedure updates posted on the GMIS bulletin board, federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, and any other program-specific requirements as outlined in the competitive solicitation. Thissolicitation pertainsto budget period: 07/01/2026-06/30/2027ofthe total project period, 07/01/2025-06/30/2030.

Number of Grants and Funds Available:

Funding for the Local Tobacco Prevention and Control grant is supported by state funds with an anticipated funding of $2,192,750. Applicants must apply for the required elements and the selected projects as selected in TU26.

No grant award will be issued for less than $30,000. The minimum amount is exclusive of any requiredmatching amounts and represents only ODH funds granted. Applications submitted for less than theminimum amount will not be considered for review.

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 Canton Regional Society of Professional Engineers (CRSPE) College Scholarship Fund

The Canton Regional Society of Professional Engineers (CRSPE) College Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial support for students who are residents of Stark, Wayne, Richland, Crawford or Ashland counties, will be juniors or seniors (must have completed four semesters) enrolled in an accredited college of engineering in the state of Ohio and expect to receive their bachelor’s degree in engineering.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The B26 Occupant Protection Regional Coordination Solicitation offers grants starting at $30,000 to support programs aimed at enhancing occupant protection. Funded by the Ohio Department of Health and Human Services, this initiative requires first-tier subrecipients to manage operational costs until grant payments are received. The application process involves submitting program updates, budgets, and necessary attachments, adhering to specific policies and procedures, with funding covering a designated budget period from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

The Kathleen J. Schmidt Memorial Scholarship, established in 2004 by The Dayton Foundation, provides financial assistance to high school seniors from specific schools in Beavercreek, Ohio, who intend to pursue a teaching degree at a four-year Ohio college or university. This scholarship honors the legacy of Kathleen Schmidt, a dedicated language arts teacher. With a commitment to supporting education, the fund aims to empower future educators and contribute to the community's educational landscape.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.