Best Public Policy Grants in Ohio

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.

The Wyler Family Foundation, founded in 2009, aims to support charitable initiatives in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. As a 501(c)(3) organization, it prioritizes requests that benefit local communities, ensuring that at least 50% of contributions are directed towards programs. The foundation does not fund athletic events, fundraising dinners, or scholarships, focusing instead on impactful community support. This commitment reflects the foundation's mission to enrich lives and foster community development.

The Yellow Springs Endowment for Education Grants supports innovative educational initiatives within the Yellow Springs Exempted Village Schools. By funding programs that foster creativity, excellence, and diversity, the grants aim to enhance educational experiences for students. Applications require endorsement from the school superintendent and are open to faculty, staff, and students, promoting collaborative efforts for impactful projects. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Yellow Springs Community Foundation to strengthen local education.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

The SHF Responsive Grant Program, offered by Sisters Health Foundation, supports projects aimed at enhancing healthy eating, active living, thriving neighborhoods, and mental health in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions targeting specific counties in West Virginia and Ohio. The program prioritizes evidence-based strategies to promote health and well-being, foster community resources, and improve access to essential services, making it a vital resource for local organizations seeking funding.

The Carroll Community Fund Grant, established in 1994, supports various projects in Carroll County, Ohio. It funds tax-exempt organizations, private agencies, and government entities that address local issues. Eligible applicants include religious institutions with primarily secular programs, private schools focusing on nonreligious educational activities, and arts or recreational projects demonstrating community support. The fund aims to enhance community impact while ensuring grants are awarded based on specific eligibility criteria and local needs.

The Nord Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives in the areas of arts and culture, civic affairs, education, and health and social services. The foundation prioritizes projects that engage youth, strengthen communities, and address basic human needs, particularly in Lorain County, Ohio. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and selected public sector activities that can demonstrate a significant impact and engagement with disadvantaged populations.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

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 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 Pickaway County Community Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Pickaway County by supporting local nonprofits through a competitive application process. Grants are awarded based on community needs and priorities set by the foundation, focusing on charitable purposes that benefit all citizens. As a leader in charitable giving, the foundation fosters a culture of philanthropy to address evolving community challenges, ensuring a lasting impact for future generations.

The Woodruff Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, focusing on behavioral health through treatment, education, resource coordination, research, and advocacy. Grants are typically awarded annually, encouraging collaboration among organizations. Key eligibility requirements include being a tax-exempt entity under IRS 501(c)(3) and having a relevant focus area. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance access to mental health care and strengthen the local behavioral health workforce.

The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of residents in Akron and Summit County, Ohio, by supporting diverse and inclusive charitable initiatives. Founded by the Corbins, the foundation focuses on local organizations in areas such as arts, education, healthcare, and social services. Grants are exclusively for 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring funds are allocated to promote equal opportunity and community enrichment. The foundation prioritizes local chapters of national charities to maximize its impact.

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.

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

OPCC Cancer Coalition Coordination

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Medical Director, Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness announces the availability of grant funds.

Policy and Procedures: The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts: Program Updates(if applicable), Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and Other Required Attachments.

No grant award will be issued for less than $30,000. The minimum amount is exclusive of any requiredmatching amounts and represents only ODH funds granted. Applications submitted for less than the minimum amount will not be considered for review.

Subrecipient: Franklin County Public Health

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 Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

The Philip M. Smith Graduate Research Grant, established by the Cave Research Foundation in 2015, honors its founding president. It supports graduate research in cave and karst studies for master's or doctoral degrees, welcoming proposals from diverse scientific fields. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, with a preference for projects closely tied to students' theses. This initiative reflects Smith's legacy in advancing multidisciplinary research and fostering scientific exploration in cave environments.

Sallie E. Davis Scholarship Fund for The Glenn School of Public Affairs

The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarship awards to graduating seniors of the Columbus Public School District who may major in any area of study, who have a strong interest in public service and/or public policy, and who participate in The John Glenn Learning Community at The Ohio State University.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

SS27 Sickle Cell Statewide Family Support Initiative

TheOhio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health announces the availability of grant funds.

Policy and Procedures

The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts: Program Updates (if applicable), Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and Other Required Attachments.

This Solicitation pertains to budget period: 07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027 of the total project period, 07/01/2024 and ending 06/30/2028.

Number of Grants and Funds Available

The ODH Sickle Cell Program grants are comprised of funds generated from a portion of the state Newborn Screening fee. Only the subrecipient agency funding during the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025 competitive application may apply for continuation funding. The total grant funding for the SFY 2027 budget period (07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027) is anticipated to be approximately $90,000.00. 

No grant award will be issued for less than $30,000. The minimum amount is exclusive of any required matching amounts and represents only ODH funds granted. Applications submitted for less than the minimum amount will not be considered for review.

Qualified Applicants

The following criteria must be met for grant applications to be eligible for review:

• The Applicant does not owe funds to ODH and has repaid any funds due with 45 days of the invoice date.
• Applicant has not been certified to the Attorney General’s (AG’s) office.
• Applicant has submitted an application and all required attachments by the deadline.

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 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.

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

YS27 Youth Suicide Prevention Continuation Solicitation

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness, Violence and Injury Prevention Section, announces the availability of grant funds.

Policy and Procedures

The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts: Program Updates(if applicable), Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and Other Required Attachments.

Number of Grants and Funds Available 

The federal Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant supports this grant. Up to six (6) grants may be awarded for a total of $532,200. Only funded applicants in year 3 (YS26) will be eligible to apply. This funding is for year 4 of this grant project, which will run Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 - Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2027. The entire project period is Friday, March 1, 2024 - Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2027. If the Ohio Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not funded in the federal fiscal budget, ODH may be unable to fund the YS27 youth suicide prevention subrecipients. The funding for year 4 will be up to $76,300, with the option for up to two applicants to apply for Supplemental #1 to lead the state’s Youth Suicide Prevention coalition for $7,500 each, and all applicants to apply for Supplemental #2 funding to support local Suicide Fatality Review committees for up to $10,000 each.

The Extradition Reimbursement Program, administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, provides funding to local law enforcement for in-state and out-of-state extraditions of dangerous offenders. There is no maximum reimbursement limit per extradition, and agencies can apply without restrictions. This program aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that violent offenders face justice in Ohio, supporting law enforcement agencies effectively.

The Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant (FEEEG) is designed to support Ohio firefighter employers in reducing exposure to hazardous environmental factors. Eligible applicants can receive up to $15,000 for purchasing qualified protective equipment such as diesel exhaust systems and turnout gear. This grant emphasizes maintaining workers' compensation coverage and adhering to safety regulations, ensuring that firefighters are equipped for optimal protection in their duties.