Best Quality of Life Grants in Ohio

RRCU Gives Foundation Grant

Mission Statement:

RRCU Gives strengthens our region by providing meaningful financial support to nonprofits addressing hunger, housing, and financial education. Through our annual grant awards and major funding initiatives, we help local organizations grow, thrive, and create lasting change.

 We award grants annually, with applications in June and awards in August.

Focus Areas

• Hunger
• Housing
• Financial Education

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding

Operating Assistance

The objective of the 5310 operating assistance project is to provide financial support to subrecipients in the day-to-day transportation operations for seniors and persons with disabilities. Operating assistance funding is explicitly intended to be spent on operations. ODOT will reimburse 50% of the operating cost and the subrecipient is required to provide the 50% local match. All of the local match must be provided from sources other than U.S. Department of Transportation funds. To be eligible for Section 5310 operating funds, an applicant must provide open-door services. FTA defines open door as regular, continuing shared ride surface transportation services that is open to the public or open to a segment of the public defined by age or disability.

The Specialized Transportation Program (5310) aims to enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities through federally funded projects. This program supports various initiatives, including vehicle funding, preventive maintenance, and contracted transportation services. With an 80% federal cost coverage, local funding must cover the remaining 20%. The Ohio Department of Transportation oversees this program, ensuring accessible transportation options in urban and rural areas, thereby addressing the unique needs of transit-dependent populations.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is inviting applications for the Clinical Trial Cooperative Agreement Program. This funding opportunity supports investigator-initiated, interventional clinical trials at various phases. Initial funding will facilitate the preparation needed to start trials, with successful milestones leading to further support. NIAMS emphasizes hypothesis-driven trials that promise significant clinical impact within its research mission.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is launching a funding opportunity for Exploratory Clinical Trials Grants. This program aims to support innovative clinical trials that enhance the understanding and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal and skin conditions. Research proposals should focus on early-stage trials, including first-in-human studies, dose-finding, and biomarker evaluation. The initiative encourages the translation of promising laboratory findings into effective clinical practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Rita Reis Wieczorek Scholarship for Maternal-Infant and Pediatric Nursing

Created in 2020, by Rita Reis Wieczorek, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, together with NEF. Dr. Wieczorek is an NEF Board Member Emeritus and longtime board member. This scholarship is the first NEF Scholarship to focus on maternal-infant and pediatric nursing. For over four decades Dr. Wieczorek has devoted her career to providing the best maternal-infant and pediatric care to her patients as well as teaching the highest standards of care to master's and doctoral nursing students, motivating them to excel in their care for the well-being of mothers, infants and children.

The Store-Based Giving Program by Ross Stores Foundation supports socioeconomically disadvantaged youth by providing gift cards for school or professional clothing. Organizations must be federal tax-exempt and serve at least 60% low-income youth. Eligible programs include academic achievement and life skills initiatives. Award amounts typically range from $300 to $500, depending on budget and mission alignment. Applications are not accepted from organizations that have received donations within the past 12 months.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is funding research to enhance drug susceptibility testing (DST) for mycobacteria. This initiative aims to improve testing for tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, which are on the rise. Current methods are slow and ineffective against drug-resistant strains, making rapid DSTs essential for effective treatment and reducing transmission rates. Innovative approaches, including rapid genotypic and phenotypic methods, will be supported to address these challenges.

The Presenter Consortium for Jazz Grant, offered by Chamber Music America, supports U.S.-based presenters collaborating to engage professional jazz ensembles. This grant provides up to $39,000 for expenses like ensemble fees, concert production, and marketing. Each consortium can include up to three presenters and aims to enhance the jazz experience through live performances and streamed concerts. Eligible projects must involve CMA’s New Jazz Works grantees, fostering creativity and community engagement in jazz.

The National Institute of Mental Health is inviting research applications for the AIDS Research Center program, which includes Developmental Centers and full Research Centers. This initiative aims to enhance interdisciplinary HIV/AIDS research through collaboration and innovative approaches across various scientific domains. The program emphasizes alignment with national strategies and encourages applications from teams skilled in fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Although applications are currently not being solicited, this notice allows potential applicants time to prepare strong proposals.

The Charles Hamlin Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing. Applicants must hold a current RN license and demonstrate a commitment to nursing leadership, particularly in orthopedic care and the well-being of Native American communities. The scholarship honors Dr. Charles Hamlin's legacy, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare and preventing burnout among healthcare professionals. This award aims to empower future nursing leaders and enhance diversity in the field.

The Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship supports exceptional African American nurses pursuing master's degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6, and hold a current RN license. This scholarship, provided by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., honors Estelle Massey Osborne, the first African American nurse to earn a master's degree in the U.S. It aims to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education.

The Stem Cell Grants: Travel Award supports students, postdocs, and faculty attending scientific conferences and workshops related to stem cell research. Up to $1,200 is available for each application, with a maximum of two applications per PI lab each calendar year. Priority is given to those presenting at stem cell meetings and workshops. All applications must be submitted at least one week before travel to ensure funding consideration.

The 1890 Institution Teaching, Research, and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program aims to enhance the capabilities of eligible institutions by fostering collaboration with federal and non-federal entities. This initiative supports the White House's commitment to promote excellence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). By strengthening institutional teaching, research, and extension capacities, the program helps ensure that HBCUs can effectively contribute to innovative solutions in education and community development.

The Cancer Prevention and Control Programs aim to enhance cancer outcomes by funding partnerships among national, state, territorial, and tribal organizations. These initiatives focus on evidence-based strategies for cancer surveillance, prevention, and control, specifically targeting breast and cervical cancer screening for underserved populations. Through collaboration, the program seeks to improve clinical services and cancer survivorship, ultimately striving towards the vision of 'All People Free of Cancer' by leveraging resources and community involvement.

The SAF National Awards Program honors exceptional contributions to forestry through various awards, including the Technology Transfer Award. This award recognizes significant achievements in technology transfer, ensuring vital technical information reaches those involved in forestry management. It includes a $1,000 honorarium and other benefits presented at the SAF national convention. Nominees must be active members of the Society of American Foresters and demonstrate leadership and impact in their field.

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes excellence in forestry through various awards, including the Barrington Moore Memorial Award in Biological Science. This award honors individuals for significant contributions to biological research that advances forestry practices. It includes a $1,000 honorarium, convention registration, and travel support. The award celebrates leaders in forest ecology, soil science, and other related fields, promoting innovation and collaboration in forestry research.

Alkermes

At Alkermes, we apply our deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders, including addiction, serious mental illness and sleep disorders. With our portfolio of marketed medicines and investigational pipeline candidates, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage these chronic diseases. Our patient-inspired science, integrated research strategy, sophisticated development capabilities and specialized commercial infrastructure enable us to pursue the development and commercialization of innovative new medicines, including those for people with conditions that have traditionally been overlooked or stigmatized.

Our greatest strengths at Alkermes are our people and our inherent empathy for patients, families and caregivers. Neurological and psychiatric disorders strike people at the core of who they are and impact many facets of their lives. We work with urgency to develop new treatment options for people living with these conditions.

Pathways APN Research Awards

The Alkermes Pathways Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Research Awards™ program is designed to empower the advanced practice nursing community by offering funding opportunities that recognize their vital role in evidence-based care and the advancement of mental health research.

The Alkermes Pathways APN Research Awards provide opportunities for individual grants of up to $10,000 per project for licensed psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners who are actively engaged in clinical, academic, and/or community health settings and are committed to advancing research in schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes excellence in forestry through various awards, including the Award in Forest Science. This award acknowledges significant research contributions in quantitative, economic, managerial, and social sciences, promoting advancements in forestry. Recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium, a complimentary SAF convention registration, and travel expense support. Established in 1996, this award highlights the importance of innovative research that impacts both national and international forestry practices.

The Miller Indigenous Economic Development Fellowship, established by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, provides financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native doctoral candidates engaged in economic research impacting Native communities. This fellowship supports costs associated with data collection, analysis, and travel. It aims to enhance the representation of Native scholars in economics, addressing the current underrepresentation in the field. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply to further their research and contribute to their communities.

The Bonnie Sorenson Scudder Scholarship aims to support female students aspiring to become teachers, particularly those passionate about women's physical education. Established in memory of Bonnie Sorenson Scudder, a dedicated physical education teacher at Harvard High School, this scholarship encourages future educators to continue her legacy. For more details, contact Marcia Miller at Harvard High School.

The Florence Merriam Bailey Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, honors outstanding articles published by early career members in AOS journals within the last two years. Awarded annually, it includes a $1,500 cash prize to the lead author. Papers recognized alternate between the journals 'Ornithology' and 'Ornithological Applications'. Nominees must adhere to high ethical standards as outlined in the AOS Code of Conduct.

Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows

Catalyzing Innovation through Partnerships

At its core, Grand Challenges catalyzes bold innovation through partnership - bringing together funders, researchers, implementers, and public health leaders to solve complex global challenges. This multi-partner initiative reflects the Grand Challenges ethos, leveraging complementary expertise and investments to accelerate accessible genomic sequencing solutions for low- and middle-income Countries.

About this Challenge

This Grand Challenge is co-funded by the Gates Foundation, and the Temasek Foundation, and will be managed by the United Nations Foundation. This Grand Challenge is implemented in collaboration with a network of global and regional partners, including International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), and the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) as regional technical and public-health partners. This RFP aims to accelerate the development of affordable, scalable, and operationally simple sequencing solutions, enabling routine use of genomics for public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Award Structure and Funding Level

To accommodate different stages of innovation maturity, this RFP supports a tiered award structure, with funding levels and expectations aligned to the readiness and scope of the proposed work. Indicative award categories are:

For technically ambitious or higher-risk, earlier-stage concepts focused on feasibility testing, assay or workflow prototyping, and initial cost-reduction validation. Intended approaches that require focused development to demonstrate viability.

The IDNR: State Duck Stamp Funding program supports the development of waterfowl propagation areas in the Mississippi Flyway. Funded by sales of State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps, it focuses on projects in Canada and the U.S. that enhance waterfowl populations. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations aiming to implement the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. This initiative not only fosters wildlife conservation but also strengthens ecological sustainability in the region.

Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows

Catalyzing Innovation through Partnerships

At its core, Grand Challenges catalyzes bold innovation through partnership - bringing together funders, researchers, implementers, and public health leaders to solve complex global challenges. This multi-partner initiative reflects the Grand Challenges ethos, leveraging complementary expertise and investments to accelerate accessible genomic sequencing solutions for low- and middle-income Countries.

About this Challenge

This Grand Challenge is co-funded by the Gates Foundation, and the Temasek Foundation, and will be managed by the United Nations Foundation. This Grand Challenge is implemented in collaboration with a network of global and regional partners, including International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), and the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) as regional technical and public-health partners. This RFP aims to accelerate the development of affordable, scalable, and operationally simple sequencing solutions, enabling routine use of genomics for public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Award Structure and Funding Level

To accommodate different stages of innovation maturity, this RFP supports a tiered award structure, with funding levels and expectations aligned to the readiness and scope of the proposed work. Indicative award categories are:

For concepts with preliminary feasibility evidence that are ready to advance from prototype toward an integrated workflow—optimizing performance, broadening assay or pathogen coverage, and generating more robust cost-reduction and performance data.

Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows

Catalyzing Innovation through Partnerships

At its core, Grand Challenges catalyzes bold innovation through partnership - bringing together funders, researchers, implementers, and public health leaders to solve complex global challenges. This multi-partner initiative reflects the Grand Challenges ethos, leveraging complementary expertise and investments to accelerate accessible genomic sequencing solutions for low- and middle-income Countries.

About this Challenge

This Grand Challenge is co-funded by the Gates Foundation, and the Temasek Foundation, and will be managed by the United Nations Foundation. This Grand Challenge is implemented in collaboration with a network of global and regional partners, including International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), and the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) as regional technical and public-health partners. This RFP aims to accelerate the development of affordable, scalable, and operationally simple sequencing solutions, enabling routine use of genomics for public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Award Structure and Funding Level

To accommodate different stages of innovation maturity, this RFP supports a tiered award structure, with funding levels and expectations aligned to the readiness and scope of the proposed work. Indicative award categories are:

For more mature concepts aimed at workflow refinement, performance optimization, and generation of proof-of-concept and validation data in relevant public-health use cases in LMICs.

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) offers grants to support thoroughbred health, welfare, and education. Focused on enhancing equine research and safety in racing, TERF prioritizes funding for scholarships, educational programs, and veterinary medicine. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, with a commitment to transparency in reporting. This initiative aims to significantly impact the thoroughbred industry by fostering improved care and understanding of these horses, contributing to their overall welfare.