Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The HY27 Services for Homeless Youth and Homeless Pregnant Youth Grant, administered by the Ohio Department of Health, aims to combat youth homelessness in Ohio. This program emphasizes innovative solutions for supporting pregnant and homeless youth, providing essential direct services and interventions. Funded through the Ohio General Revenue Fund, the initiative collaborates with the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio to ensure effective implementation, continuous improvement, and robust support for the organizations involved, ultimately enhancing community health outcomes.

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 National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences. 

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

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.

The Columbus Firefighters Foundation Scholarship supports individuals in Ohio pursuing careers as firefighters or EMTs. Offered by The Columbus Foundation, this scholarship provides essential financial assistance to candidates enrolled in accredited fire technology or EMS programs. By investing in the future workforce, the scholarship aims to enhance emergency response services, ensuring a well-prepared and capable team ready to address community needs effectively.

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.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa counties or Athens County, Ohio, attending Ohio University full time with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

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.

Jay Cash Scholarship Fund

The scholarship honors the memory of James (Jay) Franklin Cash by awarding scholarships to support students attending the Columbus College of Art & Design or Columbus State Community College.

The Scott Family Public Safety Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports high school graduates residing in Ashland County. This scholarship aids students accepted into accredited programs in firefighting, EMT/paramedic training, or law enforcement in Ohio. Both new and past recipients are encouraged to apply, fostering continued education and career advancement in public safety fields.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Wayne County Children's Resource Fund offers grants to nonprofit organizations aiming to eliminate barriers that hinder children's potential, such as poverty and discrimination. Grants support programs and projects that provide lasting solutions and community benefits. Eligible applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt organizations, while the fund does not support deficit financing or scholarships. The Foundation is dedicated to ensuring effective use of resources for children's welfare in Wayne County, Ohio.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Mylander Foundation Grant, established in 1987, supports charitable, educational, and civic organizations in Erie County, Ohio. It mandates annual grants to seven key organizations while also distributing additional funds to others twice a year. Grants typically start at $1,000 and focus on projects benefiting Ohio residents. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, with considerations for projects that significantly impact community goals.

The Yellow Springs Community Foundation offers General Discretionary Grants to enhance community life in Yellow Springs and Miami Township. These grants support projects, programs, and events that address community needs. Applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines at the end of March, June, September, and October. The Foundation prioritizes one-time projects, collaborations, and reasonable compensation. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits, while individuals and ongoing operational support are typically not funded.

The Andrea Rose Teodosio Foundation Grant supports various charitable organizations, showcasing a commitment to the elderly, children, the arts, and nature. Notable beneficiaries include the Akron Children's Museum and the Akron Food Bank. The foundation aims to enhance community service and education while addressing environmental issues, reflecting the values dear to Andrea Rose Teodosio. Through its funding efforts, the foundation strives to make a significant positive impact in the community.

The W. & H. Bender Memorial Fund Grant supports charitable organizations in Ohio, focusing on those located in Youngstown and Columbus. This grant is dedicated to enhancing community welfare and providing essential resources to nonprofits that serve these areas. Organizations seeking funding should demonstrate a clear impact on local communities and align with the foundation's mission to foster positive change. For more information, please visit the foundation's website.

Who is OCJS

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for Ohio, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and products, develops training, resources, and best practices for criminal justice professionals and communities. OCJS has been designated by Governor Mike DeWine to administer the FY 2025, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program for State Prisoners (RSAT). The RSAT funds are used to support treatment services in addition to the services the prison or jail is already required to provide.

Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Grant Program Request For Proposals

The goal of the RSAT Program is to prepare individuals for reintegration into communities by delivering community-based treatment and other broad-based aftercare services. RSAT assists states and units of local government in developing and implementing residential substance abuse treatment programs within state correctional facilities, local correctional, detention facilities, and juvenile detention centers where inmates are incarcerated for a period of time sufficient to permit substance abuse treatment. OCJS recommends applicants target high-risk offenders as program participants. RSAT funds may be used to implement four types of programs: residential, jail-based, aftercare, and jail-based pretrial SUD treatment programs. A minimum of 10 percent of Ohio’s RSAT allocation must be available for local correctional and detention facilities for any of the three following program areas:

Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment

• Engage participants for a period between six (6) and 12 months.
• Establish a therapeutic community (i.e., program participants are set apart from the general population). Therapeutic Communities are residential treatment facilities that are set apart from the general correctional population in either a separate facility or a dedicated housing unit that is used exclusively for RSAT and/or other SUD treatment programs.
• Focus on the inmate’s substance use diagnosis and addiction-related needs.
• Develop the inmate’s cognitive, behavioral, social, vocational, and other skills necessary to solve the substance use and related problems.
• Require urinalysis and/or other proven reliable forms of drug and alcohol testing for program participants, including both periodic and random testing, and for former participants while they remain in the custody of the state or local government.
• Prepare participants for successful community reintegration, including post-release referral to appropriate
• evidence-based aftercare treatment and service providers that support the use of medication-assisted treatment.

Jail-Based Substance Use Disorder Treatment

• Engage participants for at least three (3) months.
• Focus on inmate’s substance use diagnosis and addiction-related needs.
• Develop the inmate’s cognitive, behavioral, social, vocational, and other skills to solve the substance use and related problems.
• Require urinalysis and/or other proven reliable forms of drug and alcohol testing for program participants, including both periodic and random testing, and for former participants while they remain in the custody of the state or local government.
• Prepare participants for successful community reintegration, including post-release referral to appropriate evidence-based aftercare treatment and service providers that support the use of medication-assisted treatment.
• Jails that do not have the capacity to establish a therapeutic community are encouraged to group RSAT program participants within the general correction setting.

Aftercare

• Projects must provide aftercare services. These services must involve coordination between the correctional treatment program and other social service and rehabilitation programs, such as education and job training, parole supervision, halfway houses, self-help, and peer group programs. To qualify as an aftercare program, the head of the substance abuse treatment program must work in conjunction with state and local authorities and organizations involved in substance abuse treatment to assist in the placement of program participants into community substance abuse treatment facilities on release
• Jail-based pretrial SUD treatment programs
• Projects that initiate or continue evidence-based SUD treatment programs, including medication-assisted treatment, in pretrial populations during their confinement and/or foster connections to SUD treatment in the community upon pretrial release. Programs supporting pre-trial populations do not need to meet above criteria for jail-based residential SUD treatment programs.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

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 Charles D. Berry Foundation, established in 2018 by Chuck Berry, aims to enrich the Greater Dayton community through grants in arts, education, health, and community services. The foundation emphasizes support for programs that foster creativity, education, and well-being, ensuring a positive impact on local residents. They prioritize requests for operating and capital support, while maintaining a commitment to social equity and inclusion. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, including having 501(c)(3) status.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The Ohio History Fund Grants support history-related projects through a competitive matching grant program. Non-profit organizations and local government entities in Ohio can apply for funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. Eligible projects include public programs, exhibits, and conservation efforts. The grant covers 60% of total costs, with a 2-year project length. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement and preserve Ohio's rich history, showcasing the importance of local heritage.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.