Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Ohio

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs in Ohio may be eligible for this invitation-only opportunity, which supports new approaches to societal issues. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving organizations test or expand creative solutions that improve the human condition across diverse fields such as health, community development, and literacy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and schools in Ohio and other CSX-served communities can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to reduce transportation and equipment costs. Support includes intermodal freight services across the Eastern U.S. rail network and occasional donations of used railroad equipment and materials for community, military, and first responder initiatives.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges in Ohio and beyond can seek up to US $300,000 over three years for scalable, systems-focused solutions. With a mission to support transformative social impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides capital, intensive capacity-building, and community connections to help organizations grow their reach to underserved populations.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Ohio can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible programs must primarily serve economically underserved communities and focus on innovative, tech-enabled solutions that increase reach and efficiency of services.

Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Ohio can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives from State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants. Focus areas include auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–12 and higher education programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or charitable equivalency status, including those in Ohio, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support health, education, and community initiatives. Funding may assist food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM education programs, and efforts promoting healthy lifestyles through medical research and screening.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Licking County residents in Ohio can apply for Licking County Foundation’s Cecil L. Mauger Charitable Trust Grant to support small capital needs, programmatic work, and community projects. Priority goes to innovative or collaborative efforts that benefit underserved or disadvantaged residents and measurably improve local quality of life.

Ohio nonprofits and social enterprises focused on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can access large project or scaling support through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000. Eligible organizations must serve children or youth in urban low-income communities in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Nonprofit organizations, qualified governmental entities, and Puerto Rico charitable organizations running humanitarian, social, education, or community programs in Ohio or nationally can seek support for charitable programs and fundraising events. With a mission to advance science and community well-being, Amgen Foundation provides non-healthcare donations and sponsorships to U.S.-based organizations outside the healthcare community.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Nonprofit organizations and volunteer-driven programs in Ohio’s Stark, Carroll, Holmes, Tuscarawas, and Wayne counties can receive Good Samaritan Grants to address health, education, and social service needs of the poor and underserved. Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton offers up to $10,000 for small-budget or largely volunteer initiatives, excluding salaries and short-term events.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Eligible tax-exempt organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S. for well-managed services that broadly benefit their target populations and materially advance general welfare.

The Zegar Family Foundation Grant, established in 2007, focuses on improving lives through impactful charitable donations. The foundation prioritizes areas such as environment, justice, human rights, science, education, and community development. While unsolicited proposals are not accepted, the foundation remains open to innovative ideas that align with its mission. Through targeted support, it aims to create lasting positive change in communities and promote social equity.

Greater Cincinnati performing arts and youth arts education nonprofits in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana can receive US $15,000 - US $350,000 for performances, new works, and artist residencies. The David C. Herriman Fund from Greater Cincinnati Foundation prioritizes organizations in specified Greater Cincinnati counties, including Ohio groups seeking substantial project support rather than capital or fundraising campaigns.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, especially wildlife conservation groups in Ohio, can seek the Storytelling Grant to fund projects that share their community impact through compelling narratives. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports storytelling tied to preservation, education, or wellness initiatives, with awards of more than US $50,000 for eligible U.S.-based efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community relief, education, health, or humanitarian services can apply for funding that supports programmatic work across the Southern region of the U.S. Grants from Robinson Foundation help eligible charities address needs such as poverty relief, disaster response, family and youth services, and related initiatives, which may benefit Ohio-based organizations serving southern communities.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities or significant economic barriers in the Greater Cincinnati area of Ohio may be eligible for this support. Grants from Greater Cincinnati Foundation, via the Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, can fund capital, operating, limited endowment needs, arts programs, and recreation areas benefiting these populations.

Focused on sustaining arts and cultural programming, Ohio Arts Council invites Ohio arts and cultural organizations and other nonprofits providing arts programs to apply for multi-year general operating support. Eligible large and mid-sized organizations must have prior OAC grant history and meet income and data-reporting requirements; funds may cover artistic, administrative, marketing, education, and evaluation expenses.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working to improve community quality of life can seek project, operating, or capital support for programs in areas like economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S.-based charities where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio and across the U.S. with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation's Community Partnership Award. This national competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners that measurably improve communities and address significant social issues through innovative, scalable models.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.