Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Ohio

The Duke Energy Foundation offers Local Impact Grants of up to $20,000 to support initiatives in vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and equity. These grants aim to enhance community well-being through workforce development, environmental projects, and inclusive programs. Open year-round, the grants prioritize organizations serving Ohio counties where Duke Energy operates, fostering sustainable growth and opportunity for underrepresented populations.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

The JobsOhio Small Business Grant provides essential financial support to qualified businesses in designated communities and those owned by eligible populations. With funding capped at $8 million annually, businesses can receive up to $50,000 to help them grow. This program focuses on small to medium-sized companies, especially those facing unique challenges, and aims to foster job creation and investment in areas that are often overlooked by larger corporate investments.

The Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is dedicated to promoting STEM education through the Informal Education Innovation Proposal (IEIP). Established in 1989, OSGC supports a diverse network of institutions to enhance public engagement in NASA-related projects. With a focus on cost-sharing and collaboration, the IEIP aims to advance informal education initiatives that benefit the community. Funding is limited to $2,500 and is contingent on availability, making this a vital opportunity for fostering scientific literacy.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Maritime Assistance Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Transportation, offers funding to Ohio port authorities for projects that enhance maritime cargo terminal operations. Eligible projects include planning, construction, and acquisition related to marine cargo terminals located on Lake Erie or the Ohio River. This program aims to improve efficiency and support Ohio businesses engaged in international trade, ensuring better infrastructure and capacity for maritime commerce.

The RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund, managed by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, aims to combat the drug epidemic and mental health crisis in Ohio. This funding supports law enforcement initiatives that emphasize prevention, harm reduction, and treatment for underserved populations. By promoting effective strategies, training, and collaboration, the fund seeks to enhance community responses and improve outcomes for individuals affected by substance use disorders and mental illness.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The National Days of Service Funding: MLK Day Project Grant Competition, administered by ServeOhio, aims to support community service projects for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19, 2026. Grants will fund initiatives that enhance community assets, engage youth volunteers, and include educational components. Eligible applicants are non-profit and public organizations in Ohio. Projects should promote collaboration and can occur throughout January 2026, with funding restrictions on volunteer support costs.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) by the Ohio Department of Transportation funds projects enhancing non-motorized travel, historic preservation, and environmental efforts. It supports local governments in implementing initiatives that improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Eligible projects include shared paths, bike lanes, and upgrades for ADA compliance. The program prioritizes connections to activity centers, ensuring public accessibility and engagement in transportation planning.

The Ohio Transit Partnership Program (OTP2) provides essential financial support to urban and rural public transit systems in Ohio, aiming to optimize state and federal funding utilization. It serves public transit agencies receiving FTA Section 5307 and 5311 funds, facilitating capital and operational projects. OTP2 prioritizes Tier I projects focused on preservation while also supporting innovative Tier II projects to enhance transit capabilities. This program ultimately strengthens Ohio's public transportation infrastructure.

The Community Health Foundation provides responsive grants to nonprofit organizations in Clark and Champaign Counties, Ohio, focusing on health and wellness initiatives. With a mission to preserve reproductive services and promote health equity, the foundation aims to reduce health disparities through diverse funding types, including program, project, and operating support. Grants are awarded annually to support programs addressing children's health, chronic disease management, maternal and infant health, and mental health services, fostering a healthier community for all.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The ST26 Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Continuation Solicitation, administered by the Ohio Department of Health, focuses on reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The program utilizes a data-driven public health approach, emphasizing surveillance, routine screening, and community education. By providing no-cost medications and enhancing partner services, ODH aims to improve health outcomes for high-risk populations and mitigate the impact of STIs across 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 SK27 Sickle Cell Initiative Continuation Solicitation, administered by the Ohio Department of Health, aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of comprehensive sickle cell services across Ohio. This initiative focuses on supporting individuals of all ages, promoting public awareness, and improving coordination of resources. By collaborating with Regional Sickle Cell Projects, the program emphasizes effective tracking, counseling, and education to address sickle cell-related health disparities and improve outcomes for affected communities.