Best Higher Education Grants in Ohio

Emerine Memorial Scholarship Fund

The scholarship honors the memory of Janet and Erin Emerine, lovers of learning. Janet dedicated her life to teaching people of all ages. Erin dedicated her life to improving the community around her through volunteerism. They valued education as a tool to succeed in life, and they would have wanted others to have the opportunity offered by a scholarship.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

High school seniors and current college students pursuing agriculture degrees, especially in Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Nebraska, and the central U.S., can receive US $1,000 scholarships for higher education through the Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund. Administered by Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, this support may benefit agriculture-focused students from Ohio meeting the GPA and field-of-study criteria.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

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.

The Joseph and Kate Cutinella Scholarship Fund

The Joseph and Kate Cutinella Scholarship Fund was established to assist students attending Kent State University pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in business. Personal interview may be required.

This scholarship is renewable.

Ohio high school seniors seeking higher education support can access funding through this scholarship, with awards from US $5,000 - US $15,000 for full-time study at in-state colleges or universities. Administered by The Columbus Foundation, applicants must reside in Pickaway County and graduate from a traditional four-year high school with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Ohio higher education students pursuing medical, nursing, or allied health degrees who live in Chillicothe or Ross County may be eligible for this scholarship-loan support. Adena Health System supports post-secondary health care career training through the Hope For Our Future Scholarships: G. Howard Wood, MD, Medical and Nursing Student Loan Trust Fund.

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 Louie F. Cox Scholarship, established by the Middletown Community Foundation, honors Mr. Louie Cox, an influential civil rights advocate. This scholarship supports African American students graduating from high schools in Butler or Warren Counties, Ohio, recognizing their academic achievements as well as their community service and leadership. With a legacy rooted in community support, this scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering future leaders and fostering educational opportunities.

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 Lester and Eleanor Webster Fund

The Lester and Eleanor Webster Fund was established to assist students residing in Stark County who are pursuing a degree at an accredited school in Ohio and who have attained at least sophomore status in college. 

Amount: Varies.

• Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The Water Management Association of Ohio (WMAO) Scholarship, funded by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support Ohio residents pursuing careers in water resource-related fields. Eligible applicants must be full-time students at an Ohio public or nonprofit college, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75. This initiative seeks to strengthen the future workforce in essential disciplines such as civil engineering, hydrogeology, and water policy, contributing to sustainable water management in the region.

The Volstead Holdings Scholarship, offered by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support residents of central and northeast Ohio pursuing technical post-secondary education in fields such as design, construction, manufacturing, and logistics. This scholarship emphasizes skilled trades and technical career pathways, prioritizing non-traditional students to enhance access to education. By connecting applicants with vital educational resources, the scholarship seeks to strengthen Ohio's workforce and manufacturing legacy, ensuring meaningful opportunities for future generations.

The Zack Smith O.P.O.T.A./Law Enforcement Scholarship, established in honor of Zack Smith by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports aspiring law enforcement students from any Ohio county. Zack, known for his passion for hunting and commitment to helping others, inspires applicants who wish to make a difference in their community. Preference is given to those enrolled in O.P.O.T.A. programs and Muskingum County residents, ensuring that Zack's legacy continues to impact future generations.

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Voll Family Bowling Green State University Scholarship

The Voll Family Bowling Green State University Scholarship Fund was created by Fran Voll in honor of his wife, Marty. Fran created this scholarship fund in her memory to benefit countless future students attending their beloved Bowling Green State University.   

The scholarships will be awarded to Marion County high school seniors or graduates attending Bowling Green State University. 

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Whirlpool Corporation One Power STEM Scholarship

Whirlpool Corporation, in conjunction with One Energy LLC, created a scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation in 2017 to support education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For each wind turbine installed as part of a Wind for Industry® project, Whirlpool/One Energy scholarship partners are giving back to the community with scholarships. These scholarships will impact Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing studies in STEM fields.

Annually, this scholarship fund awards one $5,000 scholarship to a student attending any eligible educational institution. An additional $10,000 in scholarships is available to students attending The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Technical College, or other eligible educational institutions.

The Ohio Nutrition Council Scholarship, supported by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of Ohio's food and nutrition professionals. Established to advance nutrition education post-World War II, this scholarship aids students pursuing careers in food, nutrition, and public health. It promotes healthy eating and knowledge within Ohio communities, ensuring a future where nutrition education thrives. This initiative connects educational goals with community health, continuing the important work of fostering nutrition awareness and accessibility for all.

Qualified colleges and universities in Ohio seeking support for higher education and scholarship programs can apply for grants that advance post-secondary learning. The Austin E Knowlton Foundation provides funding to institutions, with a preference for scholarships benefiting Ohio students planning to major in STEM fields, and also supports students attending schools in Kentucky and Indiana.

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 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.

Ohio high school seniors pursuing STEM degrees at four-year colleges can access higher education funding through Scholarship America’s HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship. Eligible applicants must live in the mid-Atlantic region, including Ohio, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and may receive up to US $5,000 toward undergraduate study.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

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.

The Lt. Colonel Robert G. Moreland Vocational/Technical Fund

The Lt. Col. Robert G. Moreland Vocational/Technical Fund assists students pursuing vocational or technical education or training in a school or college within the State of Ohio with training or education which will lead to an associate degree, certificate or diploma but not to a baccalaureate degree. 

This scholarship is renewable.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

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.

The Margaret S. Gilbert Scholarship Fund

The Margaret S. Gilbert Scholarship Fund was established to assist Stark County public high school female graduates, who attend or will attend, Oberlin College and major in one of the sciences, mathematics or history.

This scholarship is renewable.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

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.

The Harry Mestel Memorial Accounting Scholarship Fund

The Harry Mestel Memorial Accounting Scholarship Fund assists students enrolled at an Ohio college or university in their third, fourth or fifth year of accounting studies (pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting) whose permanent address is in Stark County, Ohio. 

This scholarship is renewable.

Richard Chenoweth Qualified Designated Scholarship Fund

Established by GAR Foundation to provide college scholarships for Summit County students with financial need.

Amount:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

Ohio higher education institutions seeking to reduce problem gambling among college students can apply for this statewide initiative, with awards up to Up to US $500,000. With a mission to strengthen mental health and addiction services, Ohio Department of Behavioral Health supports a lead grantee partnering with other IHEs and a nonprofit coalition to expand prevention, intervention, and training efforts.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

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.

The Markley Family Scholarship Fund

The Markley Family Scholarship Fund was established to assist full-time undergraduate students of Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. Both resident and commuter students are eligible. Students must demonstrate academic potential and financial need.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with 3+ staff and budgets between $500,000 and $10 million can seek $10,000 - $75,000 to expand proven education or health programs, including higher education initiatives in Ohio. L B Research and Education Foundation supports research-informed efforts addressing opportunity gaps for adolescents, post-secondary students, and adult learners, as well as innovative health and mental health access.