Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Ohio nonprofit organizations, public and community libraries, and schools can apply for Buckeye Authors Book Fair Committee’s Literacy Awards, offering up to US $500 in in-kind support for projects using Buckeye Book Fair books and authors. Eligible projects should creatively encourage reading and promote Ohio topics, especially around the annual Buckeye Book Fair event.

Ohio nonprofits, tribal governments, local governments, schools, and other eligible entities working on environmental and public health issues in disadvantaged communities can access funding through the Minneapolis Foundation’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Tier 1 program. Grants up to US $150,000 support assessment and engagement projects like environmental monitoring, research, mapping, and community education across EPA Region 5, including Ohio.

Parkersburg Area Community Foundation provides Ohio nonprofits and public institutions with rapid-response funding for non-budgeted, urgent needs or time-sensitive opportunities, up to US $4,000. Eligible projects must serve Washington County residents or the foundation’s broader 11-county service area, supporting community development, health, education, human services, and related local priorities.

Rural Ohio state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes can apply for USDA: Rural Development funding to build or improve water, sewer, solid waste, and storm water systems. These federal grants may benefit Ohio nonprofits seeking capital support for sanitation, clean drinking water, and related infrastructure projects in eligible rural areas.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community services in Jefferson County and Steubenville can seek one-time project funding that supports year-round, direct-service programming. Focused on measurable outcomes and broad or underserved impact, the Mary Jane Ritson Charitable Trust favors established organizations with at least three years of operation and proven program results.

With a mission to support community projects, Stark Community Foundation provides Ohio nonprofits with grants for programs and capital needs in Carroll County. Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, qualifying religious organizations, private schools, arts groups, and recreational projects located in or directly benefiting Carroll County may be eligible for this locally focused funding.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, community development, health, human services, arts, environment, animal welfare, or religious programs can apply for support from the Alfred & Lillie Dunlavey Charitable Trust. Focused on Jefferson County, this funding can help strengthen civic and charitable initiatives benefiting local residents.

The OEPA Scrap Tire Grant Program provides funding to Ohio businesses and local governments for projects that enhance scrap tire processing and product manufacturing. Eligible applicants can receive up to $300,000 for projects utilizing ground tire rubber in construction and civil engineering. This initiative aims to improve environmental sustainability while requiring a 100% match from grantees. Grants are reimbursed post-completion, ensuring effective project execution within a 24-month timeframe.

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) in Ohio, administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, allocates crucial funds to combat family violence. These funds support essential services such as immediate shelter and counseling for victims. The program emphasizes community-based projects led by nonprofit organizations, ensuring that at least 70% of the funds are dedicated to providing urgent shelter and supportive services. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders are vital for enhancing project effectiveness.

Ohio animal welfare and humane education nonprofits can seek project funding to improve the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. Focused on innovative animal care initiatives, Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust supports efforts like adoption and fostering programs, spay/neuter services, medical care access, staff training, and humane or wildlife education.

Ohio arts and cultural nonprofits and educational organizations in Ohio can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 to hire outside experts for capacity-building, planning, evaluation, or staff professional development. With a mission to strengthen arts providers, Ohio Arts Council provides support for technical assistance, conferences, and training that enhance internal skills and practices.

Private nonprofit organizations and eligible public bodies in Ohio can obtain capital funding to improve transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including paratransit vehicles and equipment. With a mission to enhance regional mobility, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments provides Section 5310 support for agencies in Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Ohio can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, awarding up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition. Funding covers capital, due diligence, stewardship, and community engagement costs for projects within the Appalachians Program boundary.

Nonprofit and nonprofit-intent organizations in Ohio seeking support for innovative arts projects can request up to US $25,000 for bold, experimental programming. With a mission to advance creative evolution, Ohio Arts Council provides Ohio arts and cultural groups with one-year project support for activities like artist fees, production, marketing, education, planning, and evaluation.

Nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored community groups in Clinton County, Ohio can seek project-based support to improve local health, wellness, education, youth, senior services, and safety. Focused on strengthening Clinton County communities, the Clinton County Foundation’s Legacy Fund backs transformative, creative programs that enhance the welfare of residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the Cox East service area, including Ohio, can seek $5,000 - $12,000 for youth STEAM education and related programs. Focused on STEAM enrichment, Cox Communications invites Ohio nonprofits to propose youth innovation, conservation and sustainability, or inclusion initiatives with clear community impact and measurable outcomes.

The PACF Community Action Grants support nonprofits in West Virginia through a competitive grant process twice a year. Grants up to $20,000 are available for diverse fields such as Arts, Education, and Community Development. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities serving the Foundation's 11-county area. Projects addressing community needs and enhancing organizational capacity are prioritized, especially in areas with limited support options. Interested applicants should ensure project eligibility before applying.

Nonprofit and public organizations in Appalachian Ohio can seek up to US $1,000 for projects improving quality of life, especially education, basic needs, regional networking, and community leadership. Grants from Foundation for Appalachian Ohio help Ohio nonprofits collaborate across 32 eligible counties on initiatives that strengthen local communities and leaders.

Local education agencies and community-based organizations in Ohio can secure funding to deliver high-quality out-of-school and expanded learning programs for students from economically disadvantaged families and low-performing schools. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants support academic enrichment, youth development, and family engagement initiatives, with awards of more than US $50,000.

Ohio nonprofits and other organizations providing arts programming in Ohio can receive project support funding for short-term arts initiatives. The Ohio Arts Council offers ArtSTART grants up to US $5,000 with a 1:1 cash match for artistic, administrative, marketing, education, or evaluation expenses across disciplines like performing, visual, literary, traditional, and festival arts.

Nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul Hamilton District Councils in Ohio can receive up to US $10,000 to address crisis needs like rent, utilities, food, furniture, and basic household items. Focused on crisis intervention, the Hamilton Community Foundation grant helps prevent evictions, maintain essential services, and support vulnerable neighbors with dignity and hope.

Ohio nonprofit organizations and government entities serving Delaware County residents can access funding for community programs through Delaware County Foundation’s Community Grants, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $20,000. Support may cover animal welfare, arts and culture, basic needs, education, economic opportunity, and environmental initiatives, with preference for recovery, housing, mental health, and workforce development efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting religious or charitable purposes in Middletown, Ohio and the surrounding area can apply for funding that spans animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, community development, education, science, health, human and social services, and religion. With a mission to serve local needs, Barnitz Fund provides Ohio nonprofits with flexible program support.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable programs can apply for funding that benefits Middletown and surrounding areas across multiple fields, including community development, education, health, arts, and human services. The Weber W. Sebald Foundation prioritizes organizations, not individuals, working in these program areas through JPMorgan-administered applications.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions serving Washington County, Ohio can apply for Parkersburg Area Community Foundation’s Community Action Grants, with awards up to US $20,000 for local projects. Funding supports arts and culture, education, health and human services, youth and family services, recreation, and community and economic development, including capital, equipment, programs, capacity building, and operating support.

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can access funding to support established, year-round, direct-service programs. The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund provides approximately US $77,000 in grants, with giving focused on select regions including Ohio and other nearby states for measurable, sustainable educational initiatives.