Best Higher Education Grants in Ohio

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

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.

Dr. Shelton & Becky Williams Scholarship

The Dr. Shelton & Becky Williams Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by Becky Williams to honor her late husband.

The scholarship supports seniors and graduates from any school in Marion County pursuing a degree in psychology at The Ohio State University at Marion. 

High school seniors pursuing higher education in drawing, design, architecture, or industrial arts may be eligible for this merit-based scholarship supporting study at accredited postsecondary institutions. With a mission to strengthen education, Armstrong County Community Foundation provides Ohio higher education students and others in the region with nonrenewable support for approved arts and industrial arts programs within 300 miles of their high school.

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.

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

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.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Judge Thomas K. Jenkins ScholarshipIn 2009, the late Judge Thomas K. Jenkins (1937-2025) created this fund at Marion Community Foundation to provide resources in perpetuity for Marion area students pursuing degrees and careers in law. The Jenkins scholarship makes awards to graduates of Marion County high schools pursing a degree in law at any accredited college or university, with special consideration given to applicants attending Tom’s alma mater, Ohio Northern University School of Law.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 Harry D. Callahan Educational Trust Fund

The Harry D. Callahan Educational Trust Fund assists residents of Stark County who are graduates or current graduating seniors of a Stark County high school, and plan to attend a college or university in the state of Ohio or within a 150-mile radius of Canton, Ohio. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.6.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

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.

Ohio Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau is a grassroots membership organization that is committed to supporting our farm and food community. You can find us involved everywhere from events hosted by county Farm Bureaus to the halls of local, state, and federal government, advocating for policy that supports the future of farming. We care about helping our members achieve success in agriculture.

Scholarships

The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation annually awards scholarships to students planning to pursue careers in agriculture and to adults seeking continuing education in agriculture-related studies. To support the future of agriculture throughout Ohio, each county has a scholarship fund to allot to its local students. Other scholarships focus on specific issues such as women’s leadership in agriculture, livestock and crop sciences at the Agricultural Technical Institute, sheep production and management, and more.

Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassadors Scholarship

The Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassadors Scholarship is the foundation’s premier scholarship, honoring students who excel academically, serve their communities, and pursue careers that advance Ohio agriculture.

It supports students who embody hard work, perseverance, and stewardship; leaders who meet challenges, strengthen agricultural communities, and pay forward opportunities to sustain and grow Ohio agriculture. Recipients represent the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s values as ambassadors, upholding integrity, dedication, and a commitment to lasting impact.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassadors Scholarship provides one (1) renewable $10,000 scholarship to a deserving student seeking a degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Each scholarship is renewable for up to three years for a total of up to $40,000 per student.

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.

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

Ohio LGBTQ+ students pursuing any post-secondary education, including two- or four-year, advanced, technical, or certification programs, can receive scholarship support for higher education. The Columbus Foundation’s Michael Kibbey and Ron Betz Scholarship honors LGBTQ+ community service and leadership, prioritizing applicants who volunteer and aspire to uplift LGBTQ+ and other minority communities; awards are US $2,000.

The Sue Johnson Nursing Scholarship, established by Sue Johnson, former Director of Nursing Clinical Excellence & Research at Parkview Health, supports eligible Parkview co-workers pursuing a Bachelor's degree in nursing. The scholarship reflects Parkview Health Foundation's commitment to enhancing healthcare in the region by fostering educational opportunities for its staff. Since 1878, the foundation has played a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare and improving patient experiences in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

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.

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

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 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.

The Governor’s Merit Scholarship (GMS) aims to retain Ohio's top high school graduates by providing financial support for higher education. Funded at $20 million annually, it awards up to $5,000 per year for four years to eligible students attending qualifying institutions in Ohio. The program encourages academic excellence and aims to reduce financial barriers, ensuring that outstanding students can pursue their education in-state, thereby contributing to the state's workforce and economy.